Gayla's Magazine

Christmas Party Decorations for 350 people

Yesterday was another rental here at the Community Center of New Life.  We looked forward to hosting this major retail store's staff party and showing all of them a great time at New Life. 

  Special thanks goes to Gladys Owens who made all of the gold table cloths for this grand evening.  She sewed 50 round ones and I don't know how many rectangle ones she ended up sewing.  She and I have been planning the decor for over a month.  Now it's the day before and we are ready to put all of the pieces together.

It's time to go pick up the greenery from the RMA store, where my supplies have been gathered up and stored till I needed them. 

Carry all of the supplies into the Gym and make a big mess for several hours.

  Here's my beginnings of the table decorations.  I know it does not look like much right now but give me a few minutes and it will all make sense. 

I took pieces of Christmas trees - in a thrift store donations come in of all kinds.  For the last 2 months all of the trees that were donated that were not complete - were set aside for me.  What?? Yes these pieces make great floral arrangement bases to work with. 

It so happened someone donated 2 large garbage bags full of sprays of gold leaves - not by chance - I have been praying for the Lord to send me the right things to work with.  And He did.

Here's how we did the centerpieces for each table.  Take one branch and spread or fluff out each branch, taking care to wrap one of the branches around the metal hook that would normally hook into the tree trunk of a Christmas tree. 

Then take the gold sprays and lay them over the green branches, tucking the gold leaves in and around all of the branches.  Then take ornaments and hot glue them into place on top.  Ribbons or pine cones or any type of ornaments could be used as the final decoration to match any color of decor. We chose red and silver balls for a sparkle of color.   

The Gym was set up and dressed, for the big party.

       The staff is now ready for their rental and I am going home to prepare for my own appointment this evening.

And later I heard the party was enjoyed by everyone.  Well done team!! And the cost of these decorations?  Zero. Now THAT makes me happy!    

The Ybarra Wedding in Cancun Mexico

Tonight was a wonderful dinner at 101 Main Street.  We spent a great meal talking with Sheila and Moses about their upcoming wedding.  It's less than a week now, and all the final plans are being completed and we are excited for them.  My husband will be marrying them in this most important day of their lives. 

This meaningful and exciting wedding will be unforgettable, as it will be held on the sun drenched beaches of Cancun Mexico!  We along with 40+ family and friends are being flown there to stay in a secluded Resort - for this romantic wedding.  I am so happy for them, and can't wait to go!  I really need to get started packing - next week will be very very busy for us. 

101 Main has a great chef and owner who made our dinner so delicious tonight.  My Madrid style Curry was awesome - along with the  Gourmet Tuna, blackened Salmon and Spinach Chicken.  Then to top off the great meal, he created for us special blackberry and cream desserts (off the menu) to celebrate the upcoming wedding!  So nice!

It was a good time, and the first of 4 days of wedding parties and relaxation coming next week!! I will be sure to share with you - our next adventure in Mexico.   

Christmas Church Decorations

Our Church Foyer is filled with all the beauty of Christ at Christmas.  Since Christmas is the celebration of the Messiah's birth - Jesus Christ, we go all out to decorate and magnify Him.  Let me walk you through.  Welcome to New Life!  

Walking up to the front doors, there are 'candy canes' with greenery and big red bows leading the walkways on all three entrances. 

We settled on this type of happy greeting going to the front doors, as it's waterproof and sturdy to withstand all kinds of weather.  The 'candy canes' are re-bar metal stakes and the garland is strong enough to handle winds and water. 

Looking up above the front sets of doors - there are giant wreaths covered with twinkling lights and they look like they are glowing at night.  

Above the front doors are boughs of garland with golden angels and ribbons and lights.

This is the Bait Shoppe - our bookstore.  It's trimmed inside and out with garlands and lights.  

  Above every doorway around the Foyer - there are lights, glorious florals and golden angels intertwined with boughs of greenery.

    There are two trees next to the large mirror.  One is designated for Praise - and it is decorated with musical instruments.  There is a scripture on it as you can see - the phrase the Angels said, 'Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace goodwill toward men'.  Which is a scripture found in the book of Luke in the Bible. 

The tree on the other side of the mirror is designated for Mary - who was the Mother of Jesus.  Blessed woman above all women.  It has tiny nativity sets on it and also the scripture which tells the historical record of Mary - and her response to the Angel's message to her. 

  On the other side of the Foyer is another tree that is designated to the Hosts of Angels that heralded the birth of Jesus. It's done in blues to represent the night sky, and lots of tiny silver angels and trumpets and doves.   

 

And the verses of scripture that are recorded about the angels coming. 

  The center tree I will have to tell you about in another post, as it's too much to give you the details here.  It's quite elaborate and special.  It is dedicated to Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior and everything on it is about Him.  More on that later.

The Reception desk is also trimmed and ready for Christmas. 

And on the top is the valued Nativity set (of which the Church has many sets - all donated by the church family and added to over the years.)  I have never counted how many we now actually have. But we have them set up everywhere.

