THE MYSTERY MAN

Gloria Phifer

I was 10 years old before I knew about “the mystery man”. I had a father that I didn’t know existed. He lived in California. And, from what I understood, I had not seen him since I was 3 yrs. old.

My mother told me she never loved “the mystery man.” Later she told me I looked like him and I reminded her of him. (Most of my life I would wonder how she really felt about me.)

In my young mind I told myself that “the mystery man” surely cared about me. Although my mother told me he did not.

Someday I would venture out and find “the mystery man.” I imagined someone who really did love me and had always wanted to know me.

When I was older, my uncle told me more about “The mystery man.” It seemed they were good friends. My uncle told me my father was a good man. He owned his own business and that he didn’t drink. Now this news about drinking was very important to me because alcohol was an enemy to me. My mother had become an alcoholic. Although, no one could speak of such a thing. It was a forbidden rule.

My day dream persisted to meet “the mystery man.” I was 19 yrs. old. In November I would be marrying.

 My mother received a letter from my grandmother….”The mystery man" had died the year before.” He had a massive heart attack at 41 yrs. of age.

So what do you do with a mystery man that you will never be able to meet, after you have day dreamed about him for years?

Warren Kenneth you will always be a mystery to me…even though I am told I resemble you. Were you a kind person? Did you ever think about me? Was there ever a time you wanted to see me?  

You remain a mystery in my life that will never be solved here on earth. I pray that in Heaven you will be there and you will be a mystery no more.

I have found a Father Who is not a mystery to me. I know He loves me and cares for me. I know I resemble Him because He made me in His image. He will never abandon or leave me. He meets all of my needs and He understands and knows all about me. He and I talk every day. He wants to hear my voice. He wants to be with me.

 And so I have given up wanting to know what could have been. Maybe I was kept from the mystery because it would have hurt me.

I am safe with my Heavenly Father...

I have found The Father Who loves me as His Own. He will never leave me or forsake me. So, I climb up in His lap where He holds me secure. The Father Who always wanted me from the beginning.

A LOVE STORY

Gloria Phifer

I opened the door, and there stood a good looking young man. He was my blind date that evening. Who would have ever known that this was a God given destiny?

Two graduations: Iowa and New Mexico.

I didn't realize that The Lord (Who I didn't really know as my Savior) had sent me a knight in shining armor. A rescuer sent from Iowa, to a desert place, to rescue a young girl.

I will forever be thankful that he joined the air force and was stationed at Kirtland Air Force base in Albuquerque; and that a friend insisted  I meet him. 

This November 26th will be our 55th wedding anniversary. After moving to Iowa I accepted Jesus as my Savior...I was 22 yrs old.

I am still thankful for my knight in shining armor. We were only 19 and 20 when we married. We have been through life. Some easy, some not so easy. As in every life.

We have been given a family...children, grandchildren and now we are great grandparents.

To me it is like mellowed wine (which I don't drink) the years have become sweeter. more tender. 

I thank God for the husband He gave me. Thank You Lord. And in Your divine plan we came to You.

WHAT IF?

Gloria Phifer

The word I'm writing on for five minute friday is "if."

Usually, you will hear  "if only."

That isn't my story. 

My story is...if my husband (of almost 55 yrs) had not joined the Air Force, I would have missed out on a great love story  and a wonderful family.
If he had joined the navy (which was his plan) he would not have been stationed in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

If a friend had not wanted us to meet each other...where would we be?

If my husband had not been sent to Alaska, in isolation, on King Salmon Island...when we had been only married 5 months...I would 
not have left New Mexico and come to live with his parents in Iowa.

(I had no idea where Iowa was.)


I had a baby girl while he was gone. It was a hard year. But if it hadn't happened would I have seen my need for Jesus?

If we hadn't moved into a house in Ankeny, when he returned home...If  a neighbor had not  asked me to church?

At 22 yrs old, I began to read in the Book of John. I asked Jesus to come into my life. That was in 1966.

Everything I have gone through has an "if" to it. And my "if"
is positive. because  I have no doubt The Lord was directing my life to come to Him. 

