Gayla's Magazine

The Grandchildren's Vacation Plans

When our daughter was a little girl, her grandparents would fly her to be with them for a grandchild's vacation each summer. She has great memories of her MiMi and PawPaw trips to Texas or Daddy Sam and Mama Joyce trips to Georgia.

Now time has passed and it's our wonderful turn with our own grandchildren. Later this summer our grandchildren will be having a vacation with us - while their parents are in ministry elsewhere.  So we decided we better get some ideas lined out, so when the week appears we have our grandparent game all lined out!

So it's tent's time - to see if the kids will like to play in them.  Or would they rather play with the boxes the tents came in!

She decided she liked hers and promptly wanted to spend the night outside in it.  Ahhhh..... we didn't think she would come up with that!  Of course that's not an option. But she says 'I thought we were going camping' on our vacation?

But big brother is more thoughtful about his little tent.  What can I do in here?  It's a little hot in here - can I have a fan? Can I eat my meals in here?

And the camping chair is a little too tall - to sit in here.  Hmmmm what CAN he do in this thing?  MiMi is not sure, now that I see him inside it.

  How about lets see if you both will want to ride bikes with us.  The training wheels are on, but MiMi I can't ride without you walking with me.  Never mind that it's no problem when she is with her parents. She rides all over alone when she is with them.  Somehow all that changes when she gets with me!

It takes me longer to get her helmet on, her elbow pads and knee pads strapped on, then it takes her to get tired of riding - or rather me pushing her around! We will have to only bike ride when I am not too tired on their vacation!

No problem for PawPaw and grandson, they leave us in their dust as they ride off into the sunset. 

Maybe the tents will be played with and maybe they won't, but for PawPaw and MiMi the sights and sounds of grandkids make us happy no matter what the darlings will want to do.  We prepare for the big week coming.........

I will plan carefully the right meals that hopefully they will like, bring their favorite books and stuffed animals.  But I know the greatest memories they will have of their week with us, will not be so much of the activities that were done, but the unexpected surprises or little life events that become lifelong treasures.  I hope we can make some with them in The Grandchildren's Vacation.

www.gregoryholley.com       www.rolemodelsofamerica.org     

The Angels Cry Holy..... Holy.... Holy!

This table scape at the RMA Tea was all golden glory. With layer upon layer with different textures and luxurious fabrics with long silken fringes. This table represented the Angelic Hosts of God coming  up into His Presence, and going down to earth as His messengers. One of the sights we know that will be seen when we get to Heaven is God's Angels. And the description here is as if they are all golden with an ascending winding stairway up to God. 

The scripture topic was ".....and they cry Holy, Holy Holy Lord God Almighty." And this angelic table was splendid with every detail attended to. Lighted candles set the tone for all who were blessed to set here.

 They Cry Holy, Holy, Holy – Revelation 4:8 b  says the angels are saying ....."Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty".

In complete reverence of the Spirit of God, the angels are obedient as they make their way up and down from heaven and to cry out royal praises to God Almighty.

There was a tall winding staircase with lit candles, angels, flowers on the brocade table cloth. And special momento book for each lady to take home with her.

Wow what a table setting!  And  such interesting conversation pieces were here to talk about! Walterene, your team outdid themselves recreating this most awesome spectacle that we will see one day in Heaven - well done!

www.gregoryholley.com     www.rolemodelsofamerica.org

And He Shall Wipe Away All Tears

One of the special tables at the recent Role Models of America 10th Annual Tea was so gorgeous.  It was navy blue, silver and crystal. The theme of the Tea this year was called Heavenly Dreams and I would like to show you this incredible table first.

The thought behind the table scape was that it should be a contrast between heaven and earth.  On top was an light glowing through clouds. Literally there were lights glowing through the sheer fabric.  Underneath the divider between heaven and earth were tear drop crystals hanging that represented all the tears on earth, yet they stopped and never entered the glowing light of heaven

He Shall Wipe Away All Tears – Revelation 7:17 For the Lamp which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters:  and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.

I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.

