Gayla's Magazine

Welcome!

Thank you for stopping by.  This blog is sure to bring a smile along with discoveries and  encouragement for your daily life.  The significance of  a meaningful life comes with focus and developed personal skills for overcoming challenges.  I hope you explore these many pages and enjoy life from my view..... today is full of unexpected opportunities for growth!

Gonna Get It Done!

If I don't make a list I forget half of what I'm to do for the day!  There are so many distractions that could pull me off track that a written word keeps me going toward the forward goals daily. With different responsibilities to be taken care of in completely different locations -I must stay focused to accomplish all.

Hmmmm sounds like another 'written word' that keeps me on track!  The Bible.  If I don't read it I can easily get distracted and run down 'rabbit trails' of negative thoughts and bad decisions.  It's my map for life, my compass for direction and my promise book to remind the devil when he tries his mental war games on me.Oh and so much much more in my life.

Now.... off to the races and to conquer the spineless pygmies! 

 

My Uncle Robert...

My Uncle Robert passed away.... the funeral is today... my thoughts and prayers are with my family in Ohio.

TALLMADGE, OH – January 18, 2012. Bro.  Robert D. Trapani, age 72, went home to be with the Lord January 18, 2012. Robert was born May 4, 1939 in New York City, N.Y. to Domonic J. Trapani and Elsie Trapani Wilson. Robert is survived by his wife, Hilda Latta Trapani of 55 years; sons, Geoffrey Scott (Julie), Anthony Michael (Donna); daughters, Julia Renee Rose (Hugh) and Andrea Lynn Robinette (Mark); grandchildren, Alexandra Trapani, Abigail, Molly and Robert Trapani, David and Andrew Rose, Nathanael, Elizabeth, Benjamin, Rebekah, Anna, Gideon and Valiant Robinette; brother, Carl (Barb) Trapani. He was preceded in death by sons, David Mark and Nathan Paul and granddaughter, Emily Noel.

Bro. Trapani was a minister for 48 years and an international speaker and counselor. He was a member of both Mensa and Intertel. The most frequent remarks spoken of Robert Trapani were “He changed or saved my life, he gave me hope.” He loved people and loved teaching them to love the Almighty God and to love themselves – He leaves a big hole on this earth. We rejoice with him and mourn our loss, for he was without embellishment, a great man who touched those he met with wisdom and compassion.

 

RMA Prayer and Praise 2012

Last night was the Role Models of America Praise and Praise service  for women....for 2012.  And it was GLORIOUS! The doors were opened at 4 pm for prayer and ended at almost 9pm.  Heaven came down and every lady who attended was so blessed. The fire of the Holy Ghost fell in the room, just like the Upper Room in Jerusalem!

Prayers for our President, all governmental branches, the leadership in the coming elections, for our community leaders, our business owners, schools, authorities, spiritual leadership, husbands, fathers, sons, mothers, daughters, grandparents.  We prayed for protection for our children, growth in the Lord, healthy in 2012, no drugs no alcohol, no abandonment, no abuse, no abductions on any of them.  We prayed for women in need, marriage issues, sickness, unforgiveness, bitterness, sins, financial problems, and living conditions.  We prayed for NL all teachers, hostesses, choir members, security, and for the Pastor's.  Pastors blessings, encouragement, strength in battles, wisdom, for others to hold their hands up, their children, their homes, their witness, their ministries.  We prayed for RMA and it's ministries, it's influence, it's goals, it's needs, it's impact in the world. We prayed for the spiritual warfare that is going on around the world, the missionaries, the gospel to go forward in power and authority.We prayed the Word over every part of a RMA woman's life, from the inward to the outward. We prayed for homeless woman and career women, rich women and poor alike..... we prayed for so many things I can't remember it all now!

Prayers for those who ask us to pray for them on Facebook. We had prayer requests from Thailand, England, Arkansas, Louisiana and all over Texas!

I know Heaven was bombarded and our prayers are living on... 2012 has been prayed over in every possible way we could think of! It was AWESOME.  I saw widows, and elderly women, middle aged and young moms, singles and divorced and teenage girls all crying out to God - flaming the fire for revival in our land.

2012.... we are ready for you! It's all under the Blood of Jesus before anything even happens! We know that God has plans for each lady that was there.  Jeremiah 29:11.... I know the plans I have for You says the Lord.  We planned this service and worked our prayer plan well... now it's all in God's hands how this year will go.  To God be the Glory in advance!

