Gayla's Magazine

The Race Against the Clock!

Just a peek into my world this morning!  I have a full day already planned from yesterday and all the duties I did not complete because of unexpected changes.  Flexibility is the most important word in my vocabulary.  Not that I always am ready to change in an instant and drop what my focus is on to handle a suddenly pressing need.  But in my world the ability to change between important to urgent in an instant is necessary and needed. Life throws us a curve ball and we must reach beyond our reach to catch it quickly. 

Choosing the perspective we have about life is in our total control and sometimes we have to activate ourselves into thinking creatively regardless of outside forces.  I often enter races of duties versus the time clock.  Which one wins?  I do because God knows I have to have supernatural days at times! 

First on my schedule today, I will help oversee moving teams as we change out one of our buildings.  There are 4 teams in place and ready to go first thing.  Each will take a different area and this should be done by noon (at least I hope so - for other functions that are happening)  Our personal library is changing locations and the goal of my morning is for over 4,000 books to get packed and moved.  Big goal?  Not really - just have so much to do this has to get completed in quick time.  I have found that preplanning is the key to getting things done efficiently. So the boxes are there already and waiting on me to arrive.

Then it's on to the afternoon of packing the coach for a trip across the country.  My husband is needed for a meeting in Tennessee, so I need to get us ready to go.  Also squeeze in a short visit to see my parents for a day.  It's so much better traveling in a RV, rather than staying in hotels and all the 'extra' issues that go with staying in different places every night. But it does take some prethought to make sure I don't forget anything. So I will switch gears at noon and go to work getting things on board.   

Then this evening is a very important function as the local Role Models of America meetings are tonight.  Separate sessions for men and women, also teens and children have their own meetings.  Each of these meeting are unique and specially geared for the specific needs of each.  I will be teaching the ladies session and my lesson is already done and all copies are made ready to go.  Not sure what the men's session is about but the ladies are being trained in a yearlong study of Proverbs 31.  And tonight we are on our 3rd lesson which deals with organization of the structures of which women are primarily responsible for.  And the second part is about discovering untapped fields of support that can be a better resource rather than endless obligation with no promise or hope of return.  Finding one's vineyard to work in.  Sound interesting?  I am writing these lessons and at the end of the year will have a very in depth study of this important passage of scripture that is specifically designed just for women.

It's going to be a challenging workout today but I can do it! Gotta go!   

My Family Heritage

I enjoy seeing my grandchildren with their father so much.  A girl's relationship with her own father has a way of keeping the heart grounded in stability.  My son in law with his little girl is the perfect picture of such a relationship.  Daddy's arms to Gracie are as a tower of strength.  She feels secure and safe when he holds her.  I can see it in her eyes.  He is her refuge in the world when all goes wrong, Daddy can fix it.  The relationship between a Dad and his daughter is the foundation on which a girls inner security and personal confidence is built. 

My brother Marvin, one of the great Christian songwriters is the center of his little grand daughter's life.  To Vivian, he is her hero.  He's the fun one, her happy little face shines when he's around.  The light in her eyes is from the security she feels in his big strong arms.  Little girls need their Daddy.  It builds their self esteem, if they are loved and encouraged by their Father.

Since my own Father has retired from his position of being a Missionary (all over the world)  I get to talk to him every day if I want to. He is 'just down the road' only 1200 miles away - although that is close compared to his years in Africa, or Asia or as last year's travels in Australia.  This is in one of his offices he has had down through the years.

  Where do such good relationships begin?  From our linage of what is passed down to us from generations past.  My Grandparents heritage to me was their history of pioneering churches in Missouri, Illinois, Iowa and Arkansas.  Building little startup fellowships, and remodeling buildings to become churches, their life was all about service and helping others find salvation.  They both have since went to Heaven but they left their fingerprints in my life.  I can say I am proud of their accomplishments in the earth.

My Great Grandparents were people of honor.  Together they began a family that has touched an untold number of people for Christ.  They had no idea what would become of their linage, yet the seeds they sowed into their children turned them into mighty people of valor.  How does one value what was handed down to them through the now silent voices of character and integrity?  When I shall see these precious people on the other side of life, will they recognize me by my actions which were to be a carbon copy of their own?  The historical records are set and cannot be changed.  Their lives now passed on, have carved out a road for my own feet to follow.  Lines of truth and honesty.  Paths of righteous living to follow along behind.  They set the pace for my heritage through ministry that is the footprints I try to walk in now.  No books have been written about their lives or harrowing experiences they went through.  But the genes and DNA given to me have the strains of faithfulness and loyalty, hard work and family spiritual values imprinted within, and these have written volumes in my heart. 