My biggest thought...If Jesus had not come, where would any of us be? We would be lost. But, He did come. To pay the price so we could come to Him. He is the One Who settles our "ifs"

TIME TO PAUSE

Gloria Phifer

The word for the FMF blog today is "Pause." we write for 5 minutes.

I will have to admit some things have been bothering me. I know it is time to pause and sit with The Lord.

I don't understand everything. Sometimes I think it would be great to not be so sensitive. Sensitivity is part of my personality. Some times it works for good and other times....well... I need to pause and really listen for the truth.

When your brain has a track of thought going around and around...it is time to "pause." It is time to ask The Lord for the truth, for the understanding, the wisdom.

And...that is what I am going to do...I'm going to take time to "Pause" and listen to The Lord and not my own thoughts.

SECRET PLACE

Gloria Phifer

Have you ever wanted to run away and hide someplace? Maybe it has just been one of those days and weeks where you want to get away.

Your thoughts follow you. There seems to be no rest. 

When I visited a friend in Florida some years back...I was praying about a situation and I heard in my spirit..."Rest."

Jesus spoke of rest in Matthew 11:28 "Come unto Me, all you that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and you shall find rest unto your souls. 

To really cast your care on The Lord and rest, that is where I want to be. Hebrews 4:3 ... those who believe enter rest.

There is a "resting place" in God. Psalm 91:1 he that dwells in "the Secret Place of The Most High shall abide under the shadow of The Almighty.

Cast my care...enter rest by believing and abide in The Secret Place of The Most High. That is my desire. 

THE VISIBILITY OF LIGHT.

Gloria Phifer


This afternoon I began thinking about "Light." The wonderful benefits of light. and The One Who is Light. 

In the Bible...the book of James " 1:17 "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from THE FATHER OF LIGHTS, With Whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

The Father of Lights Who gives every perfect gift and never changes. 

When a light is put through a prism there are the colors of the rainbow. Those colors are always there we just can't see them. The rainbow was put in the sky as a promise that God would never destroy the world again with a flood. In our atmosphere, in the light, are the promises of God...the colors of the rainbow. 

Light always overcomes. The very nature of light is to destroy darkness. Light always overcomes darkness.  darkness can never overcome light. Light exposes all darkness. 

In Genesis 1 :2 The earth was without form and void and darkness covered the face of the deep.  The Holy Spirit of God brooded (hovered) over the darkness and God spoke "LET THERE BE LIGHT." and there was light. (this was before Genesis 1:14 when God said let there be lights in the firmament of the Heaven to divide the day from the night.)

So The Light that came against the darkness was The Presence of God. For He is Light. 

Some are afraid to come to God's light. That Light is Jesus Christ.
Jesus came into this world to destroy darkness...evil. He allowed Himself to be placed on the cross for our sins. He paid the price so we could come out of darkness into His wonderful light.

John 8:12 Then spake Jesus "I Am The Light of the world: he that follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. 

What a wonderful promise...the Light of Life is found in Jesus Christ. Come follow Him. Accept Him as your Savior and you will find yourself in The Kingdom of Light. 

Pray with me...Lord Jesus I accept You as my Savior Who died on the cross for my sins. Come into my life with Your Light. In Jesus Name Amen.

SETTLE

Gloria Phifer

I have had an unsettling lately. With jaw pain and heaviness in my chest I had an ambulance ride to the hospital where I spent two days going through tests. The nitroglycerin took away the pain. All my test came back normal. I didn't have an angiogram.

over 20 yrs ago I had an angiogram and defibulated from being allergic to the dye. So I was very thankful when the doctor let me go home without one. But now there are more symptoms.

How do I get settled? It looks like the only way to settle it is have an angiogram. 

Lord help me to settle in my mind that You will be with me in all circumstances. I place my life and future in Your Hands knowing that You love me.

I have joined the writers at Five Minute Friday...we write on one word for five minutes...the word was "Settle."

A NEW SEASON OF LIFE

Gloria Phifer

I live in a state that has four different seasons. I love the different seasons. the weather can change in the middle of the day or night.

I have been going through a lot in this season of life. I was 74 in December. I remember when I thought that was ancient. But, now I am there!  It is a season of letting go. Of finding new purpose.

I no longer have young children at home...who I miss, but I know I don't have the strength and endurance I had in my 20's and 30's.

