MOMENTS OF SIGNIFICANCE.

Gloria Phifer




I am joining the gals at FMF...we write for five minutes on one word...the word is ..."Moment."

I thought of moments that were significant in my life.

The birth of my brother when I was five years old...a big moment in my young life. I loved him from the beginning.

The moment when I answered the door to two strangers, who bore the news that my step dad had been accidentally electrocuted at his job.

The moments when I entered new schools almost every year. The loneliness, insecurity and wanting to fit in.

The moment, when I was a teenager, a call that told us of my uncles suicide. The sad moments following. The grief and denial.

The moments, as I struggled in the Rio Grande, drowning. I was pulled to safety, but my friend drowned. The survival guilt. The sorrow.

The moment when I sat in an empty church, all by myself, Looking for God. I could not answer the question in my mind "If I had drowned would I have gone to heaven?"

A moment in time, as a senior in high school at a dance. Suddenly an intense loneliness in the midst of a crowd. And I knew in my heart it was God spotlighting me.

The moment I met a young man, not realizing at the time, that  he would become one of biggest parts of my life as my husband.

The moment we crossed the border into Iowa, not realizing it was to be my home for over 50 yrs.

The moment my husband, who was in the air-force, leaving my side, entering an airplane. I would not see him for a year.

The moment my daughter was born...our 1st child.

The moments when I was alone, with only our daughter, realizing I needed God. 

The moment we bought a house as a young couple. Setting us up for life.

The moment I prayed and asked Jesus Christ to be my Savior. I was forever changed...through moments of prayer.

The moments when our sons were born.

I have had wonderful moments of grandchildren and now a great grandchild.

In December, I will be 75 years old...I am still living "moments." Every moment is significant. Every moment has meaning. 

In the moments I live...I want to live them in the Light of Eternity. I want to live to give glory to Christ. 

Moments....significant in all lives. Cherish the moments of your life. Look for God in them. He is there in the moment.

WHO AM I?

Gloria Phifer

It is incredulous that a child would be told they were not wanted; but this happened to me. 

Through a childhood without unconditional love, I did not know "who" I was. 

As a child, you do not understand that those in authority over you have their own problems. You begin to take on the responsibility. If you could just be good enough...maybe you would be loved.

I realized at the age of 21 that I needed God. I wasn't sure how to find Him. But, He knew where I was and He knew "who" I was.

That was over 50 yrs ago. He told me I had been born for Him. That was "who I was." He had planned me from the beginning. He had been there before I was born. He brought me into this world.

I was no longer my mother's child or my father's child. A mother who wasn't ready to have a child. A father who left when I was 3 and I never saw again.

The Word says, "When your father and mother forsakes you God will take you up." 

I know who I am...I am my Heavenly Father's child. He dwells within me because of Jesus Christ. He always wanted me. He delighted at my birth. He had a calling and destiny for my life. 

This week, through some circumstances, I realize how much He has blessed me. How He has made up for everything I ever went through. He has given me double for any trouble. 

Who am I? I am God's Gloria. That is who I am. Thank You Lord. You give me value, purpose and abundant life. I can personally testify to Who You Are...You are real!!! You are involved!!! You care. You collect our tears and put them in Your bottle of remembrance.  Thank You Lord I know who I am...I am Yours.

STEADFAST

Gloria Phifer

I am joining the FMF bloggers. We write for five minutes on one word. The word this week is "Steady."

THE STORM BY  GLORIA PHIFER

We have all heard the phrase "Steady does it." But sometimes "steady" is hard to find.

With ups and downs; the ebb and flow of life; to be steady or steadfast is hard to do. Especially on your own.

I have found in my own strength...it is hard to stay "steadfast" in a difficult circumstance.

My husband had a heart attack a year and a half ago. It was like standing on the outside and watching myself...I couldn't seem to get it together...let alone be "Steady or steadfast." I even told myself "Get it together Gloria!" 

When I left him at the hospital (they kept him over the weekend and he had a stint put in on Monday) I was crying, it was dark and it was raining..(.I don't see very good at night to drive anyway. I was praying and I knew friends were praying.)

