GOD'S DAY TIMER

In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps. Proverbs 16:9

I love Saturday mornings. Years ago when our boys were too old for a babysitter, but too young to be left alone after dark, David and I found a perfect solution for some time alone. We began to schedule "dates" for Saturday Breakfast. Even though the boys are old enough to hire sitters for their children, we are still enjoying our dates over Saturday morning breakfast. This past Saturday we went to breakfast and were excited to discover, we had absolutely no plans for the rest of the day.

As we pulled out of the parking lot, my cell phone rang and an unfamiliar number was displayed. When I answered a frantic friend was on the line telling me she had a problem. It seems their Speaker for a planned event was having to cancel because of an illness in her family. Flipping mentally through my calendar, I knew I had obligations through the rest of the year. And then my frantic friend said.... "our dinner is tonight!" I just grinned at the Lord because He knew exactly where I had an opening in the schedule. I was able to tell her I would be happy to serve in her church.

What a blessing Saturday evening was for me. I was privileged to serve at Westway Baptist right here in Houston. I saw some familiar faces, met some new friends and came away knowing God had determined my steps, my words and my weekend.

What about you? Has God re-arranged,interrupted or shaken up your schedule lately? Give Him the freedom to work daily in your world. His plans are always best!

FIRST DAYS OF SCHOOL

I believe school has officially started everywhere. Even our little Jackson started Mother's Day Out this week. For the last couple of weeks, everywhere I shopped was filled with excited children and broke, exhausted parents. They were buying school clothes, school supplies and school shoes. An entire column could be written about those school shoes! I'm grateful for boys after all. They just need a new pair of tennis shoes and they were ready to go.

I would like for just a moment to address the teachers who also began school this month. They are probably not nearly as excited as their young charges! I no longer have a student at home, but I did for many years. I wonder, dear teachers, if you realize what an important part you will play in many children's lives this year? Your time with them may be short, but your influence is profound. Each of you will have a job to do this year dictated by state requirements, Principal mandates and established lesson plans. There will be tests that measure the success of your teaching methods and styles. You will receive notes of gratitude and complaining phone calls. However, there is another area where your success will not be so easily measured. How can one clearly tally the effect you have on the heart of a child you teach? Who will make note of the smile you greet them with each morning? Who takes into account the hours you spend encouraging a child who receives no encouragement at home? Who will notice when you take interest in a child the rest of the world has labeled a lost cause?

I saw a sign out in front of a church one day that read, "God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called". I have found much joy in the ways many teachers have invested in my children. My boys are better people because of the jobs those teachers were called to do. Write a note this week to encourage a teacher.

THE BLESSING OF FRIENDSHIP

I'm discovering that I just love FB (that's Facebook for you who have not ventured into the great Internet craze!) I read in the newspaper today that more and more middle age people are joining the ranks of the Facebook phenomenon. I'm telling you those college kids who started this whole thing are on to something!

I absolutely love that I can sign in and see what my buddies in Mississippi, Texas, Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, etc. are doing. I am blessed daily to check in on my kids and their families all in the comfort of my little study and without burning minutes on my cell phone. I'm blown away to pray for sick children or mission trips around the world from my little corner of Texas. Life is good! It's not as good as going for coffee together, but it sure blesses my heart to get to stay in touch.

Of all the blessing I have been given, friends stand out as one of God's best in my life. There are some folks who have been a part of my "family of friends" for over 30years. There is not much they do not know about me. They have seen me at my best and at my worst. Sometimes that transformation from best to worst has occurred in less than an hour! There are other people who have come into my life because they have shared my life and allowed me to share theirs.

As I think about what it is that friends so special, I am reminded of all those who have blessed my life. I still have friends that I have known from school. I grew up in a small town, so I graduated with many who began first grade with me. We became friends because of the common denominators of age, geography and similar likes and dislikes. (Mostly we agreed from one week to the next who we liked or disliked!) Those were the friends I dreamed and planned with.

I have other friends who came into my life when I became a young wife and mom. Our friendship was based on common interests and limitations. (We could only eat out where the floors were tiled and highchairs were provided!) We never completed a sentence during those years, because we were interrupted every minute by one child or another. These are the friends who help keep my family together. Amazing relationships came from this time in my life.

