Gayla's Magazine

Fall Craft Day

Today was the Big Day that my plans have all come together upon.  It will take me several days to show you what all was created.  It really was a wonderful time - and so rewarding for me as I watched each group of men and women along with their children laughing and enjoying working together for their Church.  We took things that were of no value and turned them into great useful items for the RMA store.

A big thank you to Chuck who was in charge and directed our Role Models of America men's division at this event.  He coordinated teams of men and made sure each project was done efficiently and smoothly. He oversaw the furniture rebuilding, vacs, painting, welding, watch tinkering, and meticulous hand work with metals. Chuck you are a real Role Model for other men. 

This first project to share with you is our furniture refurbishing team.  I went to the warehouse weeks ago, and looked for furniture that could not be sold at the store in the condition they were in.  The staff at the warehouse raised their eyebrows at me, but agreed to bring them to me. So I had a variety of 'stuff' to overhaul. These old bar stools looked so tired and worn out.

So I spent some time with helpers and picked out the right fabrics from our storage and had fabric cut and ready for the men to arrive. So all they had to do upon arrival was get started creating new from the old.

Robert and his son decided to tackle these bar stools along with some other chairs.  What fun they had working together - father training his son in the practical use of changing out chair bottoms and refurbishing old furniture.  A practical skill his son will value in his own life later on.

These bar stools turned out so nice they were taken into the Coffee Cafe and used along the bar!   They are covered in a nice deep green upholstery fabric and the wood covered in a gold brushed paint. Turned out great! 

Here are the other sets of the bar stools - done in a animal print fabric.  My feeling is these will sell the day they are taken to the RMA store! Everybody loved them.

I kinda am partial to them too - as it's the last of this fabric that I have used for several projects (good memories for me)  The gold touches on the wooden frame is really nice.

These old ratty chairs came from a hotel donation and look atrocious - but not for long!

I had the fabrics ready and waiting for the man who could see how to change out the old for the new and bring a new life to old chairs.  

  The man for this job is Dustin - he's strong and diligent and he will persevere until they are all done I am sure.

Chuck oversees all the projects for men and he inspects their work making sure all things are completed properly.  There was a little welding, and scrubbing and painting as well as hammering, screw guns sandpaper and gluing too.

Now these looks so much better - you have to see these so enlarge them and take a good look at the old becoming new again with some TLC.

These chairs became two sets of 4 each in different colors with coordinating backs.  All scrubbed and clean - these chrome chairs are good to go.

Then there were these little raggedy chairs - but I likes the lines so they got to be chosen for a makeover!  They have a certain shabby chic like look even in their condition.

A bright yellow floral fabric will be perfect to change them from exhausted to energized!

   

And here are the three bears!  All washed, sanded down, repainted and recovered.  Now any Goldilocks will set here and find each seat is just right!

These baby beds need some attention - no screws or attachments were with any of these - just 6 bare beds.  Let's see what the guys can do with these.

  Sean is focused and in no time he has raised these beds from the depths and they have become usable again. 

To all the guys who I didn't get your pictures - yet you helped to create useful goods for other families - thank you for your hard work.  In one day you have transformed many useless pieces into useful treasures.   

It's All in the Details!

You have to have a today before you can have a tomorrow.  This was one of those kinds of days for me.  As a Pastor's wife it's alot of behind the scenes prep days before the BIG ONE arrives. 

If one thinks they will have a BIG DAY - without the tiny detail meticulous days in planning and preparing - one will be in for a disappointment.  For the BIG DAYS are born on the shoulders of the diligent and detailed days. 

Tomorrow is a BIG DAY for me - one that I have been working towards for 3 months now.  But it's success will depend upon my attention to the details of the last three months, not the Event Day.  Tomorrow is our Annual Fall Craft Day - and this year we have the men's division joining in also. 

Notes, and meetings and planning sessions, staff preparations and RMA emails and phone calls - I think all things are in order now.  I am ready to enjoy being with everyone now.