 I was hard on myself...why wasn't I stronger? Why wasn't I steady. I was listening to the radio and a song came on "Just Be Held." I have listened to the song since then and I haven't heard these exact words...but that night, driving home in the dark rain, crying, I heard "You don't have to strong...just be held." 

I knew The Lord was with me and with my husband in this situation. He would take care of us. And He did. 

Jesus is my steadfastness. He is The One Who holds me together. My own strength fails but He always prevails. 

Thank You Jesus for always being there when we need You. You are our Steadfast Savior Amen.

BIG BIRTHDAY

Gloria Phifer

Yes, I am that "birthday girl" today.

73 years old to be exact.

"Where have the years gone"? I ask.

Lived one day at a time...

Gods time.

Because of Jesus Christ I will live forever,

even after my body of clay has faded away.

In Heaven, I have an incorruptible body, that will 

never feel pain. No partings with loved ones...

No more tears. no more fears...

Through Jesus Christ I have eternal life...

And an eternity to know and see what I have not known or seen

I will no longer look through a glass darkly...but I shall see face to face...I will know as I have been known...1 Corinthians 13.

 I will see my Savior...The One Who has loved me all of my years.

NOW

Glora Phifer

I am joining the FMF bloggers today...we write for five minutes...the word is "Now!"

Now...in the present moment

Not in the future...not in the past

Where are you now?

What are your hopes and dreams...now!

Are you loving in the present...now?

Are you forgiving ...now?

So many times we carry a load of burdens for days...

Now is the time to give them to the Lord. Now is the time to remember God loves you. Now is the time to forgive and release that person. Now, in this present moment is the time for...Peace.

SOUNDS OF THE SEASON

Gloria Phifer

The noisey engine of the snow blower

blend with the scraping of the snow plow,

and the purr of the furnace.
*************** 

Robins sing in newly budded trees

while raindrops fall and

thunder rumbles in the distance.

********

In the cool of the evening

crickets chirp amid

the voices on the sidewalk

and the air conditioners hum.

*********

Brisk, cool winds whip the trees;

leaves swirl and crunch under foot.

while squawking geese fly south.



We live in an area where we have four seasons...God has put beauty in each one. Each snow flake is a crystal like no other.

Spring comes with Robins and newly budded trees.

Summer brings out the sprinklers...and the neighbors take their walks.

Fall brings colorful trees that eventually began to fall and cover the lawns.

Yes, there is beauty in every season. Just as in life, for every season we are in...we can find the beauty God is giving us.

A LOVE STORY

Gloria Phifer

I want to share a love story with you...It is not only the story of a man and a woman but a God Who loves them both and had a plan.

I am that woman and this is our story. (part of it anyway.)

I graduated at age 17...not a clue what I should do with my life. My once fiance (yes, I had a fiance since I was 16) had broken up with me. The last year had not been a good one. 

I am a very social person (as anyone who knows me...knows). There was no social life going on for me. I was working at a Photography shop as a receptionist but it was a lonely time for me.

One day, standing on the door step of our house, was a girl I had known from high school. We had never hung out together so I was surprised to see her. Her words were, "You have to come out to the base with me. There is a guy you need to meet. His name is "Phi."

Having nothing else happening, I climbed into her old station wagon and we headed for Kirtland Air Force base. (We were in Albuquerque, New Mexico). My x boyfriend had always told me to stay away from "the base." Who cared what he thought!!!

At this time, the base was open. My friend knew the guards at the gate by name. The old station wagon made it's way to the barracks.

There were a few guys hanging around and I was introduced to them. Hmmm. "Phi" was not one of them...he was working 3 to 11.

Eleven O clock that night, we drove onto a site at the base. "Phi" got into the car. I couldn't see much of him...his hat was pulled down  over his eyes...and his words were few. Little did I know that we were in a "Secure area"...not allowed to be there. We dropped "Phi" off at the barracks. I didn't give him another thought.

Later that week, my friend called. Did I want to go on a double date with her, her boyfriend and "Phi?"

As I told you, my social life was in slow motion, so I said "Yes." I mean , why not? Right?

When "Phi" came to the door, I didn't know it was him. No hat over his eyes this time. Wooo...that's all I will say.