I miss their teenage years when the phone (no cell phones then) rang off the hook. When other teenage friends cars filled our drive way. 

Then our children married. Which was a joy. It was a letting go.

Grandchildren were and are wonderful. But even that has changed; all but one grandchild is in their 20's now.

All our children live out of state. I miss them coming to the house.

My husband and I are now great grand parents...what a joy!!!

I have learned there is a lot of "letting go." Trusting The Lord.

I fight getting old. I don't want to think or act or dress old.''

I often joke that I am in "preservation." 

my husband had a heart attack a couple of years ago and that was an awakening. It left me shaken. Now, if he has heart burn or any symptom I get concerned (he doesn't seem to.)

There are many things to embrace...retirement...Bible studies...visiting with friends. Having my husband with me. Our children coming to visit. 

Yes. I am looking and searching in this new season of life.

I write and teach a Bible study and I mentor some younger gals which is a joy.

My prayer is that my life will bring Jesus Christ glory, at each stage and each season. Amen.

HE NEVER LETS GO...

MY GOOD SHEPHERD...Painting by Gloria Phifer.

Gloria Phifer

I love my mom. She is in Heaven now and I am so thankful.

From abuse in childhood, many hurts and pains she turned 

to alcohol and drugs.

I became a Christian at 22...and I saw my mom, my step dad and my brother accept Christ.

My mom and step dad returned to the old life of alcohol and drugs, only this time it was 7 times worse. They became homeless.

There were times when I did not know where they were. (they lived in another state.)

The Lord would never let me quit praying for them. He would never let them go. He gave me scriptures on setting the captives free.

It was as if I was in this battle with The Lord. It was like an urgency in His love for them. He would never let them go.

A terrible happening seperated my mom and step dad. 7 yrs after that  happening, my step dad called me. he said he had not drank since that day. he wasn't sure if he would go to Heaven. We prayed together and I witnessed with him that He had accepted Jesus as His Savior. He died a few years later and is with The Lord.

My mother had a stroke. As I stood by her hospital bed, I heard her speaking the 23 Psalm and I prayed it with her. she told me she had many regrets. I told her , "Mom, Jesus has forgiven you...you need to forgive yourself."

After my mother went to be with The Lord I was in a deep sleep. Right before I woke up I saw Jesus and my mom. He had his arm around her and they were both smiling at me. My mom looked radiant.

I thank Jesus that He would never let her go. She was one of His sheep and He constantly went after her.

I thank The Lord that my mom and step dad are in Heaven with Him.

I can say assuredly that The Lord is The Good Shepherd...He will leave the 99 sheep and go after the one continually until He has brought them into His safe Haven. Blessed be The Name of The Lord Jesus Christ....our Good and Faithful, Loving Shepherd.

NEARNESS

Gloria Phifer

What do you think of when you hear the word "near?"

I really have to contemplate what it means to be "near." You can be in proximity to someone and yet not be near. 

To me, "near" means when a person understands me and I understand them. I have a good friend who recently became a Christian. She loves her family but she longs to have that "nearness in Christ." The same heart set. 

I always longed to be near my mother, I had glimpses of it but then I felt the rejection the abandonment....I never felt she really knew me or my heart. So we were near and yet...far.

I have discovered there are different levels of being near. There are some people who only know me on the surface. I do not know them enough to have that trust to be fully vulnerable with who I am. And there are times I know totally they do not know who I really am. So there is the lack of nearness.

I believe everyone longs to be "near." The One that I draw near to is The Lord. He never rejects me. I feel that He understands my weaknesses and yet loves me unconditionally. Oh to be loved unconditionally. To know Someone Who will always love me for who I am. To me this is "Nearness." It is a sacred thing. And because it is such a personal, sacred thing...there must be trust to be vulnerable and that is only found where a person feels safe and secure. Only then will a person open their heart in order to be near.

MY BLESSED NEIGHBOR

Gloria Phifer

NEW BIRTH

Our subject for this week with FMF is "Neighbor."

One of my greatest blessings began two years ago.

My neighbor, who is from Ireland, accepted Jesus as her Savior.

She truly grew over night. When she shared her experience with me I was so delighted. 

She dug into The Word. God gave her wonderful wisdom. It was a wonderful time of sharing. 