What did I do on this last day?  Set up the gym with all of the different centers of crafts - furniture, vaccum cleaners, baby beds, baskets, flower arranging, glass painting, wreath making, pillow sewing, jewelry making, and watch repairing, certain planned areas of work spaces next to electrical outlets.  Trips to Walmart getting last minute fabrics and ribbons for the Gift Jar crafting area. 

Making sure the furniture to be recovered all has the fabrics ready and cut for them to go to work on.  No guessing here.  All laid out for the guys.

Tarps ready for the painting team to spray paint all of the baskets.

Batteries and tools for the watch repair guys.

Then it's a run home to make the chicken salad for 100 for lunches tomorrow. 

Make dinner - clean up everything - take the big heavy chicken salad pan back to the Community Center and get it settled where I will make the sandwiches early tomorrow morning.  Rolls, chips and iced tea are already on hand ready to go - thanks to hard working staff members.

Ok my day is done - I will show you lots of pictures tomorrow of what all happened. 

Can't wait....... oh yes one last thing - my blog to you!

Tomorrow....tomorrow.... I love ya ....tomorrow .... is only a prayer away!! 

LaVerne Collins - An African Missionary

This is the burial place of one of God's special young women. Her name is Laverne Collins - a young woman who had a yearning in her heart to do something with her life as a missionary.  So she went to Bible School, and upon graduation she embarked upon her plans to go to African soil.  She arrived just a young girl fresh out of college.  But she had not been properly trained in the dangers of living deep in the jungles of the tropics. Nor did she know about the dreaded malaria that is so easily contracted there through mosquito's.  She did not understand that her very life could be at stake unless she took precautions to protect her health.  And so wisdom did not prevail. 

She died shortly after her arrival.  The natives were disappointed and did not understand why she came there only to die.  Why did this occur?  But even missionaries live in human bodies and must take care with their health. They are not immune to sickness.   

She was buried here shortly after her death - and her family in America mourned her loss across the world.  She was honored by my father and mother when they arrived.  My Dad gave her a proper concrete burial plot with flowers. Her grave is marked today, back in the jungles of Liberia, 65 miles deep into the bush.  Her eternal crown awaits forever - for at least she went, when others did not.

And when Dad completed his work I remember my parents having a small memorial service there at her white washed grave with all 4 children.  They told us about making sure we would take our medication every day - the hated quinine pills that renders the malaria sickness harmless if bitten. We listened and tried to choke down the horrible bitter tasting pill every day. 

Mother would melt it, mash it in jelly, tried to mask it with juice, make us hold our breath and swallow hard, all trying to get us to eat quinine.  It is certainly the nastiest tasting medicine on the market!  But it kept us safe. We would cry and plead 'not tonight mom' but she would remind us again of the white washed grave outside in the yard.  We dreaded that ritual every night - taking the bitter pill! But she would not give in and we would somehow get the horrid things down night by night.

Funny I still have trouble taking pills!

And Sis Laverne - you did your part protecting our lives by giving your own, as we did understand the sacrifice that you had made and the seriousness of the situation fighting mosquitoes. And 4 little kids survived ages 4,5,6, and 8 while living deep in the heart of Africa, thanks to your sacrifice.  I honor you this day Sis Laverne Collins. Thank you for your ministry to us.  

    

By the Light of the Moon

Nothing can be better than riding bikes on the beach at sundown!  There is something so special about seeing the sun dip below the horizon and the long shadows change on the rippling waters moment by moment.  Soon the light is gone and a new illumination begins.  The light of the moon.

Walking in life together has brought us through many many sunrises and sunsets in life.  Some have been wonderful to travel through.  Some have been quite scary and dark.   Something about this evening reminds me of our walks together through 30+ years now.  Do we have life all worked out now? No.  Do we know what is going to happen next? No.  But we do have a secret about our life to share with you........ you see there are not two of us in our relationship - there are actually three!  My husband, me and then there is Jesus.  And He is the One who is really in charge of our lives.  Together my husband and I try to follow in His footsteps. 