The four of us went bowling and Phi bought me a hamburger.( One of the last guys I went on date with, took me to a movie. Came back with popcorn for him...and nothing for me). No wonder I remember "the hamburger."

After bowling, we walked around Roosevelt Park.

 "Iowa"...where was "Iowa?" That is what Phi talked about. The greenness of Iowa. 
That was his home state.

Phi and I became an "item." He didn't have a car yet, so a friend, from the base, who had a scooter, would drop him off at my house. Then he would walk back to the base. When he returned to Iowa, for a visit, he drove back an old Chevy. "We had wheels!!!"

I forgot to tell you that Phi was 18 and I had just turned 18 in December.

 If you have ever seen "America Graffiti" then you know what Albuquerque was like. All the cars bombing Central Ave. (bombing in those days meant...driving up and down the avenue.)

Phi and I had an argument. The next day I drove my mothers car to the service station...lo and behold...there was my X. He came to the car and told me he had been missing me. He took me to lunch. Cooked me supper. And told me he wanted to get "married!" He was ready to go to the courthouse and get a "marriage license." Now before, I would have melted...but something had changed in me. We were sitting in my X's impala, at a root bear stand, when a Chevy drove through and two brown eyes gave me "The look." Yep, it was "Phi."

My X made a date for the next night. But, the next day, Phi came to the house and, yes, we made up. When my X drove up, I walked down the drive way. He said, "What is he doing here?" nodding at the Chevy. So, evidently he knew about "Phi." I looked him in the eye and told him, "This isn't going to work, too much water has gone under the bridge."  He said, "Well, if that's the way you want it?" So long X.

My parents moved out of Albuquerque, there was no way I could make it on my own, with what I was earning.  I left Albuquerque and Phi and I broke up.

A few months later, I came back to Albuquerque and began Cosmetology school. Two of my friends from school, both blonds, and I began to go to dances. I was having a lot of fun. One night, at Bob's drive in, parked across from us was "the Chevy!" I ignored it.

Knock, knock. A guy at the window. "Hey, the guys in that car want you to drive Central with them." There was no way I was going, but my blond friend spoke up, "I know a guy in that car...come on." I reluctantly headed for "the Chevy." Phi was behind the wheel. I began to get in the back seat. "Why don't you ride up here with me? he said. Okay.

As we drove around, we began talking. "I want you to quit running around with these blonds, " Phi said.
What? I wasn't having it! "Listen Bud the only way I'm going to quit running around is with a ring on my finger!!!"

Phi and I began seeing each other again, but I still went to the dances with the blonds. One night, I was dancing with a guy from Virginia. Really cute. "This isn't too bad," I was thinking to myself. I looked over and there was ..."Phi!"  He had been working 3 to 11 and he came to pick me up..."So long Virginia."

One night, Phi showed up with a small box. It had an engagement ring for me! (I didn't know he had ordered it from a catalogue and was paying $10 a month .)but, it cut my wings..."So long blonds."

Phi got orders for a TWI...temporary duty in Germany for 4 months. I was just finishing Cosmetology school.( I won't go into it, because it was a long story.) My mother and brother picked me up and we headed for Colorado. Eventually, we ended up in Kingman Arizona. (My mother was an alcoholic so I will just say it was a terrible summer.) 

One night we were watching Billy Graham on TV.
When he gave the invitation to receive Christ....my heart was pounding so hard. I left the room but this Presence came with me, urging me to accept Christ. I resisted, what would Christ do with me? Would He let me marry Phi? What did it all mean? 

I looked up a Methodist ministers name in the phone book. The following Sunday, I was sprinkled in the Methodist church, but, it didn't help. I began to try to read my Bible. I found judgment and demons and things I didn't understand. And then, I began fighting "fear."

I did tell God, that if He didn't want me to marry Phi, then not to let it happen. But, then I got so scared something would happen to Phi that I made a deal with God. (Does God make deals? I thought I would try it.) If He would let Phi come back safe, I would quit smoking. (I smoked a pack and a half a day.) So, that day, with my head swirling, and my mother smoking, I quit. 