How wonderful to watch what The Lord can do in someones life.

My neighbor told me, that before this, she had been an atheist. God pursued her. And He revealed Jesus to her.

Seeing this wonderful miracle has been such an inspirational experience for me.

Thank You Lord for my neighbor and letting me see Your wonderful work in my friend.

I noticed I used a lot of "wonderfuls" in this writing...but that is the 
word that comes to mind.

THE GIFT OF LIFE.

Gloria Phifer

This afternoon, in the hospital, I looked down into the face of my 

first Great granddaughter. What a miracle. She had just been born.

I was thinking back to 1943, when my mother, at the age 17, realized she was pregnant. She was married...but unhappily. In fact, she and my biological father were married and divorced twice.

It was on the second try, that I was conceived. 

My mother was not happy. My grandmother and my aunt talked to her about abortion. My mother had seen her sister go through an abortion, and thankfully she did give birth to a 9 pound baby girl...who she named, Gloria. 

I'm sure my mother loved me, but through the years, she told me I reminded her of my dad, who she said she never loved. she told me I had ruined her body when I was born. When I was a teenager, in front of me, she told my grandmother "Gloria has ruined my life."

As you can imagine...I had a lot of insecurity and little self worth.
Besides being in a household of alcohol. Changing schools 14 times in 12 years. There were times I wondered if life was worth living.

During those years there were times when The Lord would deal with my heart. 
 I almost drowned,at the age of 12, and the boy with me, swimming in the Rio Grande river, did drown."Would I have gone to Heaven?" I couldn't say "Yes", to that question coming in my mind.

 I felt that I should have been the one who died, not my friend. 

My life was really hard, I felt. Then a friend introduced me to a young man from Iowa, who was in the air force. We were both 18 years old. At 19 I married him and through events I ended up in Iowa. He was sent to Alaska through the Air Force and I couldn't go. While he was gone, I had our daughter. Our 1st child. (my mothers 1st grandchild.)

I was telling my husband lately that I never felt safe or secure as a child. I didn't know what peace was. I was always alert. I fought a lot of fear. It became so bad, even though I had a wonderful husband, a child, a home, I didn't know how to cope. I was constantly fighting fear.

I went to church with a neighbor and they told me to begin reading the Bible in the Gospel of John. Every afternoon, as my daughter took a nap, I read.
 I understood. God was calling me to Him. I truly was "born again." and then filled with The Holy Spirit. I was 22 yrs old.

Two more children were added to our family. My mother now had three grandchildren...even though she could not enjoy her family because of addiction.

I am the only one of my mother's children who had children.

 I was the first Christian in our family. I had the wonderful privilege of seeing my mother, brother and step dad receive Christ.

Then my husband and I began having grandchildren (my mothers great grandchildren). What a joy!!! 

what a joy to live in peace. To know The Lord...to have a family.

So this afternoon, as I looked into the beautiful face of my first great grandchild I thanked The Lord. He has given life. He has given posterity. He has given peace and harmony. He has given family.

My mother and step dad are in Heaven now...she would be a great, great grandmother today. Thank God she let a baby girl, named Gloria, be Born.

 One of the things that really has helped me was when The Lord revealed to my heart, I was not born for my parents...I was born for Him...For my God Who gave me life. Thank You Lord for bringing me into Your Salvation...into Your family...I am Your daughter...the daughter of The King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

And Thank You Lord for our family. I have lived to see our Great Grandchild and more to come. I am truly blessed.

EMBRACE LIFE

Gloria Phifer

Today, I am joining the bloggers of FMF. We write 5 minutes on one word...today it is "Embrace."

The word "embrace" conjures up thoughts of hugs,
and happiness.

 But in life there are many things and circumstances we do not want to, or do not know how to embrace.

I think one of my biggest challenges was to learn to love myself. To embrace who I am. 

It was the words I heard as I was growing up, and the actions that made me think negatively about who I was.

As I have written before, I asked Jesus in my life when I was 22. Some changes came right away.
But overcoming the lies ...sometimes the challenges are still there. Being able to comprehend the real truth of who I am.

One of the best things that happened was when The Lord told me I was born for Him. Born for My God. And He wanted me to study "Who I am In Christ." 