How fun to ride along and chase the waves on a bike at night.  It's warm but cooling breezes are flowing.  The tide is coming in, but we can ride quickly away from the waves when they get too close.  The sand is wet, but firm enough to hold bike tires. It's dark but the light of the moon is enough to see by.  Get my drift?  You may be riding at night right now - but provisions have already been made to give you another perspective also - are you looking for it?

By the darkened sky and the moonlit sand we pedal our bikes enjoying the quiet. You know what is wonderful about midlife?  We have raised our family and enjoy the fruit (grandchildren) and are still young enough to have a life all over again.  It's better than being a young married couple just starting out.  Just think..... how much fun you can really have at this age!! Have you really thought about it?

Tomorrow begins a new day full of adventure and joy.  This evening marks one to hold in my memory bank.  Look at the moon - and then look at the orbs in this picture.  Interesting isn't it?   

Wonder which orbs are more important? The round moon? Or the unexplained orbs here. Some believe orbs in a picture are angels around about us..........

What do you think? It was not raining but rather very dry and still on this night.... what could it be? 

How to Conquer Fear

As a Christian Counselor, sometimes I am called upon to be an encourager to someone suffering from the pangs and troubles of life.

Would you like to know what is my advice to cope with anxiety and fears?

Here is my prescription - it has never failed anyone who does this. 

Put your floaties on.  What?  Yes this sounds absurd right now in the midst of your storm, but just listen a moment and I can teach you how to get things to calm down.

 Your trouble is like a bad storm that you are in......the water is rising and you feel like you are going to drown.  Listen to my calming voice and do what I say and you will rise above the trouble.  I can't change your trouble, but I can help change YOU and that will change your troubles.  

Floaties are those little plastic devices that are slipped up on the upper arms and then filled with air.  They puff up and help keep a child afloat while playing in water.  Imagine yourself putting these on, and learn from one who has had lots of experience in fighting fears.

Fears are imagined dramas played out in the mind. They can also be the manifestation of spiritual warfare.  This is no way to live life, and certainly you are having trouble trying to conquer these invisible monsters in your own strength. Many people try to medicate the demons by using drugs, and alcohol - but these will only add more complications to life.   

Here's what you do.

When the fear hits your mind, or sometimes it can feel like it hits your stomach. And the anxious panic starts in, pick up your Bible and open it and start reading.  Ask the Father to give you a verse just for you.  Start reading until a verse is a  confirmation to you about His care.  Sometimes it may seem like the verse is just for you, or jumps off the page at you. Then write that verse or set of verses out by hand.  The act of writing something in your own handwriting helps you to retain it. 

Take that handwritten verse and put it in your pocket, or somehow put it on your person.  Every time the fear comes to torment you,  pull the verse out and read it out loud to yourself.  The fear will leave.  Why?  Because you have given the solution of truth to the question of fear.  Spiritual warfare will cease and peace will come. 

When you are tested again - do the same thing.  As many times as you need to.  This is using the same weapon Jesus did when the devil attacked him.  He used the Word against him saying, 'It is written......'.  This is a proven path of peace.  To copy what Jesus did in the face of satan is to find victory each and every time.

This activity is as wearing floaties!  It will literally hold you up no matter the depths that sweep over your mind and spirit.  If you have torment at night, open your Bible and sleep with it on your chest,  or tape a copy next to your desk, or post it in your car where you can see it often, to combat fear and anxiety attacks.  The Word of God is powerful and will change your thoughts - thus changing the battlefield of the mind, by giving you the strategy over mental warfare. 

So get your floaties out - and put them on!  You need not suffer another day in the grip of fear!  Learn to memorize the verses - then when the mental thoughts come to you, simply quote the Word of God.  I promise you this will change the mental atmosphere around you instantly.... and bring you comfort in God's care over you.