Unbeknownst to me, Phi really was thinking of staying in Germany. He was in the Air Police and he wanted to work with the German Shepherd dogs  on the base. He told me years later, that at that time, he realized he really wanted to marry me, and if he didn't he would always regret it.

In November, my mother drove me to Albuquerque, we picked up Phi's Chevy (he had left it at a friends house) and I drove up the Sandia Mountains to my Grandmothers store.

The night Phi was arriving. I stood on the tarmac watching his plane...everyone got off...no Phi. My  feet were backing up. Finally, he came down the stairs helping a drunken guy. I was sooo relieved.

We didn't want to be apart, so we pulled into a Kenny Shoe store parking lot. I slept in the front seat and Phi in the back seat.


Bright light!!! A policeman was shining his flashlight in my face. "You two can't sleep here," he said. Phi got behind the wheel and we drove onto the base and finished sleeping in the barracks parking lot.

The next morning, Phi had to report to the base, so he dropped me off at my friends house. I was watching her television. President Kennedy, had just been shot in Dallas. (Phi had  come through Dallas the night before.) 

The base closed down and this meant we couldn't get married for four days.

 We got our marriage license. I didn't have a dress so I borrowed a white dress from one of the blonds...blue high heels, size 5 1/2...I wear 6 1/2...my feet were killing me...but they were blue and they were borrowed.

On the 26th of November, 1963, Phi and I stood in my grandmothers, ministers house, in the Sandia Mountains and were married. The only people we had at the wedding were our friends Carol, Glenn and their little baby. We did not have a camera so we had no pictures of the wedding...but "We were married!!!"

There is a lot more to the story...and I will write more...Phi was sent to Alaska for a year and I couldn't go. We had been married 5 months when he got his orders, he left a month later, He returned to a baby girl and me. 

The reason this is on my mind right now, is because this year, on November 26, 2016...we just celebrated 53 years of marriage.

I did accept Jesus Christ as my Savior when I was 22. When we had our 1st son, the day we dedicated him to The Lord, was the day Phi...Carroll John Phifer...accepted Christ. 

God has been so good to us. We ended up in Iowa. Found salvation. Have 3 grown children. 9 grandchildren  and 2 great grandchildren. 

It is hard to believe it has been 53 years. I love Phi...Carroll Phifer more now that I ever have. Love grows, it mellows ...loving someone else molds a person. I thank God for 53 years of being married to "Phi." God had a plan for both of us. He is Love.

IDENTITY IN CHRIST

Gloria Phifer

Identity has become a big issue in our country. Everywhere we go, if we go to the doctor, travel etc., we must prove our identity.

I had an identity crises in my life. At the age of ten, I was told about my real father, Warren Kenneth Bolding. I found out that my mom and father had divorced when I was 3. My mom told me my real father didn’t care about me, or he wouldn’t have given up custody of me. I was also told, I had a sister from his first marriage. It was a lot to take in as a ten year old. I thought my stepdad was my father…now I found out he wasn’t. Now I knew my brother and I had different fathers. (my step dad died 3 months later in a accident at his work.)

I decided that someday I would find my real father. What bothered me the most, was that I was told he didn’t care about me.

The summer, before I married my husband, (I was 19 yrs. old.) we found out that Warren Kenneth had died of a massive heart attack.  I was so sad. I would never meet him.

In my 40’s, I was thinking about my sister, I had never met. My mother sent me a letter, saying she had been in contact with someone who knew her. My mother gave me the information of where my sister worked. I wrote a letter, not knowing if she even knew about me. A week later I received a phone call from my sister. She said, “Gloria, I have been looking for you for 21 years.”

I had married and moved to Iowa. She was in New Mexico. I visited her.

The only thing we had in common was a father that neither of us knew. My sister knew our grandfather (who had also passed away.) She gave my father's  first cousin, who lived in Texas, my address.  She sent me a lot of information on the Bolding family. But, not much detail about Warren Kenneth.

Years later, when our son moved to California, I visited him. He drove me to San Diego and I found my father’s grave. We had his old address, but the freeway had taken that area.

A few weeks later, after I flew back to Iowa, my husband and I drove our son’s pickup to California.