The years pass slowly but surely and now my Dad is the Great Grand Father of our family.  Where did time go so fast.  He now imprints himself upon my grandchildren of who are in awe of him.  They speak of him in hushed tones and exaggerate the word GREAT  Grand Father.  Right now they are too little to understand their destiny is determined by how they choose to follow the landmarks already set by bloodlines gone before them marking the path to travel life by. The precious gifts and talents yet undeveloped within them are encouraged and allowed to grow by their relationships with the matriarchs and patriarchs of the family.  A special family?  You bet!  One that forgets what is behind and stretches for the future everyday.   

And then I watch my beloved husband with his seed and see the shaping that is happening before my eyes.  Gracie loves her PawPaw and thinks he can change the world for her anytime she needs it to change.  His relationship with her will affect her life forever as she takes her place behind in the long line of those who have taught, sung, preached lived and loved hard for that main goal - the salvation of souls.  Can she do it?  With her Daddy's voice and power encouraging her, and her PawPaw's thundering actions, and her linage of genetics finding her talents from deep within, she will find the Father's Calling for her own life and fulfill all that we have not quite finished and left for her to do.

Together my husband and I,  watch Sean and Angela guide their children towards the future with love and expectation for good to come to them. And the rest of us.......... stand silently behind them trusting we have put good stock within the young to carry them through life with wisdom.   

The Mother's Day Tea

I have been thinking about my dear sweet mother and all she means to me lately.  Her careful training and modeling has developed me in ways beyond my own personality.  And with that in mind - I have already had preliminary meetings concerning our Mother's Day Tea which is an annual event in May. Role Models of America - the women's division hosts this beautiful Tea in the Palace Theater every year.   

Last year the theme was 'The Seasons of a Woman's Life'   and it was a very beautiful meaningful time that women spent together. So much laughter!  And a few tears..... and such sweet memories were made at this most important function.   

The Role Models of America team leaders, prepared tables that were focused on the different aspects of a woman's life.  Her joys, her challenges and her inner strengths.  Each table was decorated in the personal theme that the leader chose. Too many tables to list here but I will show you a few of them. The Seasons of Change and the completion of child-rearing was one table.  Another was called Summer Fun, and was all about the power of a woman to make memories for her family in the hot summertime.

This one was called Salvation and it was decorated in the spiritual theme of what Christ did for each woman on Calvary. There were place cards of scriptures and fine table settings of all styles.  From deep purples and golds and reds on this particular table to represent His royalty and saving grace.  The designer brought in a towering floral arrangement that was the stunning completion of this table.  Those who sat here talked about their personal testimonies of when they were saved.  It was a wonderful table to be at.

This special table was all about the Role of Women in the History of America.  And the many ways she has helped to shape the nation.  Using handmade quilts and pinks and blues the Americana artistic arrangements was really something special to see! From the humble homes across the country to the very White House in Washington - the focus here was about their personal lives and what they stood for in making this great land.

Time at this table was spent on the Relationships of a Woman's Life.  From her mother to her own children.  From the friendships of one another to the valued employee of a company each area of relationships was explored here.  It was a time for good friends to reconnect and spend an afternoon on just being together and celebrating being a woman.

The Ancestors Table was all about who was in her linage.  And all th good things that she was given through her ancestors.  From her looks to her talents to the abilities passed down woman to woman through out her personal history.  This table was filled with memories and evoked such great conversation! Every table was gorgeous and so creative!

And then there was the fabulous banquet tables filled with the most beautiful foods and colors and gourmet specialties.  These buffet lines filled the Grand Foyer with delicious food that was so pretty one didn't want to mess up the artistic arrangements! It was food fit for a Queen for sure.  Each lady and young woman who attends was made to feel special and valued at this event.