      

Galveston on a Bicycle

We were able to go to one of our favorite places - Galveston for the day.  It's time for a little R and R and to let our minds have a break.  So we load up our bicycles and head out for the day.  This is our first time to get to try out the new bicycle rack for the car since my husband received it for his birthday back in August.

Bike riding today is just as fun as it was when we were 10 years old.  Most adults have forgotten the joy and thrill of riding a bike.  But when you get on one, and start the pedals it always brings a smile to the face and a relaxation to the spirit. 

I am ready with the side pack of camera, reading glasses, lip gloss and knee brace (just in case).  Strap it around my waist and I am good to go for the whole day.  Yes!

We have had more fun at our ages, than I'm sure we did as kids.  Getting on the bike and starting the pedals, instantly makes movement happen and brings a smile to my face. I don't want a fancy dancy bike.  No hand brakes or different speeds.  Who needs 5 speeds, or 10 speeds - just give me a good old fashioned bicycle with handle bars and the brakes on the pedals.  I had a Huffy bike when I was a teen, and I have a Huffy bike now!  Still the right bike for me some 30 years later in my book! 

I want a simple bike that I just ride.  Not one that is filled with complicated issues of gears and speeds.  The only things I like on my bike are a basket (to carry things I might find along the way)  and a bell.  I like a old fashioned bike bell that rings out ping..... ping.... making sure I don't run over anyone I am passing.  Everyone smiles as we pass, and I notice the wishful looks in some eyes of older mature adults carrying the heavy loads on their shoulders of the weights and responsibilities of being someone in charge.  Sadly I wish they too could be riding a bike, feeling the wind on their faces and enjoying the warm sunshine and fresh air. 

Seeing life from a bicycle is different from a car, or even a motorcycle.  One can just wheel slowly along looking at all the details that go past.  Watching the  ole time trolley go past is great!

   We love old architecture and Galveston is full of history and tons of old buildings to explore.

Finding a little tucked away lunch place we enjoyed a fresh spinach salad with cranberries, walnuts and goat cheese.  Along with some multi-grain toast, it was a light lunch.  I was a little concerned it would not be enough food for my husband, but we enjoyed it and the ambiance of the place.  Mostly it's about us being together that makes a new experience fun!

We love strolling through the old antique stores looking for ideas for our own businesses.  We always get inspirational thoughts about home when we are away from home. We may be away from New Life, but New Life is not away from us!

Wonder what we could do with this idea?  It seems like alot of things can be displayed in a little space.  Hmmmm....

Our personal library does not need any more books - but we thumb through some old ones anyway.  It's just interesting to brouse old church books. 

Let's stop at Starbucks and get a cold drink.  Our favorite - something with soy milk.  How about a frosty Chai Tea with soy. Have you ever tried this drink?  It's really really good! And while we set a moment, we can see possibilities with our Coffee Cafe.  Ideas.... ideas....

I love this moment in time.  A hard working man sets outside his business, and starts nodding off in the shade. We tip toe in the door, as to not wake him, and behind us comes another couple and just as they get to the door - the man drops a  ice chest he is carrying.  Clang!!!! The poor guy jumps a foot as the plastic box lands right next to him. So much for waking the dead! The quiet now disturbed, our peaceful stroll through the store is over, and we hurry out - thinking they might drop something, or break something in this store! Ha!

  There are so many breakable things in these stores .....and some things I see that we have had in our own RMA store.  How things are displayed always interests me as I want our presentation to be nice. More ideas.....

If this old piece could talk I wonder what stories could be told?  It's bound to be old and full of history.  Some of the big tall doors in these buildings are original and I enjoy seeing them, knowing the hands of a hundred years ago also opened them.  I reverently close the doors behind us carefully as to not cause any damage.

  And one of the grand things about these antique shops are looking at the vintage clothing.  Look at these!  This red gown made from red netting and lace is a real classic!  And the Victorian garments are authentic, how interesting! I can't imagine how women had to wear these terribly hot garments down here in this heat.  No wonder they fainted alot!  Unbearable!