We stopped in Phoenix. I had made contact with Warren Kenneth’s nephew and his wife. We spent the evening with them. Once again, I was disappointed. The nephew didn’t know him well. My father remained a mystery man.

That night, after we returned to the motel, I went to the pool. I was there alone. Once again I had this sadness. An emptiness. 

“Identity” kept coming into my mind. I listened and The Lord spoke to my heart, “Your identity is in Me.” (I hadn’t realized I was looking for identity.)

The Lord really began a new process in me. He had given me identity. My identity IS IN HIM. HE IS MY FATHER.

He wanted me. He ordained my life. I was chosen by Him before the foundation of the world. (Ephesians 1). He would never abandon me...never leave me nor forsake me.

 The Lord replaced that search for : “learning who I am In Christ Jesus.” True identity, as a Child of My Father Who is in Heaven and The King of Kings and Lord of Lords.    His Holy Spirit lives within me.
I belong.

THE BOARD OF LIFE

Gloria Phifer

THE BOARD OF LIFE

Gloria Phifer

The name of the game is “The Board of Life.” The object of the game is to place the participants of the board, onto their proper positions. When all are put in order, the game is won and the participants are winners. (And we as the audience either cheer or boo).

The proper placement of the board is as follows:

The head square at the top of the board is the “Key position.”

The object is to move the king into his proper place on the head square.

Directly, below the key position, is the “queen’s position.” Her position supports and undergirds the head position, and she voluntarily summits to the king, who is set over her.

The remaining squares, are filled by the “follower positions.”

When the king and queen are in order, the followers are free to move from one square to another.

Examples of the remaining squares on the board are as follows:

a.      The space of creativity.

b.      The space of promise and potential

c.       The space of growth and maturity

d.      The space of productivity

e.      The space of obedience.

These positions are played in more or less movement, dependent upon the king and queens positions.

If the top positions are moved out of order, the whole board is out of balance. The followers topple about without a firm footing on The Board of Life.

One of the important rules of the game is, no participant can be moved from their positions without their voluntary will.

Now that the rules are given let’s play the game! (Yay …yay)

At opposite sides of the board are the two players. They are sworn enemies, who have a history of opposing each other.

At one side of the board is the Usurper. (Boo-boo) He sports a new set of gleaming horns for the occasion. His black mustache and beard match his coarse eyebrows. His piercing, darting eyes, are at this moment calculating his first move.

The Director, is The Maker of the Board of Life. He is the all-time Champion of the game. He is confident and poised, as He tenderly sets the participants on the board.

In the “key position”, The Director places the king. The king is dressed splendidly in his royal attire. He wears, his Director-given, crown of authority. His resemblance to The Director is obvious, for he was sculpted in his Makers image.

The queen is set in her position. Beautiful in attire, she is gentle and graceful. She wears a delicate crown atop her flowing curls. She is robed in purple and gold, denoting her royalty.

She also reflects the image of her Maker. Inside her bosom is a sweet and gentle jewel called, “spirit.”

The followers are placed on the board. They are small images of their king and queen. Dressed in knee knockers, they move freely and securely about the board; confident of their king and queens positions.

The Usurper takes the advantage and makes the first move. He approaches the king and whispers, “I know a square on this board where you would be happier. You would still be king, but you could be aloof. You could watch the board from a safe distance. The square I put you on would give you more freedom. You would not have to bear the responsibility for any judgements or decisions.

The king, after some consideration, heeds the lying voice and moves onto a square in the corner of the board. (Boo boo)

The Usurpers black mustache curls at each end of his insidious grin. His first objective has found success.

 The “key position” is open. His next strategy is to approach the queen. If he can convince the queen to move up into the “key position”; the two top positions will be out of order; and the whole board will be unbalanced, resulting in chaos.  (We are holding our breath.)

“Queenie, the “key position” is open. You could run this board. You could do better than that old king of yours. Come on Queenie, live a little. Move up into that top square. If you don’t fill it, it will remain vacant. No one else will take the responsibility. The board is dependent on you!”

The Usurper giggles with glee, as the queen moves into the key position of the board. (We all groan).

A great shaking commences, as the board becomes unbalanced. 

The followers are thrown about, losing their footing.