As I grew older, others came to share in my life and we walked according to need and interests. Age, race, politics or religion were not nearly as important as the person. God taught me so much through those years of friendship. I watched my buddies battle cancer, the loss of mates, rebellious children and straying husbands. I watched them become stronger through the battles they faced. These friends made me strong. I became strong as they allowed me to stand beside them on the battle lines.

Every new friend has been blessed by the gifts in my life given by an old friend. I have been changed by the gifts their friends and friendships left in mine. Whether you connect through FB, email, telephone or a lunch date. Make the time this week for your friends. We couldn't make it without one another!

A FUN AFTERNOON

I had such a great afternoon speaking to the ladies at Jersey Village Baptist Church here in the Houston area. (I wish I had taken my camera, you would have loved the pictures!) Women from the church modeled outfits from an upscale consignment shop. Darling women and cute clothes. Then Erika Wise from Star of Hope Mission spoke for a few minutes about the ministry she is involved in. They meet the needs of women trying to get their lives together after some really difficult circumstances. All the women who attended the event this afternoon brought "gently worn" outfits that Erika was taking back to her office to help these ladies out. We had the cutest little cupcakes for dessert and then I had the honor of sharing a little with these precious ladies. I spoke about "What Not to Wear" in a spiritual sense instead of the fashion sense that TLC's Stacy and Clinton do.

I got so into the whole fashion show thing, that I closed out my time with a runway commentary. I thought I would share with you what I think THE GOD SEEKING, FAITH FINDING, WORD FOLLOWING WOMAN is wearing this Summer season. (Col.3:12-14)

First of all, HER COUNTENANCE IS GLOWING because she KNOWS she is dearly loved by God. She is not first on the runway of life because she let her new neighbor go first. She’s holding back, watching and applauding the loudest for her new friend who has just come out victorious in her latest battle. For those who knew this WORD FOLLOWING woman before, you will hardly recognize her. She just looks so peaceful there in the background. She seems so comfortable with her circumstances, she actually looks younger, it makes me think surely she has had a FAITH LIFT! Reports have said she was really nervous about this year and its events, BUT GOD has obviously assured her she was gifted and qualified for tasks ahead.
She was WEARING TRUTH in a way that looked really good on her. Her NEW CLOTHES FIT HER PERFECTLY. It is like they were CUSTOM MADE just for her. I’m told the LABEL and DESIGN HOUSE is called “THE GREAT I AM ENOUGH” and just from looking, you can tell HE CERTAINLY IS. HE has dressed her perfectly in the wardrobe HE picked out for her: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength and discipline are woven through the fabric of each of the garments she is wearing. I understand the WRAP she is wearing is called LOVE. It really is an outstanding accessory perfect for all climates and always in style. No Woman of God should ever leave home without it.

I encourage you to watch your "spiritual" wardrobe this week. I know I'm going to.

Thank you JVBC for the invitation and privilege of serving with you today.

A WASTED DAY

Today's been a rather difficult day for me. Nothing is wrong. My family is wonderful, healthy and growing. As far as I know, there are no crises on the horizon. But today, I have been nearly crippled by fear. All the "what ifs" of my world have been screaming in my soul. They have spoken so loudly, they have overcome the still, small voice that brings me peace. I know the scriptures about "fear" very well. Most of them have been cross-stitched in my heart for years. I've hung them framed throughout my house. I know my Savior did not give me a spirit of fear, but one of power, love and self-discipline. I am reminded often that perfect love casts out fear (His perfect love, my irrational fears).

While I might know the truth, today I made a choice to walk in the enemy's lies and I am exhausted. Finally about 8:00 I sat down with my Bible and my journal. (It was 8:00 in the evening, I'm such a slow learner!)As I poured my fearful heart out to the Lord, He poured His love and His peace into mine. With only a couple hours before bedtime, I am at rest.

What a waste of a perfect day. I am so grateful His mercies are new every morning, aren't you? Tomorrow will definately be a better day!