A child is in wonder walking through the Church..... isn't that what really should be happening instead of all the materialism and greed they see portrayed everywhere else at Christmas time? 

I believe Churches all over the world should focus on Christmas and really decorate - after all it is the symbolic day in which we celebrate of the birth of the Lord and Saviour - JESUS CHRIST.... THE SAVIOR OF THE WORLD.

Have you ever read the story of the birth of Christ? It's found in the New Testamant of the Holy Bible - look in Luke the first chapters and you will find a revealing record of His miraculous birth. 

   

Thanksgiving Day - Part 4

Thanksgiving is not complete without seeing the needs of others taken care of.  We finish our special dinner with Chuck and Deborah and climb on board the RV and head for the Mexico border. We arrived at Pastor  Juan's church, and shortly we had company.

He was there within minutes and it was good to see him again and get filled in on the details of the ministry here. 

He is fluent in English and Spanish and pastors both sides of the Mexican - American border. 

Then our missionaries Abby and Ernesto from Alamo Mexico arrive, and we spent a little time catching up with them,  They have an orphanage there on the coast, and the needs of the children are great.  Both of them look well after suffering health problems recently.  We were happy to tell them we had brought supplies for them.  Happy Thanksgiving!!

So it's time to open the backs of both vehicles and start unloading.  There are supplies sent to help ease their load and provide necessities for the children. 

It was cold and rainy, but we moved quickly and soon had everything reloaded into their car. 

  I know this warm blanket will mean so much to someone in Mexico - it's as cold there as it is here.  How would you like to try to sleep in a house with no heat, and the temp is 45!

They wanted a Christmas tree for the children - we so happened to bring one with us.

Joy of joys!  They had ask us for a computer to teach with - we brought two for them.  This will change their world and open the wide world to the children there.

  Look at the expression on his face - he is thrilled!  And we were too.

And a printer too!!!  We all were so thankful to God for His provision for the ministry. After giving them the 18 lb turkey already cooked and ready to eat - it's time to get back on board and head back home.  The trip for us is 765 miles round trip. And about 760 miles  round trip for them  back to the heart of Mexico along the coast - we meet halfway for both sides at the border. 

Special thanks goes to our donors and ministry partners who help us do our missions work around the world. May God bless your efforts and thank you for helping us with provisions for these - some of God's Princes and Princesses in the earth - missionaries! No better way to spend a true thanksgiving in my perspective.   Want to help us?   

Another Thanksgiving Banquet

Our Thanksgiving lasted all week long around here. It's a very busy week, for us.   We were privileged to enjoy a special Thanksgiving Dinner with one of our spiritual daughters this year,  Deborah.  The Lord sent her into our lives years ago and she is a daughter to us.  It was so nice to be at her house, savor a wonderful meal, spend time together and enjoy good conversation with Deborah and Chuck and the kids.

I know I know you hate to take pictures........ but it's Thanksgiving Day.... and it's just one little picture.  Okay this one will have to do.

Chuck cooked a awesome turkey outside in a trash can!!  I know it sounds funny - but it really was juicy and it was delicious! They cooked two of them and had one ready to send with us when we left.    

Dad carves the turkey, Mom sets the table, the kids fill the glasses and help carry everything to the table. 

Then it's time to eat!! MMMMMMM

  Trashcan turkey, homemade mashed potatoes, stuffing, squash casserole, corn, 7 layer salad, green bean casserole, rolls and the list goes on!! Chilled sparkling grape juice and desserts to die for - one was called Sopapilla Cheesecake - it tasted like it was straight from heaven, and the World's Best Chocolate Pie. How does one put into words the way great food tastes! Delicious ...... so good...oh my oh my!! And before we knew it, the food was consumed and the dinner was over. 

We really had a great time, we were sorry the time went so fast.  Then suddenly it was time for us to leave, go get on board the RV Coach and head for Mexico, for the next part of Thanksgiving.

To give our thanksgiving gifts to two of our missionaries.  More tomorrow about this adventure.

   

Happy Turkey Day

What are my special thankful thoughts today for Thanksgiving?  The doorbell rings and it's our kids!  Come in come in .... it's hugs and kisses all around and happy turkey lurkey's and I'm thankful for you's, then it's time to put everything on the table and eat our own Thanksgiving Feast. I am thankful they live next door!

  The table is set for Thanksgiving with golds, and rusts and orange colors all melting into each other against the  beautiful dark wood.  It's a simple table but just right for four adults with the two little special grandchildren just learning how to act at a proper table. I am thankful for my home and all the blessings God has given to me!

PawPaw starts acting so silly - and the kids love it!  I can't get him to make a straight face for me and take a picture. I am soooo very thankful for my husband of 32 years!

So I go to Gracie and she is acting silly too.  PawPaw has started something and it's impossible to get a good photo of her either.  Funny how they look like each other here!!!

My grandchildren are my life and I am so very grateful to God for both Jake and Gracie!

  Angie - I love my daughter and thank God for her every day!! I am thankful we work together in the ministry as well!

Daughter Angela, and Son in law Sean (who is such a sweetheart) I am thankful for a fine decent loving son in my family! 

