Bailey - Nancy Fleenor

"[God said to Israel ] …you are precious and honored in my sight." Isaiah 43:4

Bailey, our 13-year-old grandson was born with brain damage. He’ll never walk or talk but, fortunately, he understands everything that is said to him. At least he knows he is precious to his Heavenly Father.

A few months ago, he was baptized. The pastor said he didn’t know when Bailey became part of the body of Christ, but God knew.

When I ask Bailey if he loves Jesus, he nods and gives a big smile. He keeps us praying constantly by putting his fingers together in a prayer position. One day after I picked him up from school, he wanted to pray right there in the car. As Bailey clapped and giggled, I thanked God for saving him—not once, but twice. Saved at birth and saved “at last.”

“Bailey, I talked to God about you today,” I said. “Did you pray for Grandmother, too?” I was sure he had, even when he shook his head “no.” He tells the truth even if it gets him in trouble.

That night I lay next to him to snuggle as he prepared to sleep. His pudgy fingers pressed together, white at the tips from the pressure. He wanted to pray. I thanked the Lord for angels watching over us, and the prospects of an eternal heavenly future.

“Do you know about heaven?” I asked Bailey. His smile resonated and the answer was clear. “And do you know about angels?”

“Yes,” again.

I phoned our daughter to tell her about our conversation. Excited about her child’s insight to the Father, she asked if God ever talks to him.

“Yes,” he nodded.

“Does He tell you that He loves you?”

Another “yes.”

“Do you tell Him that you love Him?”

“Yes,” was accompanied with the sweetest smile.

I no longer wonder if our handicapped grandson understands about his Father in heaven. Now I know Bailey loves God with all his heart. Though my daughter and son-in-law travel a very difficult road, God created Bailey as he is for His glory. Someday Bailey, his mom, dad, and little sister, will be richly rewarded for all eternity.

We may not understand the why’s or how’s of God’s plans for us. Yet, regardless of our physical or mental shortcomings, we are all precious and honored in His sight. We are all His children and loved equally by the Creator.

**Side note from the Editors of Christian Devotions – Nancy, her husband, daughter and son-in-law watched as the angels carried Bailey home in October of 2009. The loss of a child or grandchild is never easy and we felt posting this devotion in honor of Bailey would aid in the healing process. Our love goes to Nancy and her family.

Nancy is a native born East Tennessean. A former English teacher, she has been married for forty-one years. She has one daughter and two grandchildren. Her hobbies are traveling, especially to the UK, reading British mysteries, scrapbooking, volunteering at her granddaughter's school, and shopping, of course. Her most favorite is spending time with her grandchildren. She taught Sunday school for thirty-three years, was chairman of a Christian Women's Club, and speaker for ladies meetings at various churches.
Read Nancy's devotions.

Little Treasures-- Nancy Fleenor

For God loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

My eight-year old granddaughter, Abbie, leaves little notes saying, "Grand-mommy, I love you." She uses stick-it notes and tears paper apart and leaves them in unexpected places. When I happen upon one, I can't help but smile, and I feel good all over.

Our Creator leaves us little love notes in unexpected places too. We just need to look around for them...a brilliant tree in autumn...a precious friend...a baby's yawn...a stranger's smile...a tulip in spring...a warm hug...a cool breeze on a hot summer day...sunshine on a cold winter day...the list is endless.

Believe this, God is trying to get our attention for His love for us. After all, His word is a love letter. Our lives are the treasure.

"I have loved you with an everlasting love." "His love endures forever."

Best of all, John 3:16 promises, "For God loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." When we find delight in His little treasures, then He feels good all over and smiles for we are obeying His word, "Delight yourself in the Lord." Look at the treasures He has given you. Read His love letters and then lay claim to the promises.

Nancy is a native born East Tennesseean. A former English teacher, she has been married for forty-one years. She has one daughter and two grandchildren. Her hobbies are traveling, especially to the UK, reading British mysteries, scrapping booking, volunteering at her granddaughter's school, and shopping, of course. Her most favorite is spending time with her grandchildren. She taught Sunday school for thirty-three years, chairman of Christian Women's Club, and speaker for ladies meetings at various churches.