THE HAINES GIRL

Yesterday at about 1:30 Eastern Daylight Time, I became the grandmother of a little girl. When they placed that little pink cardboard sign in a little baby bed and it said HAINES GIRL, I was breathless and for just a moment speechless! I am a boys' Mom and a boys' Nonnie. I probably am very partial to boys because I understand them. It's all I've known until now. And now... I'm going to learn how a little girl thinks. I think it's going to be a blast with all my little boys and now this precious little pink bundle. I'm a girl's Nonnie, too!

A GROWING FAMILY

"Clear lots of ground for your tents! Make your tents large! Spread out! Think big!
Use plenty of rope, drive the tent pegs deep. You are going to need lots of room for your growing family." Isaiah 54: 2-3 (The Message)

In October of 1991, God first brought these scriptures to me. At the time, we were in the midst of trying to adopt a child. I just knew these scriptures were a promise to me. However, after walking through every open door placed before us (and prying open a couple of windows) we never got our third child. David and I were eventually fine with God's "no" to us, but in the past 18 years, I've often thought about that Scripture. I have wondered just how I misunderstood what God wanted for us. To make things a little more confusing, He brought that Scripture back to me often enough to keep me wondering.

We raised our boys, they married and each has given us a wonderful grandson. Jackson is 21 months old and Gavin will be 1 year old in a couple of weeks. Last Christmas our "tent" was full and we were blessed. In just 5 days, we will be adding to our family once again, and if the ultrasound is correct, we will welcome our first grand daughter! We are beside ourselves!

A couple of weeks ago Jordan's family came for a visit and Allison was not feeling well. After 3 pregnancy tests, we all accepted the fact that God was adding to our family once again. So, come next January, Gavin will be a big brother just like Jackson.

God gently reminded me of my Isaiah promise. I believed with my whole heart, He was going to fulfill that promise almost 20 years ago, and when He didn't, I didn't understand. I've really been "weepy" for the past two weeks, marveling at my Savior's faithfulness. He never forgot His promise to me and He will never forget His promise to you. Great is His faithfulness!

THE LAST DAY OF SCHOOL

The end of May ushers in the last day of school across our great nation. There are proms, graduations,yearbook signings and end of the year parties. As Moms of school-age children, we all look forward to a little less structure in our daily lives (for just a little while, at least!) I haven't had school-age children for almost a decade, but I still remember my baby's last day of school.

For 16 years, I had been running back and forth from one school or another to take forgotten items to one of our two boys. It is a job, all "moms" understand. It is just one more way we "stand in the gap" for our kids. My oldest son constantly forgot something during his junior high years. The school secretary and I are still exchanging Christmas cards! In fact, I still believe he should have named his first born after her. My youngest did a much better job at remembering. However, on his last day of school an unexpected call came from him about a forgotten event. He had participated in the school's Knowledge Bowl Team and there was a lunch for them in just two hours. He needed a dress shirt, tie and slacks in less than an hour. I was in a hurry that morning for work and the last thing I had time for was pressing clothes and running to the school

In my years of "mothering" I often have said too much too quickly and had to go back and apologize. I am thankful that this time I kept silent. (Probably because he hung up before I finished speaking!) So, as I pressed those slacks and that shirt, God whispered in my heart that this was most probably my last trip up to the school with a forgotten item. Through my tears, I counted it a joy instead of a job, to run up to the school. God showed me it was a privilege rather than a duty.

I believe parenting is one of the greatest callings that one can have on their life (except perhaps grand parenting!) But even in the privilege, there are hundreds of tedious, thankless tasks. So as you endure these last days of school take time to count it all joy and hug your "blessings" this week!

A NEVER ENDING LOVE STORY

A couple of weeks ago my father-in-law had surgery. It was a minor procedure, but when you are 86 years old, nothing seems very minor. David's parents are both 86 and have lived long, godly lives. They are still very much in love and are only whole when they are together. Mr. Haines did not want Mrs. Haines to sit at the hospital during the procedure and only allowed me to bring her when he was out of recovery and in his room. As she entered his hospital room, they both just lit up and he said "How is my girl?" She was just fine as soon as she saw that he was!