It was and is astonishing to me that God really "likes" me. That He created me to be "Me." 

I wasn't a mistake...He planned my life and He has a divine purpose for me.

Yes, I have been Embracing "life." I have been embracing that God loves me and I am still learning to love and embrace who he created me to be.

I want you to know that the negative thoughts you think about yourself are lies. The Bible says The Truth will set you free. 

You were not an accident. Read Psalm 139. Even in your mother's womb He saw you and loved you.
Embrace your God and embrace yourself.

"Jesus loves me this I know for The Bible tells me so." Embrace The Lord and Embrace the wonderful creation...you!!!

GIVING UP THE ILLUSION OF CONTROL

Gloria Phifer

IN HIS HAND...painted by Gloria Phifer

I was raised in a dysfunctional home. Alcohol, fights, moving almost every year.

I would tell myself how strong I was. That I could endure, laying in bed, waiting for the bar to close, so my mom would come home.

Taking care of my brother...though I was scared.

Being the new girl in a new school. Trying to fit it.

Nothing was in my control. 

Migraine headaches. arms and legs feeling weak. But yet, I told myself how strong I was.

During this time, I almost drowned, and a friend that was with me did drown. The question kept coming to me, "Would you have gone to Heaven?" I couldn't answer yes. 

A man, my mother had known, began stalking us. He sat in his car, on the corner, watching our house. I was afraid. I prayed and asked God for help.

As I was walking home from school, my feet dragging, the thought came into my mind..."Are you saved?" Saved? I began arguing with this thought. "I'm a good girl. I don't smoke, I don't drink...you should see my friends." Then, two verses of Scripture came in my mind. (Now you need to know we didn't go to church.) "IT is a straight and narrow way and you must be born again." 

I'm not sure if I knew how to be "born again." But I knew I wasn't on a straight and narrow way. I also had the knowing, that this was a commitment. It meant giving up control to Someone else. And I didn't want to do that. I wanted to control my own life. I was 15 at the time.

     I was watching Billy Graham. I was 18. When he gave the altar call, I knew I needed to accept Jesus.  You would think by now, after one of the worse summers of my life, I would release my control. But I didn't. I didn't know what He would do with my life?(I didn't know The Lord. I didn't know His character) And through everything I had been through...trust was not easy for me. I thought I could not trust anyone.

I did begin to try and read the Bible, but I ended up seeing judgments and demons and it scared me. I went to the Methodist Church and was sprinkled, hoping that would take care of it all...but it didn't.

I married at 19. We found out I was expecting. Almost as soon as we had the good news...I miscarried that baby. I yelled at the doctor, "I don't want to lose this baby!" 
I thought God was punishing me.

   My husband, who was in the air force, received orders for Alaska; on a base in isolation. I could not go with him. Another thing I could not control. 

   I came to Iowa to live with his parents. After he left, I realized I was expecting another baby. This was what brought me out of a depression. Our daughter was born in January. We moved into an apartment where I looked out at a brick wall. Some times I felt like I was really losing it. My daughter was my one joy in my life.

I was not living in Iowa!!! (Did I say I thought I was in control?) When my husband returned from Alaska, and his time in the air force was over, moving west, where I had come from, did not work out.

We moved to a town in Iowa. One neighbor, by our house, was a Baptist girl who invited me to church. On the other side was an Open Bible gal who had been raised in church.

I began going to the Baptist church with my neighbor. They told me to read the Book of John in my Bible. Every afternoon, while our daughter napped, I read. It was like water for a thirsty soul.

By this time, I realized I needed God. I needed this "Born again."
I realized, that without God, nothing was really in my control. Everything had been spiraling down.

 I had a husband and daughter I loved, and yet I fought fear and unhappiness. 

When our daughter was a year and half old...I accepted Jesus Christ into my life and was filled with The Holy Spirit. 

I let The One Who is in control...be in control. I thought to myself, "why didn't I do this earlier?" I found a Friend. A Savior. Someone Who knew me, loved me, cared about me. Someone I could trust. 

I was 22 years old when I finally gave it all to Jesus and asked Him into my life. That was 51 years ago.

