About Mike Haining

What Makes Me Tick?

• Being a Grandpa! – This is the Most Important job I have ever had!
• Gymnastics – I was a competitive gymnast for over 15 years, plus I spent several years coaching Jr. Boys competitive gymnastics and judging all levels of men’s and boy’s gymnastics. I love watching and talking about gymnastics, and some of my best friends are people I know from my active days in the sport.
• Music – Our family had a bluegrass gospel band for over 14 years, so I love all things bluegrass and gospel. I have a 2012 LaPlant mandolin, which sounds great and brings me joy.
• Model Railroading – I am in the process of building a Model Railroad in part of my basement. You can learn more about this on my Model Railroad page and my YouTube channel.
• Art – I recently began learning to paint. It is one of the most enjoyable things I have ever done. Look for some artwork to appear on these pages soon!

Where Have I Been?

• Born & raised in St. Louis Park, MN
• Attended college in St. Cloud, MN
• Lived for various lengths of time in Carol Stream, IL (a suburb of Chicago); Orange County, CA; Aurora, CO (a suburb of Denver); and Fergus Falls, MN
• Now residing in Branson, MO, in the heart of the Ozarks
• For several years, we spent a portion of the winter in or around Phoenix, AZ. Love winters there, and we made many good friends there who we call our winter snowbird friends.

Where Do I Find Encouragement?

• Psalm 8 – This Psalm tells us how much God loves us and the position He has given men.
• Psalm 121 – This is a “Song of Ascents”, which was sung by the Hebrews on their yearly pilgrimage to Jerusalem. It reminds us to trust in the Lord because He continues to help us.
• Psalm 1 – This reminds us of the importance of following God’s Word, and the lasting results in our lives.
• John 5:24 – “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears my word and believes him who sent me, has eternal life; he does not come into judgment but has passed from death to life.” (RSV) I love this verse as it reminds me of the eternal hope I have as a believer in Jesus’ death and resurrection!
• My Family – My family helps me laugh and get the most enjoyment from every day!