Each of the place settings at this table scape were special with details to enjoy for each lady.  Enlarge each of these pictures so you can see all the details easily. The contrasts between the dark blue, clear crystal and white was beautiful.  And the message is so encouraging. Each lady received a copy of the book, 'All Things are Possible' to take home and read.   

The creator of this table scape was Role Model Walterene.  When she decided to use this idea for her table, we did not know that she would suffer the loss of her dearly loved husband Steve, within weeks.  And many have been the days of tears and sorrow for all of us since then.  But her table is an encouragement in a very special way - for the day will come in Heaven when all of our tears will be wiped away and we will never shed another tear.  There will be nothing more to mourn.  We will be at home with our Lord and our loved ones forever.

And so this is the first of the tables to be shared with you, it's uniqueness and timely message is forever the strength of the believers faith in Christ Jesus. Her team members helped her by using her theme and scripture and creating it in such a elegant way to describe the message so aptly.

Tears may endure for the night ..... but joy is coming in the morning! Rest assured in that fact.   

Stand Up To Cancer

I have a personal interest in cancer, as the Lord Jesus Christ has blocked it from my life 3 times!  This morning cancer again was brought to my attention through a news cast that is important enough for me to bring to your attention. 

Listen to this! Cancer is so prevalent now that the statistics say  1 out of 2 men will get this diagnosis in their lifetime.  And 1 out of 3 women. Isn't it time to pay attention to your own health?

The 3 major networks in America are joining together on Sept. 5, 2008 to put on a program about cancer!  All three at the same time, and the news anchors of  ABC, NBC, and CBS.  It's called Stand Up to Cancer', and will be a thorough investigation into cancer and the research that is happening.  www.standup2cancer.org   

Early detection is NOT the best preventative.  PREVENTION is the best! Just don't get it.   I encourage you today don't wait until you get that news - start now.  Become proactive about your health.  Learn everything you can about taking good quality care of your body.  It's the only one you will ever have! I could go on and on.... but why?  There are lots of books already about how to do this.  Get motivated and start educating yourself. 

1 out of 2?  Should you really ignore this?  

www.gregoryholley.com         www.rolemodelsofamerica.org     

 

The American Bible Society

Receiving a good word is always encouraging to everybody.  Today I got one of those that made my day!   

The American Bible Society is a ministry that the Bishop and I have supported for many years.  Why?  Because they are called to translate the Bible into the languages of the world and then distribute them.  And supporting such a cause is imperative and is a just ministry above others I believe. 

Today I received word from them that warmed my heart.  We now have translated the Bible into 2,454 languages!  The American Bible society is committed to making available some portion of Scripture for each of the nearly 7,000 spoken languages in the world by 2016.

The amount of time it takes to complete a first time full - Bible translation used to take an average of 20 years to complete.  Computer technology has changed that process and it now takes an average of 12 years.  It still takes  the essential and time consuming interactive process a translation team must undergo to keep the integrity and quality of a language secure. 

At any point this painstaking process can be interrupted by wars, fires, floods and disasters.  This massive undertaking is done with sacrifice by those of whom you will never know their names.  But God does and He will reward them openly in Heaven for their labors. 

For example: January  2008 Senegal has a new Serere Bible!  It was began in 1974 and is the first Bible to be launched in the national language of Senegal. It's celebration there is without words to express the power and impact of this nation that received the Holy Bible in their own language finally!!!!!

Interested in learning more?  Go visit

www.AmericanBible.org 

II Thessalonians 3:16 (GMT) May the Lord himself, who is our source of peace, give you peace at all times and in every way.  The Lord be with you all.

Isn't this verse comforting and encouraging? If you are in need today, take heart in this verse. 

Praise God there are people today - this very moment who can read it in the Central African Republic also. And their needs are often even unthinkable to those that don't live in third world countries. Yet they desperately need God's comfort and peace.

Au commencement, la Parole existait deja.  La Parole etait avewc Dieu et la Parole etait Dieu.  Au commencement, la Parole etait aec Diec.

To God be all the Glory!