We all are thankful for each other in this chaotic world we live in - it's such a tremendous blessing to have my family whole and complete - together.  God has been so good to us and I appreciate all of His blessings upon my family.

There can be no greater joy than to have my family at our table all together. Our table is peaceful and good, we enjoy the good food, the laughter and Gracie's antics.   From my family to yours - may this holiday season be blessed with God's love and peace throughout your family functions.  Happy Thanksgiving Day!! 

Thanksgiving Feast

  The Children's Ministry of New Life, directed by Pastor Thomas and Jamie plus all of the teachers and the children of New Life, collected a  complete Thanksgiving Feast for a special family this year. 

The children have been taught by their teachers about giving for the entire month of November, and they have been putting together a complete Thanksgiving Dinner under the careful guidance of the 5th and 6th Grade Teachers Scott and Melody.

  Jamie completed it with a beautiful basket and a card from all of the children and teaching staff. When it was all put together it was quite a full meal - enough for maybe 2-3 days!  When I called the family to let them know, they were so thankful.  It's been a rough year - but their faith in God has seen them through.  Having a home church when life is tough - is the best support team a family can have! 

Well done Pastor Thomas - I am glad you are teaching our children to become givers.      

I can imagine the enjoyment of the family as they cooked and prepared their Thanksgiving Dinner this year.  Thanksgiving truly has meaning when we give to another. 

More tomorrow about Thanksgiving functions!

Our food pantry is always in need of food as we feed families weekly here.  Please remember there are people in need every day - not just Thanksgiving.  Can you help?

Happy Thanksgiving Day!

Here in America it is Thanksgiving Day and the greatest message I can give you for this special day is to go and read what my husband wrote today.  It is really good!

I hope you put 5 kernels of corn on your plate today.  ????    Just go read it!

www.gregoryholley.com

Christmas Decorations for the Church

The Christmas decorations all start with the meaning of Christmas, as it is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.

We have a tradition every year to highlight Jesus' birth in front of the church family, and to all families that visit our church during the Christmas season. 

At New Life, the centerpiece and focus is on Jesus.  Our Italian marble front stage is covered with a rich burgundy brocade fabric and draped with bronze lame and trimmed with elegant bows and long crystals. 

Then the Nativity set is set into place.  This set of figures is large and beautifully done, and the children always stand transfixed in front of it looking at each person. Many are lifted into their parents arms, and carefully explained to them the Christmas story.  From one generation to another the glorious historical record is recounted again and again.  Little children's eyes are huge and all of them want to touch the people. Every service this can be watched as children want to see it up close.  It brings the miracle of His birth to life for them, in such a way that they can see and understand easily.  The mother of our Lord looks down on baby Jesus who is wrapped, but is separate and can be lifted from her arms. The Wisemen's gifts are also separate.

The platform choir lofts are trimmed in garland, with trees on either end.  The gigantic wreaths are now hanging suspended from the 20 foot ceiling.  My camera somehow does not show the white lights shining - but there are hundreds of tiny white lights covering each tree, and the railing garland.  It truly is gorgeous to see!   

And when our Thanksgiving Communion arrives - everything will be so beautiful!  I love the House of God to look prepared and excellent for the celebration of the Son of God's birth!!!

The view from the sound booth, looking at the platform.

And this is the view of the sound booth.  It too has lights covering the garland. So nice!

More tomorrow. 

   

Christmas Decorating Teams

It's time to kick off our shoes and show our Christmas socks and get into the Christmas spirit and get things decorated for this Christmas season!

This is just 4 of us - we had all of our Role Models of America leaders - men and women - and helpers who worked all day! Most were on this project, but one Leader is in the Community Center as she is the Director of  the Children's Christmas Drama this year.

  Unpacking and unwrapping, checking Christmas lights, and it took several people all day long to handle the fluffing operation of the miles of garland!

The big Snow Village gets carefully unpacked and ready for the capable hands of technical men! Houses, streets, tiny people, churches, animals, trees and snow ...snow... snow!

Each person has their own project to work on.  Some came and stayed all day - while others came half day, and others came and helped us at the closing of the day cleaning up our mess and vacuuming the huge areas.  Special thanks to Kathy and Shirley for your tireless work! I didn't get pictures of every area being worked on - just the completed looks. 

How do I manage to get everything done? The work is designed to be completed in  5 areas.  First the Foyer of the Sanctuary, secondly the Sanctuary and the Choir Lofts, third is the Bait Shoppe,  fourth is  the Coffee Cafe and last the Foyer and Grand Hallway of the Community Center. Having the different areas under different Leaders decoration skills - makes this huge project easier for me to supervise. I have notebooks of each area and building with pictures we have taken over the years to show exactly what each decorated area is to look like - this makes it easy and the day is enjoyable for me to be with everyone in a relaxed way!

Tomorrow........... I will show you the transformed beautiful decorations which begin our Christmas season at New Life!  Thank you everyone for all of your dedicated help to make the church beautiful for the celebration of our Lord's birth!