Already the wheels are turning about this coming Mother's Day Tea. The theme this year will be 'The Proverbs 31 Woman'. This particular passage in Proverbs 31 has all kinds of possibilities to design and use in the Tea this year. We are already studying this subject in depth in our monthly meetings in 2007. It's called Pro31 and I will fill you in more about this at another time.

There are many details that go along with planning this grand event. Every year it is important for women to attend as it is informative, encouraging and celebrates womanhood like no other!

From the table themes, to the set up and layout, to the graphics and promotions teams, to the actual program of the Tea, every detail is already full steam ahead.  I am privileged to work with such talented woman of influence and character. Role Models of America you are doing a great work in our nation!  And the women who attend will be inspired to become women of valued integrity and leadership, of which I believe, our nation truly needs more of.  

Happy Birthday

Come and set a little while with me, have some tea and let's talk about the future.  How about a cup of Deejarling Tea?  What about the future you ask.... 

Today is the day in my life that I look back at my life and see how far I have come in accomplishing the things I have been created to do.  I no longer wait to 'grow up' , for I am now in the age group that is called 'mature'.  How do we age year by year and yet feel the same inside?  I feel just the same as I did at 20, although I am far from it.  And the years of time pass slowly and quietly add gracious lines of laughter and concentration to my face. I am happy about each line of pain and glory! 

My destiny is set and the purpose for which I was created draws closer as I gather the years in my basket of memories.  Records  of heights and the depths of life, the passage of joys and sorrows all march through my life bringing a hosts of thoughts from days gone by.  Seasons change and the views I once had about different things, are now tempered by time and my focus changes from past opinions  of immaturity to the pace of expected behaviors and responsible actions of an adult.  Seeing the whole picture is part of the growth of growing up. No ones actions only touch them, but our decisions affect all around us.  Why so introspective today?

Today is my Birthday.  The day of one's birth is an important record and milestone in life.   Birthdays are grand events around our home.  My grandson Jake wants to be Batman on his birthday.  He is in the 'hero' stage and enjoys the attention of saving the world. He is the hero when he gets his candles blown out and he's ready to eat!

All his friends enter his action packed life and great fun is had at the birthday party all playing the hero and then the villain.  But the grand finale is the Cake! 

Gracie wants to her mom to be the Queen and herself to be the Princess at her Birthday Party.  The childhood memory makers are important when you are 3 and 4 years old. Every child waits in excitement for their big day to arrive.  Finally it does and the world evolved around the celebration of their life for one whole day.   

Today is the big day for me.  Each birthday is getting better than the last!  I am looking forward to this year and the adventures that it holds for me. As life is lived on different planes and levels, one eventually comes to the place where the meaning of relationships is more important on ones birthday then the mental games of pretend.  Some want to deny life's passages and try to hold onto their youth and the fantasy of refusal to change. But the joys of each age cannot be enjoyed unless one is living fully in the age that they are in reality.  

I have found one of the great secrets of having good birthdays and it has become proven to me over and over in my life.  And the secret I will tell you is...... ' all things work together for the good of them that love the Lord and are called to His purpose'.  One birthday after another proves to  me that every single thing that has ever happened in my life, does come around and become a blessing to me. 

Each year I am given a statement, or a word or an impression to be a touchstone to me through out the year.  One year it was

''Be still, study and soliloquy" - and my focus yearlong became these 3 instructions.

another was

"Blessing" - and the entire year was spent gathering huge blessings, it was actually enormous work but very rewarding to a countless number of people by the time the year was over. 

Many precious words are stored up for my inheritors one day of the record of my life.  What will my theme be this year?  Today begins the timing for yet another guiding word to come to me.  I await it anxiously as the best Birthday present I could ever receive from my Father.

Next year I will enjoy yet another type of birthday parties with each of my grandchildren - as we explore childhood together.  And it's pure fun! But I no longer need to be Batman, (or Cat woman as Gracie wants to be sometimes) or even a Princess - I am happy just being me.    

And to you I say, ...... the ending of the birthday song for your own life

........and many more! Everybody has a birthday every year - may yours be as happy as mine this year.

   

Coconut Curry

We are having Coconut Curry for supper so I will need to get started.  Before the dish can actually be made - all the spices to make the curry spice have to be on hand.  I learned to make this wonderful dish while living in Rhodesia (before the war when it became Zimbabwe)  Curry is a regular dish there among the Indian people. And some of our dear friends there, taught me how to make this dish and it is a regular at our table.  It's also my daughter's favorite dish!   