How to Start a Church

As a Bishop's wife the many details and travels of our ministry are noted here through my eyes.  I see things from a third party perspective as ministry is happening among the churches we are a part of.  Last night was one of those special times to share.  The Bishop was needed to set a new church in order in Mexia Texas. Souls Harbor Christian Fellowship is a new church planting!  Pastors Don and Beverly Hoxworth started this new work some 6 months ago, and it was time to put their legal books and papers into place.

  So their church books have been put together with the Bishop's guidance behind the scenes in his offices.  For a church planting to be complete, the need for a formal meeting of the church family is so helpful.  The information that is provided and presented to the church family is both informative and encouraging to a new pastor and his flock.

• Setting the course for a new church involves many issues. And how meaningful it is to a new congregation and pastor to have the Bishop come in, and set things in order for them.  To have his expertise and wisdom, speak about the foundations of their church getting settled - this is invaluable in ministry.  Here are the 'how to's' of starting a new church, and setting into proper order the legal matters.

    

• 1. The initial letter to perspective members to attend The Formal Presentation
• 2. Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws by which the church will operate
• 3. The State of Texas Formation Certificates
• 4. Officers of the Corporation
• 5. The Affiliation with the The Fellowship
• 6. Presentation of Group IRS Exemption Number
• 7. List of Assets,
• 8. List of Loaned Equipment and Furnishings
• 9. Bank Information and Accounts,
• 10. Church Insurance Policy
• 11. Founding Members Role

Then the Pastors are brought forward and the Bishop lays his hands on them and anoints them for the work of the ministry of Souls Harbor Christian Fellowship.  This is such an affirming event for new pastors.  The prophetic words that are spoken over them, and their new work are life sustaining and encouraging!

Finding ministers with a sincere heart to do the work of the Lord, and are willing to sacrifice everything to be a Founding Pastor of a new church is a priceless gift to a community. The average church goer has no idea of the mental, physical, emotionally and financial price that a minister and his family pays to start a new church.   

The Associate Pastors are brought in to also help carry the load. And Pastor Dubois and his wife will serve this congregation in the work of the Lord. There are many details to be covered.  Who will lead the music for praise and worship? Who will serve as the Secretary to count the money and pay the bills weekly.  Who will be the Sunday school teachers for the children.  Who will serve as the Nursery teacher, taking care of babies and toddlers.  Who is going to clean the Church?  What about Teen leadership? And how about the oversight of taking care of the poor? The widows and the orphans? And don't forget the leadership classes for training up leaders in the church body.  Not to mention the ministry of the Word to be preached at each service.  And what about the sound systems - who is going to operate that? And who is in charge of the ladies ministry? And the men's ministry?

   

  This church body of 40+ people are ready to go to work and become a vibrant church body and influence Mexia for Jesus!

After-wards the church family served refreshments for everyone who attended this monumental meeting.  They have a great building (but it's going to be too small very quickly)  The building was almost uncomfortably full already.  Hmmmmm more ideas Bishop?  They may need another creative solution before long here. 

And at the end of the evening we spent some private moments together in the Coach.  We are excited for them and God's blessing upon their ministry.  God bless the Hoxworths and Souls Harbor Christian Fellowship!

www.gregoryholley.com

www.rolemodelsofamerica.org   

Organic Container Gardening

Remember my organic container garden?  It's been working quietly all this time and now my efforts are starting to show.  All I have done since I planted the seeds is to water often. 

My beans are coming on strong!  I have now decided that next time I need to give them more space - along with the squash!

Today we will be having a restaurant serving of green beans for supper!  These are the best green beans I have even tasted - maybe because I grew them.

Everything is fine in the garden - but the tomato container.  What's up with these puppies??  I have no idea.  Any suggestions anyone?

I planted the seeds in good rich organic soil, with fresh water every couple of days. They are getting lots of sun.  ??  If they don't straighten up soon I am going to give their spot to some other plant!

The Bishop's Blog

It's time for a new look on our blogs - so last night the Bishop and I took the time and did so.  We had a small space of time where the  phones, emails, text messages, people needs, scheduled meetings and the weather all remained quiet  for us to focus on the blogs and update them! 