The Usurper steals the crown from the king’s head, and replaces it with a dunce cap. The king sulks in the corner. Instead of finding freedom, he has lost his authority.

The Usurper plops the king’s crown on top of the queen’s head. Now she is burdened under a double crown. She is a funny sight as she struggles to steady both crowns. She can never succeed in getting them straight.

 She blows a curl out of her eye, as the crowns sit cockeyed on her head. The sweet, gentle jewel in her bosom begins to tarnish. She yells and nags the king and the followers.

 She must run this board. With her will, she tries to manipulate the other positions.  Her once, gentle poise, is now stooped under her burden of two crowns. Her beautiful face shows anger, because her efforts are ignored and not appreciated!!!

The whole board is in chaos. The king can see his mistake in leaving the “key position.” He wants the crown, and head square back, but he cannot get there.  His queen has taken his position and wears his crown. He groans. His countenance is sad, and his self-image suffers. He is still a king, but a king without a crown or “key position” on The Board of Life.  (Aww)

The Usurper roars with laughter at the sight: the king in the dunce cap, sulking in the corner. The haughty queen shuffling two, cockeyed crowns, and the followers toppling from one square to another.

“This is just too perfect for words. Your Board of Life is a laughing stock!” he gloats to the Director. “I’m winning this game!” he shouts with glee. (Boo boo)

But wait!!! Do not despair. It is the Director’s turn to play.

The first move is strategic. He must convince the queen to move from the king’s position back to her own square. No other move can be made before that. She is in the “key position.”

Gently, but firmly, The Director begins to persuade her to move into her rightful position.

But, with the change, she knows she must give up the “key position”, and she’s not sure she wants to relinquish the control she thinks she has.

She firmly plants her feet and places her hands on her hips…one of the crowns slides farther down. She scoots it back up. “I can play this game from this “key position!” she spouts at the Director.

The Usurper roars with laughter, as the queen opposes the move. (Boo boo)

“What’s the matter Director, having trouble with your little Queenie?” he doubles over with evil laughter.

Ignoring the Usurper, the Director continues to work with the queen.

 He reveals to her the chaos of the board. Her king is sulking in the corner, wearing a dunce cap.

 Her followers are toppling about, with no direction to follow.

 She herself, is at the top of the board, with no king over her. How can she be a queen without a king? Lastly, with great tenderness, He reveals the heavy weight she bears and how foolish she looks wearing two cockeyed crowns.

The Usurper’s laughter catches in his throat. The queen agrees to move, but she is not sure of her right position on the board. She looks to The Director and He places her in her rightful position, directly below the “key position.”

Standing on her square, the queen sees the “key position” is vacant. She is tempted to return to that place of authority. She feels fearful and insecure because there is no king over her.

“Hey king, get in your position!” She yells, with her nagging voice. “Get over here and take your responsibility!” she demands.

The more she yells, the stubborner the king becomes. He sticks his fingers in his ears and turns his back to the board. “Who wants that old “Key position “anyway? There was too much responsibility at the top of the board. Besides, I’ve gotten use to being a dunce. That old queen isn’t going to intimidate me! She’s not going to tell me what to do! Crown or no crown, position or no position…I’m the king! He stomps his foot in protest! (Oh oh)

The Usurper is rolling on the floor in hysterics, clutching his sides in delight. (Boo boo)

“How’s your Board of Life working out Director?” He mocks and roars. “Got your participants into position yet? Hee Hee, Ha Ha…”he laughs evilly.

The Director pays him no mind. He begins to deal with the queen. “Let’s take that second crown off and give it to the king.” The Director suggests. “You are so weighted down and you look so lovely in your own delicate crown.”

The queen voluntarily removes the king’s crown, hands it to the Director, Who helps her balance her own crown. (Yay yay)

“Isn’t that much better?” The Director asks in admiration. The queen smiles in agreement. “It is a relief. That second crown was such a burden.” She admits

.

The Usurper is up from the floor, with fear written on his evil face. He is losing the game!!!  (Yay yay)

The Director approaches the king. “Your queen has given you back your crown. Will you accept it and take off the dunce cap?”