The Haines come from the generation where the man took care of the woman and the woman took care of the home and family. (I'm personally grateful that by the time my generation came along, there was more shared responsibilities at home!) My mother-in-law was the primary caretaker of the home, but she worked outside the home whenever extras were needed. They raised five children and I cannot imagine a time when there would not be a need for "extras". I have taught many young married women using the Haines as examples. In the more than 60 years of marriage, Mrs. Haines has honored and respected her husband in both word and deed. Mr. Haines has seldom started a day without first telling her how much he loved her. It is truly a love story that has no ending.

It is a great blessing to belong, if only by marriage, to the legacy they have built for their family. I'm writing today to ask myself how I'm adding to this legacy and encouraging you as you build yours.

THE BABY BOY'S DAY

Tomorrow my youngest son has a birthday. Bless his heart, all his life, the entire family has celebrated a birthday before it was his turn. And believe me, nobody liked a party more than Jordan. As each of us would take a turn celebrating our special day, Jordan would say "My birthday be May 4!" (not 4th, but 4)

Ever since we brought our youngest home, he has kept us on our toes. He climbed before he walked and he walked too early. He talked later than some because his big brother translated his "unknown tongue" way too long. Oh my goodness, once he did talk... he argued, debated and communicated his opinions perfectly! I studied nights to keep a few steps ahead of him. (He passed me up when he was in 6th grade!)


I want to share with you just a few things that make my baby so special to me.

1. He has always loved his Mom!
2. He has always stepped up to the plate to do the hard things
3. Not many fears, this one, even if he had them, he faced them
4. When circumstances demanded he move his junior year in high school, he went willingly even though he loved his school here in Houston. When I offered to stay behind with him and let him graduate, he said "No Way, I'll miss my Dad too much"
5. He never got a fair shake at his new school and it was hard... sometimes harder for his Dad and I then for him, but he stayed the course and finished strong.
6. He really is a "rocket scientist"
7. He married well.
8. He's a good Dad.
9. Last week, he called me to tell me about a man in his division that lost his job. He told me he was heart sick about it. He has compassion when it counts.
10. He loves Jesus.

I have seen many promises in scripture fulfilled for this boy. Next week is a big week for Matthew Jordan Haines. Another birthday, another graduation, another career goal reached.

We are so proud of you son. It's May 4... Happy Birthday

I'VE BEEN A MOTHER FOR 30 YEARS!

Tomorrow marks the 30th anniversary of the birth of Jeremy David Haines. It's also the anniversary date of me becoming a Mom. I had so many plans for motherhood (before I became a mother). The babies would surely be perfect. They would never have a cranky day or a rebellious thought. I would be written up in newspapers and magazines as the "Mom of the Year". Those plans mostly went out the window with 24 hours of labor and a baby that tipped the scales at over 10 pounds! I was the cranky one.

I still remember how overwhelmed I felt with my first feelings of a Mother's love to her child. Totally shocked that I could be so completely in love with someone I just met. I thought it might be the drugs, but it has never worn off.

Before motherhood, I had always worked outside the home. When we decided that I would stay home, Jeremy was the only person I knew who stayed home, too. We took long walks around the neighborhood with him bundled up in his stroller. I talked to him non-stop (still do when I can.) Together he and I solved all the problems with our little world before Daddy came home at the end of the day.

What an adventure I've had these past 30 years. My babies have both grown up and have babies of their own. Motherhood was so much more that I thought and so much better than I imagined. The dreams I had for that little boy 30 years ago have been over-shadowed by the man he has become.

A couple of weeks ago, David and I watched our first miracle from 30 years ago lead his church in pure and authentic worship. We were both moved to tears. We knew the journey God had taken him on to get him to where he was that morning.

So proud of you, son.

Happy Birthday.

MY GOD IS SO BIG!

This morning in my quiet time, I read the neatest verse out of "The Message" by Eugene Peterson: "God's love is meteoric, His loyalty astronomic, His purpose titanic, His verdicts oceanic. Yet in His largeness, nothing gets lost; not a man, not a mouse, slips through the cracks."

This verse should bring us great comfort and hope. No matter the problem, He is bigger. In spite of the obstacle, He can get around it. If I run far away, He can find me. In His "largeness" nothing gets lost. Not a middle aged woman and not a little boy.

I pray you find much joy today.