A lot of times we want to hang on. To control. Only to find out...we really are not in control. I recommend my Jesus to you. I never knew peace and safety until I knew Him. Put yourself in His Hands you will be safe there.

Let's pray "Lord Jesus, I believe You died on the cross for me. I accept You as my Savior. Come into My life and take control. I put my trust in You, In Jesus Name Amen.

ONLY ONE STAYS THE SAME.

The Word for FMF bloggers today is..."Same."

Do you remember as a young person never wanting it to stay "The same." Looking forward to becoming 16 and getting that drivers license.  As a Senior in High School wanting to graduate. Oh, the wonderful number "18." And then there was "21!!!" 

As the years have gone by, sometimes I would like for everything to have stayed the "same." Having my three children. It seemed it was always a process of "letting go." First they had to cross the street by them selves. Then they left for school...and I cried. They out grew all of their clothes. Soon they were taller then me (Nearly everyone is LOL). Then it was graduation...on to their new lives...leaving home...each time my heart was heavy. It could not stay "The same." 

Then came "Grandchildren." You know, those little ones, who tie you around their little fingers and call you "Grandma." And they just think you are the greatest and you know they are the greatest!!! Once more I could hold and rock babies. Watch them as they learned to walk and talk. And then...they were bigger then me ( ha ha). 

Families moved out of state...and nothing was "The same." An empty, lonesome heart. Where was my place? I know..."IT was on my knees."  And still is. 

My husband and I will be married 52 years in November. We have not stayed the "Same." We have grown together. We live in retirement together (adjustment). In December...I will be ...gulp...72 years old. But, I still feel the "Same." 

I have found life is a process of trusting The Lord and letting go. 
The Only One Who never changes is Jesus...He is The Same Savior and Friend that I came to know in my early 20's. Through all of these transitions, He has been with me. He is with my family in their different stages of life. Oh...in October, my husband and I will be "Great Grandparents." We have gone from "Grand"...to "Great!!!"

Nothing stays the same and that is the way it was always meant to be. Life is a learning, growing...process. It doesn't "stay the same" and neither should it. Life goes on... 

What is my purpose?

Gloria Phifer

Today, a question came to me that I haven't thought of for a long time...What is my purpose?

The answer surprised me. I was born for God. Actually, I have been twice born. My natural birth and my spiritual birth when I was 22 yrs old. 

I really didn't have a childhood...not a normal, carefree one...if there is such a thing. 

Since I came to Jesus...my life has been full. A husband of almost 52 years. Three children and their spouses. 7 grandchildren plus two bonus grandchildren. My life is full of friends.

The Lord has given me the privelege of feeding His sheep. I write and teach a Bible study each week. I am in a church that has encouraged me in my calling...what blessing.

I have lived in one town for 50 years. (when I was a child I changed schools 14 times.) 

I have a lovely home. Food in the refrigerator. I'm not rich in the worldly sense but all my needs and most of my wants are taken care of. The Lord gave me a wonderful rag-doll Kitty Cat, who is so lovable...he has to be held at least twice a day.

I have great neighbors. Friends to hang out with. Christian friends that pray for me and I pray for them.

I know my mother and step dad are in Heaven...they accepted the Lord. I know they are safe and are in wonderful peace. My brother, Bronco, has accepted Jesus. He prays for a list of 40 people every night. He prays for me and my family. The Lord has given us a good relationship. He always tells me he loves me and thanks me for calling him. (In this one paragraph...there are countless miracles). I have seen The Salvation and deliverance and restoration of The Lord!!!

So...what am I here for?  My life belongs to Jesus. I am here to live for Him. With His help...and only with His help and grace...I represent Him in this world. 1 Cor. says we are His ambassadors. We have and give The Word of Reconciliation. I am here to love others. I want to be His light in a dark world. I want Him to use me to give hope. I want Him to use me in telling others what He has done in my life and what He can and will do in their lives.

Until He calls me Home...my purpose is to live for Him and to glorify His Name...Jesus Christ. (And it is only by His grace).

What a wonderful purpose!!! Given to me by The Lord...The Giver of all good things. I glorify His Name...Jesus Christ my Lord. 

NOTICING

Gloria Phifer

I am joining the gals at FMF today...the word is "Notice."