Cauliflower..... the new starch for healthy eating!

This vegetable has only had one description over the years, 'cauliflower with cheese sauce'. But when potatoes and rice no longer are the starch at meals something has to take their place!  What! no rice?  yes my friends no more rice... if you are a diabetic.... no more rice. or at least tiny portions only.  Now I don't know about your man, but mine does not eat tiny portions of anything!

So cauliflower and I have become friends.  I've learned to stir fry it only until crisp tender.... add Parmesan cheese and let it melt over the top slightly.  Or stir fry slightly and add spicy salsa. Or stir fry slightly and add bacon pieces and fresh tomato and basil. Nice!

Or boil it thoroughly and mash it good with butter and sour cream.  Now that's good stuff!

Or boil until crisp tender and mash slightly  (it's called ricing it) and add a little butter and voile it's something that passes for rice under a delicious meat dish.

Using it in casseroles is passable instead of potatoes.

Cauliflower.... I'm still exploring it's uses.

Cauliflower is an
excellent source of vitamins C
and K.   It is also a very good
source of potassium, fiber,
phosphorus, and B vitamins.  
Cauliflower is a good source of
the trace mineral boron.  

Cauliflower and other vegetables
in the cruciferous family, including
cabbage, contain compounds that may help prevent cancer. Studies have shown that their compounds stop enzymes from activating cancer-causing agents in the body, and they increase the activity of enzymes that disable and eliminate carcinogens.

www.everynutrient.com

 

Chocolate Cake for Diabetics!

I am always on the hunt for special sweets for my darling... diabetics have to be very careful about desserts.  Those that are sugar free AND LOW CARB.  I found this at Walmart and thought I would try it...

yes it looks just like the regular type....

He loved it (and I did too)  It tastes just like the 'real thing'.  It was a sweet ending to a long day! I am going back to buy some more!  I will keep this on hand for sure!  Diabetics rejoice..... but only eat it in small slices!!

Today....

Al last.... most of the house is unpacked!  All the boxes that are left belong to my office!  Downsizing goes slowly as each box gets sorted into different  boxes - keep or take to RMA. 

My office is piled high.... but it's nice to have the rest of the  house in order.  It's been a busy 7 day period to juggle ministry jobs, family and friends, and unpacking too.  And several projects that are being birthed right now...

A funeral of a dear saint of God - Eloise Herrin's mother passed away. It was the sweetest funeral I have ever been to! We'll see you in the Morning MawMaw!!

A wedding of a young man I have watched grow up... so tall and handsome now in his Navy uniform with his medals.  His wedding was beautiful and special. 

Entertained two different sets of guests over 3 days... served dinner in our home (first time to guests and it all turned out good).  My kitchen works just the way I imagined that it would with entertaining.

Now for some time with my daughter to catch up on her world...

It's gonna be a good day! 

How to have a peaceful home in 2012

The work of righteousness is the same world wide and not tied to any culture or people.  Everybody wants to have a peaceful home. Even if you live in a literal palace....

Or in a humble hut in the bush country...

Or in the tallest highrise....

The work of living right is the same no matter where one lives on earth...

Isaiah 32:17 And the work of righteousness shall be peace;

The work of a Dr is to fix bodies, the work of a mechanic is to fix cars, the work of a judge is to fix human issues. The work of righteousness is to bring us peace. And likewise the effort that we make to put down fleshly actions- the 'job' of behaving right- IS work. To guard the mouth, rule the thoughts of the mind and control desires of the heart is full time employment! It's hard sometimes to bite the tongue, hold our thoughts and trust God in spite of the bad circumstances around us.  But the sweet reward of allowing God's righteousness to reign in our lives is peace.

"...and the effect of righteousness is quietness and assurance for ever." (the long-term reward of working for God's righteousness in us is a permanent assuring quiet lifestyle) ... 18 "And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation" (working out right living daily produces peaceful homes) and in sure dwellings,(a guaranteed atmosphere at home) and in quiet resting places; (restful, calm, peaceful areas of life)

So work at living right and watch what happens at home! The Bible says... 'seek ye first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be added unto you'. 

Study the Bible this year..... it will CHANGE YOUR LIFE.