Yes I still have enough of the spice, before I need to make another batch so I will go ahead and use the last of my homemade curry spice.  I have not found the real thing in the American grocery stores so I have my own recipe that I use to make up the proper curry spice. The curry powder here has no real flavor, and it's too bland so I use it just for the base of mixtures. I have served this dish to many guests and they always rave about it and want my secret spice.  If you would like it - maybe I will add it in another post.   

While I gather things together for the African dish - I get rice started.  I use a mixture of brown and wild rice tonight.  But it can be any type your family likes.  Make the amount your family needs.

So here goes.... Nothing makes for making the whole house smell fragrant like curry simmering on the stove. It fills the house with good memories for me every time I make it!

Boil a chicken and debone leave in the broth - set aside to add later.

1 onion minced

1 red pepper chopped

5 cloves of garlic minced

saute together in a little butter

add 3 heaping teaspoons of curry powder mix

3 - 4 good shakes of some cinnamon powder

add 2 or 3 cups of water to make a saucy mix, let it cook till thickened a little.

1 cup of cilantro chopped

1/4 cup of fresh parsley - add both and stir.

put mixture into deboned chicken with broth bring to a boil.

add 1 can of coconut milk.

here's where you can get creative

add some vegetables. - whatever you have on hand

4 carrots or 2 cups yellow squash or you might add -

3 or 4 potatoes or fresh green beans if you choose.

Today I am adding carrots and yellow squash. Once it starts bubbling add some salt and pepper to taste.  Don't let the vegetables get too soft - there should still be a little crunch to them so all the vitamins are not lost in the dish.  This can be thickened with a little arrowroot mixed into some of the broth and then poured in -  or cornstarch if you still use the old form of thickening.

In Southern Africa where this dish is common, there are side dishes that go with it.  The side dishes help to cut the spiciness and add another layer of flavor to this rich dish.  They can be a variety of different fresh fruits and vegetables. 

Today it's going to be fresh organic vegetables such as tomatoes chopped,  some bell peppers chopped, and some plump raisins.          

I will serve some flaked coconut (unsweetened - dried)  This is a really nice touch just to sprinkle a little on top of curry served on a bed of rice.   

And some fresh avocados cut up with a little lemon juice squeezed over them to keep them from turning dark before I serve it. But fresh pineapples or cantaloupe, bananas or dates can all be served with it.  These different flavors help with the heat of the curry.            

Set a pretty table and get ready for my husband to walk through the door.  Curry is served with the rice plated first, then the curry dish is spooned over the rice.  Then the side dishes are either placed in small portions to the side of the curry or on top.  Depends on the person's personal likes.  MMMMM if you were here you would love it!    

Organizing my Life

Before the beginning of every month I take time to set down alone with my Daytimer and plan the next month's events in my life.  It takes coordination to make sure everything corresponds smoothly and I don't double book appointment, events and travel times.

I started writing down dates and places many years ago as a young bride.  Then when we would travel back to a place to minister - I had a record of what my husband preached and what I sang - and other details that was of interest at that place.  I have had every size of organizational daytimer.  From little ones that fit in my purse to large oversize briefcase size ones!  The one that was the greatest to carry was the one with handles.  But I literally wore it out and the rings inside wouldn't close anymore. So it's on the shelf now. 

I keep tabs on every area such as our business's that have details according to the retail markets.  Holidays are important in sales and I keep up with sale markets and trends in our stores.  From ideas to show the staff to monthly schedules that are needed for them to follow, to reminders in staff meetings.  It's all in my daytimer - then moved to a calendar for the different locations.    Then it's church calendar issues, from Kidtricity dates to church wide functions - to ladies events - to the music department of which we have calendars to operate with monthly. Also I have a section of personal details of various menus and lists for my family and 'stuff' that needs to be done in my home, and for my husband schedule. We both lead such busy lives!   

As time passes slowly a record of day by day duties and history is created of my personal life and the the details of our ministry are written.  Sometimes I fill both pages of each day with various issues.  And sometimes I am so busy it's sketchy at best - no time to even write it all down!

