Gaylene Templeton (better known as GayGay to her 7 grandchildren) has been married to Ray (Beltway Elder) for 42 years. They have 5 children: Amy, Misty, Ashlee, Abe, and Addison. Their children range in age from 41 to 24, and their grandchildren range in age from 20 to in-the-womb (expected in December and March).
Gaylene is passionate about being the best wife, mother, and GayGay she can be. She was truly stretched in her faith when she was only 17, and had her first child. "The biggest faith step would be trusting God to provide for our family and give us the wisdom to raise Godly children. The Lord helped me through this with prayer, Bible study, and Christian fellowship."
Little did Gaylene anticipate, about 4 years ago, her role as GayGay would take a frightening turn! Her oldest grandson, Harrison (now aged 20), contracted a flu virus that attacked his heart. "He was in the hospital for about 2 months, and it was touch and go the whole time. One day when I was in the room playing Wii with him, he had a heart attack right in front of me. I did not realize the severity of what was happening until the doctors rushed in. The most difficult part was having to call my daughter and son-in-law to let them know what happened because this was the first time they had left the hospital in weeks." Gaylene recognizes, and is thankful for, the number of lives that were touched, as people witnessed, first-hand, God's mighty works and the power of prayer. In His usual style, He, indeed, worked all things together for good!
Gaylene has spiritual gifts of Discernment, Administration, and Encouragement, which she uses on the tennis court (one of her favorite hobbies!), in small Bible studies in her home, and in every day interactions with women. She is passionate about encouraging and counseling other women throughout their seasons and trials in life.
Gaylene guards her heart against bitterness, by choosing to walk in forgiveness. She stated that when she feels offended, she is quick to evaluate whether she is being overly sensitive, or whether she is offended. She then prays about how she needs to handle each circumstance, so that bitterness will not take root. What a wise way to deal with offense!! Similarly, she continuously walks out her freedom in Christ, by rebuking Satan, when he tries to plant seeds of deception. She identifies when he is speaking lies about her marriage, her worth, her mothering skills, or any other matter, and clings to the truth of what God says about her, as His child!
Gaylene decompresses by mowing, cleaning, or doing any outside physical work (including building houses, on occasion), or accomplishing a task. She also enjoys doting on herself, over the occasional pedicure, and, as previously mentioned, she enjoys playing tennis.
While Gaylene didn't attend church as a child, and never imagined being married to an elder, we are so honored to have her as a part of the family at Beltway Park. We hope that you will take the time to get to know her a little better this Thursday night (Sept. 26) at 6:30pm for "Let's Get Together!"
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