BOUNDARIES

“Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup. You have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places, surely I have a delightful (beautiful) inheritance” Psalms 16: 5-6

If there ever was a day when we need security, it is today. The local news programs proclaim gloom and doom. The newspaper is filled with reports of crime, financial ruin and confusing political opinions. Frankly, I am checking out the family tree for a hint of inheritance.

As I read the verses above, I am informed that God himself assigned my portion on this earth. He is responsible for my security. These verses have become my life verses. They have brought me comfort, when I was out of my comfort zone. They have given me security, when there was nothing secure about my circumstances. They offer me promise when I lose sight of the vision God has for my life. They have also reminded me of who I really work for, when I’ve decided I didn’t like my earthly boss that much!

You and I can spend so much of our life questioning why something happened; grieving over bad circumstances; and wishing God had assigned to us another portion and cup. But, we will have spent our life in vain. I only have one life to spend! I need to spend it wisely and so do you. Your family and your mission field are depending on it! From the time, my boys were old enough to understand, I explained to them that they and their Dad were my primary “mission field”. I served on staff at 2 churches for almost 25 years. Those churches and those women demanded a great deal from me. I had to have boundaries. I learned early on, I could not be all things to all people.

A commercial several years ago encouraged women to “be all they could be.” I tell you today that you need to be “only what you can be”. I am the only Mom my boys had- I had to be there. Someone else might have wanted to be a wife to my husband, but they would have to come across my DEAD BODY! In order to effectively “shepherd” my women, I had to guard my family time and my personal spiritual time in order to minister effectively and do what he called me to do in an excellent way.

What’s He called you to do? If the enemy cannot make you bad, he will make you busy! Today is not too late to accept and appreciate the boundary lines God has wrapped around your life. You can decide to live like you really are the child of a King!

IT'S ALWAYS THE LITTLE THINGS

I had such plans for this wonderful Monday. I had a schedule recorded in my Daytimer that was sure to result in a productive day. By noon I had finished my Bible Study, my house was clean, laundry was done, dinner planned out, and I was caught up on most of my work on the computer. As I stopped for lunch I would feel a tad bit of pride and self-righteousness creeping in...

As soon as I sat down at my computer to do some writing assignments, I knew I was in trouble. Every document I was working on was locked. I tried everything I knew to do (i.e. I called Jeremy and asked him what was wrong.) He could not fix it long distance and so I creatively went on to the next project. I was quickly interrupted by a very loud, annoying smoke alarm going off. I know the sound well. It happens frequently when I cook. Lest you misunderstand, it's not because I burn things, it's because it's ultra sensitive. Water boiling sets it off. It drives me nuts! However, I was not boiling water, so I went to investigate. Absolutely nothing is burning or smoking in my kitchen. The alarm stopped only to begin again in about 10 minutes. I did all I knew to do (i.e. I called David to ask him what was wrong.) He told me the battery was probably low and it could wait until he got home. At this writing. It has gone off at least a dozen times, the noise is driving my Yorkie out of her mind. When the alarm is not ringing, the dog is shrieking at my feet. I would fix the thing myself, except my ceiling happens to be 12 feet tall.

I had some really big things to write about today, instead I'm crippled by the "little things." Isn't that typical.

Have a great day in spite of the the "little things".

WELCOME 2009

I have been a tad slow getting back to the Blog! I did not take my own advice and over-scheduled for Christmas. For pity sakes, I'm exhausted and I'm not even caught up yet. Christmas is still stacked in the hall. David is still camping under the mistletoe and I'm really not in the kissing mood, if you know what I mean! I just got back from Walmart and I might as well get in the mood because Valentines are everywhere!

Ready or not, 2009 is here! We could choose to stay in bed with the covers pulled over our head, but it wouldn't change the calender. So...let's all get up and get started with all the appointments God has for us this year. In fact, let's run toward the future He has planned for us in 2009. My friend, Beth, has me memorizing scriptures. The one this week is from Isaiah and it says "He will be the SURE foundation for my times..." In the midst of so much uncertainty, I'm glad to be sure of where I'm standing and Who I'm standing for! Join me in getting excited about all the possibilities for this year. Act child-like in your excitement, because you are a child of the King!

P.S. I need to run and get that mistletoe down before "you know who" gets home from work.