I have archives setting on shelves of past years.  Each year is  lined up as silent records of busyness and activities - sometimes I open one or two looking for past records of events and details so I don't have to 'reinvent the wheel' so to speak the next time I repeat an event.  It makes life easier as the work was already done and all I have to do is locate it and reuse the information.

On another shelf is a set of books - all in my own handwriting of my personal growth through the years.  I started my first book when my daughter was 5 years old and now I have several done.  This one was given to me by a precious friend and it is my current one.  It may take years before it's complete but already it has words of wisdom in it's pages that mean so much to me.  These will all be passed down to my bloodline when I am no longer around.  I am sure my grand daughter will enjoy her MiMi's writings and hopefully they will be a point of understanding herself better through my eyes when she grows up. 

And then there is one more book that is the Book of Books to me.  And means more that all other books in the world to me,  but this book is different from all other books in my life.  I am not the one writing about my life in it.  The book itself is making a record of my life!

This one is filled with wisdom from above.  I have read and reread it's pages many times.  Each time I open it - new ideas and comforts jump out at me.  Some of it's pages are tear stained from going through tough times in my life. And I have written important impressions in it's margins along the way.  This particular Book has been with me about 20 years - although I have other copies of the same Book- this one is the one I have loved the most.  In it's tender thin pages I find peace and joy.  What is this Book?  The greatest best seller of all times.  Without it's information I could never manage all my other books properly - it keeps me balanced.  It's called........

The Holy Bible.  I'm glad my name is found in there.

Pick it up today - your spirit will be so glad you did!

Church before 'Church'

Today is Sunday and there is no better way to start one's week then to be in the Lord's House on the Lord's day.  I love singing and leading worship and it is never a chore to me but something I dearly love doing.  My focus is on Him and leading others in song to His Heart. Today was no different and leading the song I wrote called 'My Lord and My God' still gives me chill bumps when we sing it!

But the smoothness of a service doesn't start with the opening song or prayer.  It begins long before any of the people arrive for church.  The musicians arrive and warm up and we spend 20 minutes in rehearsals before every service to make sure we are together and have went over all opening notes and endings.  It takes 18 people in my department just to get ready to start the service. 

There are guitars to tune and brass instruments to warm up.  Not to mention music sheets to make sure are in order.  Drums and percussion instruments always need tweaking.  The sound engineers always have to adjust for monitor levels for those who are wearing headset monitors.  And Mic adjustments for those who are wearing headset Mic's.  (me included) Sometime it's batteries and changing out wire cords that have to happen before a service. If we are using a video for our offering collection - it is checked and made sure all in in order.    Musicians  and singers may need to adjust their notes or timing according to any changes we have made since our Tuesday evening rehearsals.  While this is happening, those who are in charge of the teleprompters take time to make sure their service notes are in order and all slides and service presentations are in order.  And of course the Bishop's sermon is downloaded and in place. Alot takes place behind the scenes to ensure no wasted moments happen once the service starts. The Bishop values the people's time and want to make sure they receive from every portion of each service. Pre-service instructions are very important and each department uses guidelines for each area. 

And then it's time to hear the uplifting Word about Jesus and everyone sets soaking up valuable words that change lives.  When the Bishop speaks we move from an interesting sermon to our personal soul searching. Moving many times from laughter to tears and back again.  His sermon once again engages everyone in self examination and at the end, his words about 'The 5 Most Important Things in My Life', is what we all are thinking of and considerations are given to what we will be doing this week to bring our priorities into line with the Savior, Jesus Christ's values. 

Shall I find someone to help this week?  I know I will when I look for the opportunity to.      

Setting the Perfect Table

It's time for a Birthday Celebration with some of my local leaders.  Together once a year we celebrate all of our birthdays - although no one ever feels like we are getting older at all! This year it's being held here so I am getting prepared to change things around and decorate for the Birthday Bash. 

Since Spring is in the air and we are all ready for some warm weather I will decorate with some Spring colors. So I have chosen my antique white linen tablecloth with the hand appliqued roses, and my silk pink rose napkin rings.  Together with the matching white napkins this should look pretty.  When deciding what to make a table scape with - always think of the seasons outside and the upcoming special event at hand. It always adds a little specialness to sometimes an otherwise usual look.  Today I will use pinks and whites with gold and crystal.  Fresh but elegant and feminine.