My precious husband and God's Bishop has been beyond the normal description of the word 'busy'!  His writings simply had to be put aside for a season, as there physically was not an extra brain cell or minute to focus on his blog.  But he is back!  And his blog looks great - I think you will like it.  While I am typing this ....he is already been contacted by people in Greece, China and Iraq this morning.  He is busy rocking the world and has moved past his new look on his site. But I thought you might like to know what's been up with his blog.   

So his updated blog fits him.  Go check it out.

www.gregoryholley.com

The Hours of Power!

               

It takes 3 months to prepare, plan and coordinate this RMA Ladies Tea event each year. What all has to happen? Here's a few of the details that take place.  Each leader has thought out carefully her part in the entire afternoon.  From choosing her table themes to go along with what I have lined out - to having meetings with her own team members to get started.  She has chosen her table ideas carefully to not only be beautiful to look at, but it has a message as well.  Then the gathering begins, as each one starts finding the items for her tables one by one.  From the table coverings, to chair ideas, to chargers, silverware, napkins and special napkin rings - everything must work with the idea of her table meaning.  Then the grand design of her centerpieces is designed.  Each one is unique and exquisite!  I will show you each one they designed - you are going to enjoy this! 

Then the food is planned for from each team.  I decided some time ago that our events will always have healthy energizing food for women to enjoy. Lists of types of good food - goes back and forth across email as we plan for a wonderful feast for the eyes and mouths. 

Then we work on the actual presentations of the event.  We choose special music for pre-service and post service to be played.  We choose special singers and songs to sing during the Tea.  We have praise dancers that minister, sometimes there are poems and special readings that are shared all about the theme.  Door prizes and special attentions are given to the ladies attending. There are details such as who will be the Floor Director?  Carolyn did a great job as the Floor Director, and she was so busy I didn't get a good picture of her as she was flying past! (She is the first lady pictured here with the microphone) Who is going to manage the sound for the event? Who will be the special speaker this year?  Special Surprise!  It was Angela my daughter - and I am so very proud of her.

Then there are the plans for the actual advertisements and graphics for promotional.  The layout and design of the bulletin that will be handed out at the event.  The business cards presented for RMA.  Plans for set up with drawings of the room layout for Tea tables and food tables.  Then who is in charge of set ups with tables, chairs and who will need electricity at their tables etcs.  Then post -event take down and clean up crews are planned.  Every detail is attended to. 

This year we unveiled our Role Models of America blog.  After 10 years of ministry we are ready to reach out to the world.  It's address is www.rolemodelofamerica.org  and we are proud to release it openly.  It reveals our hearts and lives of learning how to be a role model to the world.  It's many subjects are real and personal - and powerfully life changing to all who will read it. 

Each of these Role Models worked very hard to make this event a success.  Well done!

Heavenly Dreams RMA Ladies Tea

  What I envisioned for this year's Role Models of America Ladies Tea was a special time of women together as if we were just arriving in Heaven.  And the atmosphere that will be so warm and loving, pure and relaxing when we get there.  For the view of beauty and gorgeous creations that we will see, and the complete fullness of wholeness and joy that we will feel.  I wanted each lady to be wrapped in the sweet presence of the Lord. The name of the Tea was called, "Heavenly Dreams" . 

Each RMA Leader was challenged to find out all she could about Paradise, and where all of God's children are going to be one day.  And out of that early meeting months ago - was birthed the most wonderful day and experience for each lady!  We had a special bulletin printed for each lady - because the depth of information that was shared could not be done verbally!  I have soooo much to show you about this exquisite day!  I can't wait to get started!

The Lamb's Book of Life was in the Grand Foyer and each lady was ask to sign in upon her arrival.  We have a large book that we have used for our annual Tea, and it is getting so full of names - each year we fill new pages with precious souls.

Do you know if your name is written down in Heaven awaiting your arrival?  MAKE SURE IT IS THERE -IT'S THE MOST IMPORTANT SIGNATURE OF YOUR LIFE.