After much persuasion, the king removes the cap and the Director replaces his crown…his authority. At first the crown feels strange, but soon the king stands with dignity. This is his Director-given crown, that he is destined to wear. He holds his head high and looks across the board at his queen.

She is lovely in her position. She is a sight to behold, in her royal purple and gold garments. The jewel in her bosom, is beginning to shine again, in sweetness and gentleness.  (Aww)

The Usurper is tense. The board is beginning to change right before his eyes.

The “key position” is still vacant, if he can get the queen to return to it, the board will remain in chaos.

“Hey Queenie, get back in that “key position.” You can control this board. How do you know your king will know what to do if he gets back on the square? Can you trust him to run the board the way you think it should be run? Don’t take the chance Queenie! Move!” The Usurper yells beside the board.

The queen ignores the racket of the Usurper and looks to The Director.

“Please place the king in his position on The Board of Life. Set the king over me.”

No! No! No! Screams the Usurper and he falls backward in his chair.

The Director begins to nudge the king with gentle prodding’s and strategic moves. The queen never takes her eyes off The Director. She knows He is The One in control! The whole board is dependent on His workings.

The king voluntarily follows the directions of The Director and slowly moves from the corner square.

The queen stands firm, though the Usurper is trying desperately to gain her attention.

Closer and closer the king moves until he is positioned at the top of the board and placed in the “key position”, as the king of the Board of Life.

The board stills from its quaking and is balanced. The king and queen and followers break into shouts of victory!

The game has been won! (Hallelujah) The board is in perfect order, just as The Director has always meant for it to be!

The Usurper scowls, for he has lost another game!

 

The Director smiles confidently “You forget Usurper, I’m The Maker of The Board of Life and I know how to win this game!!!

(Clap, clap, clap…Hallelujah.)

The Usurper slinks away into the shadows…the victory of the Director is too much for him.

RIDING IN THE BACK SEAT.

Gloria Phifer

I am limited in my understanding. Many times (more then I care to admit) I think The Lord should do things my way...you know... like pretty quick......like in my timing.

Especially when it comes to people. Can't he just zap them or something...knock them off their horse like He did Paul???

Yes, I know, there is that working in their heart. Preparing them. The working of God that I cannot see...but must trust (and I do know) He is doing the work. Not in my limited way....but in His perfect way.

Our God is Sovereign. Psalm 25:10 "All His ways are perfect...."

Even when I don't understand...Lord help me to trust in You.

You are always faithful. You can only do good...for You are love. You can see what is ahead, I can not.

Psalm 62:1 "My soul finds rest in God alone."

I am like a child in the back seat of a car. God is behind the wheel.
(I'm buckled up).

 I cannot see ahead. I rest in the back and trust Him that He will always take care of the journey. We will all arrive safe...in His perfect timing. 

I joined the FMF bloggers today...the word was "Limit."

I WAS RAISED SOUTHERN STYLE.

7 years old...notice our 1949 black Ford.

 Gloria Phifer



New Mexico may not seem "southern", but I was raised with southern manners. My step dad (who died when I was 10), was a real cowboy. We were planning on moving to a ranch in Magdalena, New Mexico, but that never happened.

 He was a stickler for manners. (He was also a lover of pinto beans every night...with dessert  of molasses and peanut butter on bread. )

I was raised with manners and respect. Yes Mame...no Mame...yes sir...no sir, excuse me, please, thank you, your welcome etc. 

 ( in those days a  gentleman held open a door for a lady.)

 I was taught, that when an older person comes in the room, you get up and give them your seat.
 When I sat at the table, no elbows were allowed...one hand in my lap the other with the fork. When I finished eating, I had to ask"May I be excused?"

Television was just coming on the scene. We didn't have one, until I was 10, and there were only a few channels ( I never had to cover my eyes or ears.) In the mean time, we sat in the living room and listened to our radio, to Fibber Maggee and Molly, Father knows best and Dragnet. My mother also liked to listen to a new preacher...Billy Graham..."The Hour of Decision."

My mother absolutely would not have God's Name used in vain. (later when she became an alcoholic, I never did hear her use His Name in vain.) I could not even say "gee" or "gosh" because she said it was from God and Jesus Names.