Making a choice of dishes is important as dishes and table lines need to go together.  So I have a choice.  I can use my beaded round place mats or my oversize gold ones. Since I am going to use my golden crystal plates I think the gold ones will look the best.  My plates are clear, with a grape design and gold accents through out.  Very special for very special ladies.

A simple golden silk scarf laid down the center of the table gives a relaxed feel to the fancy table.  And the layer upon layer effect gives the eyes something to see beyond the flat surface of the table.  I have gold flatware and using it here will make each lady feel like a queen.  Each special meal together needs to be memorable, and details do matter. 

Creating the perfect centerpiece is easy.  Just gather up crystal candlesticks and several oversize crystal dishes. Place the dishes upside down and center the candlesticks on top.  Vary the sizes and styles and the levels of all of them -this will  make a interesting grouping to look at.  Add tall white taper candles and voile!  A beautiful centerpiece finishes off the table and it is ready to receive my guests. It's little things that can add so much.   I believe guests should feel special at my table.  If they have taken their time to spend it with me - I want it to be a good memory made and one they would like to repeat at my table often!

This group is varied in ages and are everything from young moms to grandmothers.  But we have done many projects together through the years and we have made many good memories together.  Each of these ladies are great leaders with unique talents and skills. I am honored to be working with each of them.  We have great plans for the future.......... Happy Birthday to my readers! May this year be the best one yet for you!    

The Black Hairy Spider!

My grandkids and I love being together any time we can.  It's always so special with us playing together or singing or learning a new skill - or their favorite, me reading them books.  I think it must be the funny voices I use when telling a story - oh the laughing and the fun we have together!  One day this week we got to spend some time playing.  And Jake pulls out his Lego set of all kinds of little toys.  So there are toys all over the floor and Gracie and I are helping him to set up his pirate camp. 

When a little ant comes crawling out of the toys I think of all the different places these toys have been, must have proved to be the perfect hiding place for this little ant. He must have been playing hide and go seek in the toys and got separated from his friends when the toys came back inside.  So they want to know why he was playing so far from home - and I told them I guess sometimes ants don't watch where they are playing and get lost. When suddenly Gracie pulls out a big plastic spider.

And I remembered a episode that happened to me when I was a a little girl. So I gathered our future - the next generation close to me and we sat in a chair and I told them a little girls miracle. 

When I was 6 years old in Africa, one night after our cooling baths my brothers and I were setting with our mother on a small couch and she was reading the story of Pilgrims Progress to us.  My father was spending the night in another mission so we were alone that night.  It was dark and we only had a kerosene lantern to see by.  I was thirsty and ask my mom to get me a drink.  She told me to go get it by myself.  I didn't want to go because it was dark, but I obeyed and went towards the back of our small mud packed house.  I was bare footed and did not consider the dangers of a dark thatch roofed house with a bare floor.  When I got to the end of the kitchen area I felt something furry under my foot.  I screamed and ran back to my mom crying I stepped on something!  This upset her and my brothers, who were 7, 5 and 4 years old at the time.  She picked me up and looked at my foot - seeing nothing.  But I refused to calm down and insisted that there was something on the floor and she needed to 'get it'. 

So we all got up and she picked up the lantern and we walked towards the kitchen.  We were all clinging to her skirt and scared.  I am still crying.  When we reached the place I said where it was - there on the floor was a black furry tarantula spider!  Bigger than my foot and now my brothers start crying with me! 

She hurried past it and put us all on the kitchen table.  And she got the broom and went to send it into eternity.  There was no way that ugly beast would be spending the night in our small house.  Even though we all slept under mosquito netting tightly tucked in.  So she gets the broom and jabs at it.  The spider angered now, jumped on the broom!  My mother screamed, dropped the broom and jumped on the table with us!  Now she is afraid that it did bite me. 

To my readers:  In West Africa - these are poisonous spiders and to be respected.  (one missionary had lost their baby by a tarantula spider bite - although I left this part out in telling my grandkids) having not tucked the mosquito netting in tight enough under the baby's crib.   

