In 2005, I created my blog, Not Before Coffee, as a refuge where I pen my thoughts and opinions on all those topics my grandma told me never to discuss at the dinner table – or anywhere—things like politics, religion, and life in general.
I am a child of God, a wife, mother of twin boys, a bonus mom to two, and grandmother to NINE; the oldest is eight. They call me Noni (pronounced Nah-Nee). I am a Midwest farmer's daughter with a Canadian mother and stepfather.
I am an early adopter of All Things Internet. I've had my @Gayla Twitter account since 2007 and have been on Facebook since it was THE Facebook; I wrote my first blog post in March of 2002 and reached All-Star status on Linkedin seven years ago.
This quote makes me proud:
“You have NO idea who you are dealing with when challenging Gayla! She will absolutely bury you in FACTS, stats, and proof!” ~ Dee Wools
During the height of Election 2016, I appeared on Fox & Friends and Fox Business Channel on Risk and Reward. You can watch my interviews here
Me in a nutshell…
I’ve loved and been loved. I’ve hurt and been hurt.
I believe it’s better to DIVORCE than to stay in a miserable marriage. I have been there a couple of times. I'm not proud of the failed marriages – but I’m very proud of myself for having the strength to get out of situations that were beyond painful and frightening.
Mean people suck!
I never knew real love until I became a mom (and Noni).
When the student is ready, a teacher will appear.
I have won contests with my writing, so technically, I am an award-winning author. I take my blessings where I can get them.
I’ve broken the law sort of and was arrested once. (30 years later – it’s a funny story. Maybe I’ll share that story sometime.)
I like to LAUGH, though a good cry occasionally is quite soul-cleansing.
I am fluent in sarcasm!
I don’t think too much about myself and often think TOO much about others.
I sometimes WORRY just to worry – it’s what I do best.
I don’t think people will burn in hell for smoking – they just smell like they are.
I prefer beer over wine.
My FAITH is STRONG and always changing, but it is MINE to nurture and develop – NOT YOURS.
I believe in right and wrong but have lived ENOUGH to know there’s a whole lotta GRAY.
I believe MY BIBLE when it says to find my OWN salvation. Thank you very much (my nice way of saying don't preach to me)!
I don’t believe in financially supporting fancy churches that require utilities seven days a week for a building used only two days per week. See 1 Peter 5:6 – Humble yourselves, therefore, under the might hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you. Humble does not equate to a $100k building when people are hungry and suffering.
I believe animals are God’s creatures. They should be cared for AND respected.
I don’t believe I HAVE to attend church every Sunday to be blessed by God. My life is proof that this is true! I have been BLESSED many times over!
TRUE Christians can preach a better sermon with their LIVES than with their LIPS.
I know more *MEAN* Christians than I know *MEAN* sinners. Why is that?
I believe MY Bible when it commands me to “judge not!” If a person is gay, that’s between them and THEIR God, and it’s NONE. OF. MY. Business! I do believe MY God wants me to love them anyway!
Abortion is wrong! The answer to that problem MUST start at home and restoring morals and values. If vasectomies were more affordable, abortion rates would drop HUGE!
I don’t believe the U.S. should FORCE democracy down the throats of countries where over half their population doesn’t want us there.
I believe ALL Americans should have access to affordable health care but do NOT want the government in charge. Bring drug prices down starting at the Pharma level!
I believe judges and lawyers should start telling people when a lawsuit is STUPID instead of proceeding for the sake of the almighty dollar.
I believe in free speech, but CONSIDERATION should always be CONSIDERED and ENFORCED!
Just because you CAN say something – doesn’t always mean you SHOULD!
Parents should TEACH their kids better manners.
PADDLING should be brought back to schools.
Parents should be parents and NOT their kids' best friends.
There’s far too much sex on television these days.
The hard-working waitress deserves as much RESPECT as Bill Gates or Donald Trump.
Prostitution and pot SHOULD be legalized and then TAXED to the gills.
Murderers, rapists, and molesters should be placed in the execution express lane and not become a wart planted on the ass of society! Tax dollars can be spent more wisely elsewhere!
I multi-task well, BUT I’m EASILY distracted.
A woman should always look her best – even wearing sweats and a T-shirt. A little makeup does a body good. I’d NEVER leave home without mascara and lipstick! EVAH!
I am VAIN without fail, and yet I STRUGGLE with self-esteem.
That’s all for now, folks – Me – The good, the bad, the ugly, and SO VERY Set in MY Ways!