IN A HEARTBEAT, EVERYTHING CHANGES...

Yesterday was a special day in the Haines' family. Jeremy and Jessica went to the doctor and heard the heartbeat of their second child. And immediately, we became the grandparents of 3 children! Now, I know that God had already begun to knit that sweet baby together inside Jes. But, Thursday made it official... another blessing is on the way to our family. This little blessing came as a surprise to all of us, but not to God. He knew exactly what we all needed.

Much has been said these past months about change. Even "good" changes can be challenging for some of us! There are a great many things that can change in a heartbeat. A well spoken word restores hope to the hopeless; A distracted driver runs a red light; A rebellious life is given to the Savior; A suspicious spot appears on an x-ray. With any of these situations, our lives will be changed in a heartbeat. But, you and I can rest knowing our Savior will be a constant fixture. He is an unchanging God. He is our Hope. He is our Rock. He is our Peace.

My family is changing again. We can hardly wait. I am not worried over the future, because my God is already there. My sweet in-laws celebrate birthdays this month. They were both born in the early 20's. They have spent their entire life trusting God for their family. They have seen so much "change" in their 80+ years. I cannot even imagine what changes my grandchildren will see in the next 80 years! But, I do know my faithful God will be there for them with every heartbeat!

WHAT'S YOUR SIGN

I love collecting little signs that have cute sayings on them. For example,
"I'm not a nag, I'm a motivational speaker" or "I love you more than yesterday. Yesterday you really got on my nerves". They mostly hang in my kitchen to give me something to laugh about when I am cooking and cleaning up (two things I do not find much humor in.)Some of the plaques are from friends who know me way too well, "Dear God, put your arm around my shoulder and your hand over my mouth!" One of my newest signs says, "Some of life's greatest blessings call me Nonnie" and as soon as Jackson and Gavin can talk, they will!

I wonder sometimes what our life's signs look like to the others. "I'm too blessed to be stressed" or "Don't mess with me, I'm hormonal!" (I have been both!) Do people see the joy of the Lord on our faces or do they only see brokeness and bitterness? Does our demeanor welcome people or warn them to keep their distance? When life has given me lemons, I have sometimes made lemonade but, sometimes I forgot to add the sugar and everyone went away with a sour experience. What power we hold in our own hands. Power to influence good and bad. Power to build up or to tear down. Power to make healthy or wound. I don't know about you, but I am sure glad I have the Lord Jesus in my heart. I would be hopeless without Him.

So, today I am going to dust off the pictures in my heart and make sure they reflect the right messages to those I meet. I encourage you to do the same. Oh, by the way, "You don't have to drive me crazy, I'm close enough to walk!"

REMEMBER

Last week David went to San Antonio on business and I tagged along. I apologize for those who are reading who are not from Texas. But, for Texans, a trip to San Antonio is not complete without a visit to "The Alamo". When our boys were growing up, we made yearly trips to this historic shrine where men and women fought to the death for the cause of freedom. David explained the history that happened on this sacred ground to the boys with a hushed voice and tears in his eyes. He always sat me down outside the small mission and told me, "if you can't behave and be quiet, you need to stay outside." I never failed to be offended, but usually I just waited for them at the entrance. I don't know alot, but I do know my weaknesses!

It is sometimes easier on our pride to forget our past, rather then to remember our own personal history. Easier, perhaps, but not wiser. God uses every battle fought, every mistake made, every victory won and every experienced defeat to shape us for use in His kingdom. The best lessons I have taught have been the ones I learned from mistakes. My most precious victories have been carved from relentless battles.

I encourage you to take a walk down memory lane today and marvel at the places you have been and been brought through. Make sure you teach your children and grandchildren about God's faithfulness in your history.

By the way, the main reason for our visit last week was to get our new baby grandson, Gavin, a "Remember the Alamo" t-shirt. Jackson already has his. Grand D (David) almost wept thinking about teaching his grandson's about Texas history!