For a short time, when we lived in Montana, my mother became interested in God. (She was home sick for New Mexico), We attended a small Presbyterian Church. I learned from my mother and the church, that Jesus is The Son of God, and He loves me. This foundational truth, became my saving grace in the years ahead. When we got back to New Mexico, there was no more church. And after my step dad died, my mother remarried.  She and her husband became alcoholics. Our life changed forever. 

But, back to respect. I respected and loved my country...America. In school, we gave the pledge of allegiance to the flag every morning. I respected my teachers. No one wanted to go to the principals office...(shivers). The only offenses were: passing notes, chewing gum, running in the halls, and throwing spit wads. 

I respected police. I respected military. My real father, and my two stepdads had both served in the 2nd World War. 

Marriage was respected. It was a disgrace to live together without being married..(.I only knew of that happening once.)

Gay, was being happy. Drugs, were what happened in the streets of New York with the gangs. Pot, was a tea pot or a coffee pot. 

When we had a phone...and often we didn't... it usually hung on the wall and always had a cord. One town we lived in, we had a party line. If there were two rings...it was our line. The thing is, the neighbors could listen in on the conversation.

I spent most of my time outside playing. In New Mexico, we were able to be outside most of the time. I roller skated. jumped rope. did my own gymnastics (I could do a back bend, stand ups, a flip in the air and cart wheels....I don't even think of it now...ha ha.)

I spent a lot of time reading. By the time I was 9, I was reading Zane Grey books. I loved comic books; especially "Wonder Woman" and the old classics made into comic books. I loved to draw, and I had an old fashioned ink pen with "Peacock blue" ink, that I would write with. I had a dairy...too bad I don't know where it is...it would be a hoot to see what I had to say. It had a lock and key, but I'm sure my mom could get into it. (Although...it wasn't shocking...probably who did I have a crush on?) 

I honestly feel sorry for the young people of this day. Nothing is shocking any more. (I am still shocked, but it doesn't look like the younger generation is...but hopefully...I am wrong.) 

I long for a decent movie. (That's why I watch Hall Mark Channel.)

I remember going to see "Gone with The Wind". When Clark Gable said the "D" word, at the end of the movie, everyone gasped. 

I long for a world with respect. I was so sad the other night when I was in Wal Mart. A child said something (nothing disrespectful) and the mother said, "Do you want me to slap you across the face?" 

I long for respect for women. A cover up might be nice and classy. 
Showing every thing a woman has, only makes her look cheap. 

I was not shown "respect" as a child. And, I know what that is like. I would admonish parents to respect and listen to their children. Care about them. Put away the smart phones and have some real communication.

Have a "supper time." All electronic devices disallowed.  When you are with your friends...don't keep looking at your phone...make eye contact...it could be...someone needs to be listened to. 

Well, that's my spill for the day. (I had a rough child hood with alcoholic parents and moving)...but I did know what it meant that I needed to respect.

A LEARNING HEART.

Gloria Phifer

I am joining the Five Minute bloggers...the word is "Learn."

Do you ever feel like you know something...only to find you need to learn it again?

That is the way it is with me and love. You would think that  I would always know that I'm loved, but there are times when once more...I see it. It may be in insecurity...some fear (perfect love casts out fear.) Not wanting to displease anyone. 

When I was journaling, about a week ago, I felt that The Lord said to me..."I Am always pleased with you!"  I said, "Really Lord? I need some scripture for that." I found scripture that said He takes pleasure in His people. But, I needed that word, "Pleased!!!"

At that time, a friend called and I told her what I heard The Lord say..."Do you think I was hearing right? I asked her.

"Absolutely!!!" she said. 

 I talked to the Lord about this again. He told me I had never felt that I could please anyone...that is why when He said that to me...it hit me right in my heart!

He really knows where to zero in. I needed more healing there.

My instructions (and as I say this, I have not been obedient in this...need to get with the program.) The Lord said, "I want you to tell yourself over and over again, that I Am always pleased with you." 

I know I need to hear my own voice speaking it until it gets way down in my heart. 

I love that The Lord is always there to teach us...I really want to have a learning heart.