Hanging pictures

How NOT to hang a picture....

get small nails and 'guess' at approx width and nail away!

hang the picture

step back and see it's so crooked and way off the center

get back on the ladder and take picture down

do it again

check.... still wrong

this time picture falls....

nails are too small

take 3 phone calls

dig till I find bigger nails

hammer away

hang again

oops.... hit my finger

nail holes show

get back on the ladder

rehang again

that picture will hang there the rest of my life!

why don't i just wait till my husband gets home...

he measures with a tape measure.... uses the 'balance thing'  measures and marks.... takes his time.... I hold the picture

he hangs it... once and for all.

I'm not that patient.  I should be.... he hangs pictures like his Dad did!

Just right and perfect every time.

 

 

 

The Dog Saga....

Our dogs stories are like some people's fish stories - they get bigger and bigger!  But really somehow it's strange how dogs have somehow managed to add their own set of problems to our lives at times.  We thought when we got Prince he would be the right dog for us.... little, cute, pure white silky hair, but we missed one criteria on our quest to replace Missy (the world's best dog in our past- and sadly still missed) on our search.  A sweet spirit.

Now mind you Prince is a beauty.... but you've heard the statement beauty without brains doesn't account for much.  That fits him to a T!

This dog imagines every thought that flits through his little head is to be barked at.  He struts around like he owns the place, but when called upon to treat the new house as if he cares about the place, he anoints everywhere horrifying us! Has a huge bark and growls at everything.  We were constantly hushing him... and forget trying to take a phone call with him around!  He was worse than a kid!

It started with small 'presents' when we first got him, we gave him grace thinking he's just trying to find his way and mark his territory.  But it got to the place where he was making us feel like he owned this place and not us!  We fed him well... gave him lots of attention, but the more we gave the more he needed.  It's like he felt like we were just around to serve him.... night and day. 

He started being grouchy to me unless my husband was around.  He would lurk around and bark even at me!  Once when I corrected him for once again causing a mess he curled his lips back and tried to bite me.  From that point on I was taken aback and begin to notice that he was only really good when my husband was around. 

NOT cuddly, NOT sweet, NOT obedient, but rather arrogant and aggressive. Oh Brother!  We deal with the public all day long.... we don't need to come home and have to tip toe around a dog that thinks he's in charge!  He seemed to add to our responsibilities not be a joy to come home to!  Even with guests he began to try and take authority over them (embarrassing!... you guess what he was doing)

Anyway the final straw has been coming for several weeks... he started getting up at night and leaving calling cards anywhere he wished.  (NOT A GOOD WAY TO START A DAY BY STEPPING IN THE WRONG PLACE HALF ASLEEP)  No signals given by this dog, he thought he didn't have to ask, tell, or even signal when he wanted to go out.  We would take him on long walks in the evening and still wake up to problems. Snacks, treats, good boys, pats, training over and over.... nothing seemed to change him.

Last night he did it again, this time left a mess on my beautiful chaise lounge that has tiny golden beaded queen bees on it!! We get up in the morning to a awful smell... NOT COFFEE!  RIGHT IN OUR BEDROOM.

My darling husband said, '"That's it... find him a home today".

I said YES!!!!

Wonder of wonders one of the workers has a little boy who has been begging for a dog.  He could never afford to get him one... voile!  Prince has a home with a little boy who will give him tons of attention I'm sure.

I'm packing his bags right now! He pranced off with the workman without a second glance behind him.  Head held high... thinking he owns the world.  Maybe a little boy will do better with him - instead of adults!

No more dogs for a while please....

 

 

My first sermon of the new year... 2012

One of the branches of ministry that brings me such joy is our prison bible school - The Community Bible College.  It's my privilege to oversee this awesome ministry and watch the many souls that God adds to us weekly.  Just in December we had 63 brand new students join.  It soon will reach 1500 men and women in 35 States now! These are inmates that are taught the word of God , lesson by lesson - verse by verse- in Matt, Mark, Luke, John, Acts, Romans, Corinthians and Revelations.  (I hope to write Ephesians in 2012 for them)  It's my honor to write our Newsletter to them monthly... men and women that I can touch across America that I will never meet on planet earth, but I know I will in Heaven. 

It's a great joy to minister to these....  here's our January Newsletter... thought you might enjoy reading it. The bible school is free to the incarcerated in America.  If you would like to be an instructor please email me...