It's been a relaxing day - much needed and restful.  And most of all...... wonderful for us!

 

Pastor's Wives on Sunday Mornings.

It's early Sunday morning and the usual time to get going has arrived!  5:30 comes quick today, but I am rested and ready to go!  Pastor's wives are the ones up at this hour on Sundays, we sisters all know what our families need before heading out to minister, sometimes from 8am straight through till 9 sometimes 10 pm.  It's our full day.

So what do we do?

First it's get dressed, thinking through what all will be happening on this day. Services, meetings and meals. Hair, make-up and the right clothes to be comfortable in, and most importantly the right shoes to not have tired feet all day.

Prayertime is next for the needs of the congregation, and the services.  And for the community of people to respond to the call of God and come.  We have prepared a church building, prepared the services, and prepared the sermons.  Now men and women must respond by coming to be fed the Word of God. 

Then it's to mentally go through the music for the two services this morning.  We are doing sign language to one, I pray the choir is also ready to enact their parts. 

I have to write myself notes to check on certain things.  Sunday mornings don't begin on Sunday am, but rather they begin on Saturdays with various details such as a nursery caregiver who can't be on her post because of sickness - so it's covered. Now today I will make sure her replacement is in place and comfortable with what to do.

Checking on the Children's Pastor to see about his ministry and supporting him, 

Then it's head to the kitchen and get some details covered with Sunday dinner that was cooked yesterday.  Healthy food does take planning and pre-preparations on Sundays! Make some tea and breakfast for my dear hard working husband who will pour out his heart, for many hours today before he can rest again.

OK all the ducks are in a row and I can focus on just me and Jesus for almost one glorious hour before it's time to leave.  My favorite part of every Sunday morning. 

And when it's time to back my car out of the garage and head to the church - I feel ready, prepared to minister music and the Father and I smile at each other as we step out of the car and into the needs of people.  May today be an outstanding day across the world in His Presence.

Are you headed out to church on Sunday?  God has prepared spiritual food for you - will you be 'at the table' ready to eat?  Nothing makes a minister feel worse than to deligently prepare and carefully create a message from the Lord for people, and then to have them ignore God's nudges and simply not come. 

I trust - you put God first in attending His House.  He certainly puts us first!

An Accident Waiting to Happen?

I am still thanking God for His protection today!  I could have been involved in a serious car accident this afternoon, but for His angelic care.

I was trying to cross a busy 4 lane road and listening to a teleconference with 3 people on my phone.  I know .... I know..... you don't have to say anything.  Doing too many things at the same time. 

I saw a opening in the traffic and a semi truck barreling along, but I knew I could cross ahead of him. Anyway I saw my chance to jump out in the traffic, and I did.  But I did not know another car was on the other side of the truck as the big rig was hiding him.  So when I crossed in front of the truck, instantly there was a car staring right at me.  I don't know how he did not broadside my car.  He was going as fast as the truck was. 

Somehow I shot across in front of him, scaring him and me badly!!!!! How did we not collide?  Only the mercy of God caused us to pass within a hairs width of each other.  Both of us were flying past.  I saw the car in a instant flash and then it was gone.  How do angels stretch out their arms and hold hurdling metal vehicles apart protecting the people inside? Only God knows. 

He gives His Angels charge over us.  I am glad I belong to Him.  And yes it's a wake up call to slow down and pay better attention to the road.  I pulled over immediately as my heart was pounding.  Got off the road and bowed my head in gratefulness. Those with whom I was on teleconference call with, never knew what could have just occurred.  But I did. And I excused myself from the call and soberly drove on dutifully chastised by the Lord.

My life continues on safely today - by another miracle from God.  Thank you Father for saving me.       