So now we are all crying and praying at the top of our lungs, 'Save us Jesus!'  And one of the native women heard us from her hut and came running.  We pointed and she saw it - and smiled and got one of my father's boots from the bedroom and leaned over it and killed it.  Suddenly all tension was gone and peace returned!  We were saved! But she and the African woman had to carry each one of us back to the couch - we wouldn't walk past the dead creature. 

Now looking back at that, my memory is so vivid of my mother's courage.  She never blamed my dad for leaving her alone in the jungle with 4 little children, sometimes for many days at a time.  She accepted her place and with strength faced her own battles day by day.  Now my mother is deathly afraid of any bug - and still is.  But that night we conqueror a dreaded foe and she quickly went and put all our shoes on and finished reading our chapter for the night. She never had to tell any of us to wear shoes after that!   

I remember my childish heart saying, 'thank you God for not letting that spider bite my foot when I pushed him down on the floor with my foot.'

Jake and Gracie were spellbound and set never taking their eyes off of me the whole story.  I told them God takes care of every need even when you are a little child.

Tell us another one MiMi!  No..... it's enough for 2 little hearts to absorb right now. Jake was ready to conquer any foe and protect Gracie and I from any enemies around.  We are back to playing now, but my childhood testimony is added to their memory banks yet again. Tiny hearts and minds but with giant faith actions....... prevail. 

Hallways of Time

The dream jobs of the world are those in which one gets to do what they love for work.  I have such a job.  Everyday I get in my car and go places and see people that I love.  Sometimes it's to do some particular task  for a staff member- and sometimes it's to handle a need. And there are times when I get to spend time with a lady or friend that I feel so privileged to know that I am able to do this because of the wonderful position I have been put in.  So my car takes me to yet another appointment steadily and safely. And on my various travels daily, I walk through many hallways to get to people or places. 

I am reminded going from place to place that one doesn't just appear into rooms.  But rather one must walk down corridors and long stretches of space to get to the next arena expected. At the end of every hallway there is a room.  Hallways have purpose and bring closure from the last room.  How am I doing leaving the rooms of the past in the past and moving down hallways of time into the next position I am called upon to experience. Every hallway has memories - I remember this marble statue clearly and how excited I was the day it was donated to our ministry. 'Slow down..... and enjoy the art for just a moment'. 

I must check on my classroom for class and make sure all is in order for my students.  My marriage class will meet tonight and learn about starting a new generation in their family - one in which they want to protect their children and build a strong marriage regardless of past histories of their personal families.  The decisions that will be made in my classroom may determine the security of the children of these families.  So walking from the doorway into this beautiful classroom is an important walk. 'Slow down ....... a marriage may be hanging in the balance tonight, make sure you greet each one with a open smile to know they can talk to you if need be.'

Coming down from the upstairs I guide my feet toward the foyer of the Community Center.  I never know who may be standing in this grand space hoping to see me.  So my steps can't be hurried although I feel to accomplish all I need to today - I must fly. 'Slow down ..... take measured steps of grace .... someone might be in need in here'.

Walking down the length of the Display Hallway I am reminded of the many people and events that my husband and I have experienced.  And knowing that these historical meetings between us and important people hopefully has helped hurting humanity.  Seeing my husband and I standing with President Bush in a picture, reminds me to pray for him and his family.  'slow down ..... someone needs that prayer you are praying right now'.

  Greeting staff members who are busy themselves is always a joy.  Together all of us do many things helping this great place called New Life to function well.  The happy sounds of people and the beautiful places we work makes for contentment in exercises of work.  Even the hallways here are stunning! 'Slow down ...... be sure to look and greet, someone may need a hug from a bad day'.

The quiet hallways of the Adult's wing allow me time alone as I walk.  It's clean and perfect, and I remember the endless hours when we were building these buildings and sometimes thinking this building phase will never end.  It took 10 long years of hard hard work, but it is all done now and that time is over.  Walking down the hallway I know that if I just keep walking, I will come to the end of this stage of life and another will begin - 'slow down .... you yourself might need a change of mind so you are prepared when the next door opens to walk in with confidence and preparations of maturity.  Time will lead me to the open doors through the hallways of motions.  Am I ready?  ...... I will slow down a little so I don't miss the turn.

There is always light at the end of the tunnel - walking, paced steady movement of faithful feet and journeys, allows us to get there.  Using the hallways of time we will have arrived at the right place and the right time - every time!