What do I notice being a writer?  I love writing. It is therapeutic for me to write. I notice descriptive words. I notice color. I notice beauty. I want to be a writer who lifts others up.

When I spend time with The Lord...I write out my prayers, my feelings...my questions. And then I listen. 

I love The Bible. Jesus painted Word Pictures.  His "I AM's" in John are so wonderful.

"I AM THE BREAD OF LIFE." He is the One that fills that emptiness in our heart. He satisfies. He sustains. 

"I AM THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD."  I love light. Light is so comforting. Light banishes all darkness. Without light there would be no life. In John 1:5 "In Him was Life; and the Life was the Light of men."
   I thank Him that He has brought Light and Life into my life. 

I AM THE DOOR. Jesus is The Door into eternal life. He is the Door into The Kingdom of God. He is The Door for His sheep to enter and find green pastures and still waters. (peace and comfort.)

I AM THE GOOD SHEPHERD.  I love having Jesus as my Shepherd. Ps. 23:1 The Lord is my Shepherd, I will not want. 
He leads me beside the still waters. He makes me to lie down in green pastures. He restores my soul. 

I can trust my Shepherd for He is good!!!He takes care of me.

I AM THE WAY, THE TRUTH, THE LIFE.

Everyone wants to know the way...the path of life..what road to take...Jesus says "I AM THE WAY.

In this world, there is a struggle for truth. If you are looking for truth...truth is found in Jesus Christ.

Life. What is this life all about? What am I here for? What happens when I leave this earth?  Those questions are all answered in Jesus...He is The LIFE. 

I AM THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE.

Death is a scary thing. There is hope. There is assurance. You can know what happens when you die, accepting Jesus Christ as your Savior gives the assurance of eternal life. He is The Resurrected One. He is The Life.

I love these Word pictures of Jesus Christ. 

You can know The Savior...His nail pierced hands are reaching out toward you.

 Whoever believes on Jesus will be saved and have eternal life...He who has The Son has Life. John 3:16 and 36.

 If you are looking for real life...come to Jesus. John 10:10 Jesus said He has come to give us Abundant Life.

Blessings on you. If you have never read the Bible, The Gospel of John is a wonderful place to begin.

Leaving for a new work

Todays theme for Five Minute Friday is...Leave.

This word brings up many emotions to me. As a child and young person I was always leaving.  Fourteen changes in schools...Four different high schools. Yes, I was also arriving...but it took change and risk.  Walking into new situations. Meeting new people. Trying to fit in. 

The best "leave" for me was not what I thought was best at the time. My husband was stationed in Alaska for a year and I could not go with him.  I left my home state and came to the Midwest to live with his family...(who I really didn't know.)  During this time I had a baby girl. She was four months old when her Daddy came home.

I was determined to "leave" the Midwest and return to my home state... out west.  The Lord, I discovered, had different plans. My husband began a new job (no longer in the air force) and we settled into a town in the Midwest.


 The Lord had been drawing me to him. The year, while my husband was gone, I had come to realize I needed God. I could not do life on my own. At 22 yrs old I asked Jesus to come into my life.

I have had many healings from my childhood trauma. The time when you think...oh I'm all healed up. Surprise!

 This last Monday I was watching a Beth Moore video at Bible study.  She was speaking on "nurturing" and "parenting. I was so surprised when I felt the heaviness and tears began to roll out of my eyes.  I can never think of a time in my young life when I was nurtured...loved...or wanted.

This was not the only reason for the tears...the Lord was plainly saying to me.."I want to do this work in your life". (But Lord, I thought we had already gone through that).  

I knelt that night by my bed and cried...I felt His presence around me...in my imagination I laid my head on his chest.

I know there is a new work He wants to do.  It will mean leaving behind many things. I had to admit to him my insecurities. My feelings of not feeling valued.  My longing for a mother and a father. My hurts over not having these in my young life.( Or even in my older life.)

I am not sure everything He will teach me. Or the incredible work He is determined to do in me...but I am willing.

I am willing to leave the insecurity. The lie of being abandoned (For He never abandoned me.) Realizing, that the important people in my life, just could not give me what I needed.  But, The Lord has everything to give to me.

I am ready to leave what was old and embrace the newness He has for me...

I love You Jesus...work on