The Fall Craft Day

My plans for the big Fall Craft day with Role Models of America include many details.  There are behind the scenes meetings happening as we all get ready to come and spend a day creating, repairing, redoing or rebuilding different items to sell in the RMA store, for the seasons of Fall and Christmas that are just ahead.   

The day will begin at 9am next Saturday and finish around 3pm.  We will be working in the Community Center Gym.  I have both divisions of men and women coming for different projects. 

The Men's Division will have their own projects to work on that day.  They will have simple furniture repairs to do - I have a whole group of chrome chairs coming that need new seat covers, and some others that will make great 'shabby chic' style chairs with a little attention. There are baby beds that need some TLC and mechanical tightening.  Then I have 20+ vacuum cleaners coming for cleaning and tinkering.  Also there are lots and lots of watches that need new batteries put in them.  Oh yes ...... and a simple needle nose pliers job changing out links in ankle bracelets and turning them into wrist bracelets.  I almost forgot to tell you about the paint shop they will be in charge of - spray painting baskets in fall colors, orange, deep browns, rust and golden yellows also in Christmas colors too. Colors of the traditional red and green, along with silver and gold. These guys are really going to be a big help this year.

The Women's Division will also have different projects to do.  There are lots and lots of flowers to turn into beautiful flower bouquets.  There will be  different Gift Jars to put together of a Harvest Spice Tea, a decadent double Chocolate Brownie mix, and a special something which they have not told me about just yet, that will be sold in the Coffee Cafe this Fall.  There will be glass painting - done in fall themes and Christmas designs - all on glass vases, sets of glasses and touch ups to be done on ceramic pieces.  We will have a pillow making area turning fabric into beautiful works of art in pillows.  Wreathes to be made in fall arrangements and Christmas themes also. 

It takes me 3 months to plan this event, and gather all of the items needs to make this day a big success.  And then plan it with the different teams of people. Then to take care of the lunch plans which are being done in the Coffee Cafe for the event.  I am looking forward to a day of artistic fun and fellowship with everybody. Next week the gym will be turned into a glorious giant craft center, and I will be sure to take pictures to share with you when it happens. 

Today was spent getting the details and the last of the time-line started headed for the big day. 

Necessity is the mother of invention.  All of these projects are in my imagination as I see thousands of items that go through our store - and what could be done to enhance, recreate, rebuild and make something valuable out of nothing. 

Sounds like Jesus to me - He is the Grand Creator and has the All Knowing Imagination as He can take a worthless life and turn it into a breathtaking work of art and value! 

Just look at what He did with the blind, halt, crippled and the dead!!

So next week we will take 'blind, halt, crippled and dead things' and turn them into value for God's Kingdom work.   

4 Herb Tea

Meet two of the Dubois family from Mexia Texas.  These great people were a joy to meet recently!  Mom and daughter inspired me with their stories of healthy living.  They eat all organic foods, carefully have planned how to take care of their health issues with proper nutrition, and know all about botanicals and herbs.  They also study essential oils and their properties that can help with health problems.  They eat no processed foods, practice and learn all they can about taking good care of their large families various needs, such as abscessed teeth and poisonous spider bites. They raise their own organic animals for meat sources, as well as have a large garden. Grinding their own grains and making their own breads and foods - I was fascinated by all they do! They also have their own electrical system of solar power along with their own generator systems.  No electrical bills for this family to pay!  Wow isn't that a wonderful thought! 

I've got to tell you what they told me about a tea that they drink every day, all 6 kids and Mom and Dad.  It's a herbal tea that has great healing properties that has been used since the 1920's for serious health challenges in another country.  I couldn't wait to get on-line and look it up.  I know so many people suffering with lung issues, cancers and serious painful conditions.  I am always open to learn something new from another country that someone else may have discovered that helps to heal conditions. It's called 4 Herb Tea and ..... oh it's too much to tell you about - just go look for yourself!   

What I have read is amazing! So incredible that I think everyone who reads my blog should go and read about this site.  Go and study for yourself.

www.herbalhealer.com