HSBC Coffeebreak

Who knows, whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?
Esther 4:14b

What am I doing here? Is this the job I'm supposed to really be in? Am I doing anything at all that makes a difference for anybody?

I think as women, we all struggle from time to time with questions like the ones written above.

It had been a rough few days. I'd had some tough news from family and the blues had begun to set in. I hadn't sought for comfort outright, but it came none the less. A friend called. She spent some time with me, laughing about times past, sharing about current events, offering encouragement that all was not lost...and I felt assured we'd always be friends, even though many miles separated us, and neither of us lived flawless lives. I'm guessing that event won't make any headlines anywhere. Her purpose in calling me wasn't to reshape the global economy or anything as grand as that. Her purpose was to call, say hello, check in, and chat a while. It blessed and uplifted me. It gave me a refreshing outlook once again, a boost to my low spirits.

Perhaps we are struggling with self worth, with value, with purpose. Perhaps God has brought us to this point "for such a time as this." We need to do the things we know God has called us to do. Be faithful to Him. Stay in His Word. He will use us, and do His purpose through us, for whatever situation we happen to be in currently.

He doesn't need me to be top dog of a high profile company in order to make a positive difference. I can allow God to use me in the kingdom I am in, however He sees fit. It's a fool proof way to know we are in the right place... at just the right time.

Written by
Melody Foster

HSBC Coffeebreak

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 5:14-16

This summer I took part in the Truth Project, which is a class that teaches you to have a biblical worldview. One idea that really started to change the way I think is from the above verses in Matthew. Although I knew that "we are God's light in the world," and that "darkness is merely the absence of light," I never thought about the idea that darkness can only stay around as long as light is hidden. I have never opened a closet door to find the darkness spilling out. No, the light poured in and illuminated the dark corners.

The same thing should happen with me. I've only got to look at the latest newspaper to see how dark things are in America. And that leads me to a question that I don't really like to ask, because I'm just as much to blame as everyone else: Where am I hiding my light? That thought really convicted me, because I know I'm at fault. I'm guilty of hiding my light. But if there's one thing I've learned in life, it's that it's never too late to start doing what God wants. I'm taking so much away from the Truth Project. One of the most important things, from my point of view, is that I've learned that I should live as a light to the people around me. So that's what I'm trying to do. It's not always easy, but I know where to find help when I need it. And with God's grace, I'll be that light that the world needs to see.

Written by
Annie Heetderks

HSBC Coffeebreak

Let the children come to me…For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.
Matthew 19:14

A few months ago we purchased my three year old her first bike, complete with training wheels. She could hardly wait to get it home so that she could try it out on the sidewalk in front of our house. While her father and I knew it might be a bit too big for her, she was determined to find success.

Decked out in her helmet, we went in the front yard to give it a go. She climbed on and wobbled around a bit without going anywhere. She couldn’t quite figure out the pedals. She climbed off and stared at it in silence. I offered her help, “Lucy, would you like mommy or daddy to help you ride it for awhile?” She shook her head, “No, I’m a big girl. I can do this.”

A few seconds later she climbed back on and again, the bike didn’t move. As she sat on it, wobbling, I heard her quietly say to herself, “I AM a big girl. I can do this. I can ride a bike. I know how. I’m three.”

I smiled as I heard her encouraging herself. And as I sat there watching her figure it out, I realized that I admired her confidence in how big she was. Many times, when I’m struggling with life, I begin pouting or looking for the easy way out. I wondered, wouldn’t God be overjoyed if for once, when circumstances were going poorly, I reminded myself that I have been a Christian for almost 20 years. In that time I have faced tough times and not once has God failed me. He has always delivered me and provided hope for me. Instead of acting like a child, wouldn’t it be better to walk through life’s troubles with a confidence in His faithfulness to me?

Not coincidentally, my world has had some unexpected twists lately. I have been tempted to worry and fear, but this time, I have a plan. When I am tempted to worry or fall apart, I remind myself out loud what I know to be true of my God. I have seen His power, I have experienced His deliverance and my future and my hope are certain. I need not worry and doubt. I am praying for the strength and the diligence to walk through this reflecting Christ’s glory. I can do this. I know my God. I am a big girl. My God is even bigger.

Heavenly Father, Thank you for your faithfulness in my life. I am grateful that You do not abandon me when life gets tough. I pray that when I face trials, I will choose to remember who You are, who You have always been and who You promise I can be when I am trusting in You. Give me the confidence of a child. I desire to honor and bring glory to You when I am walking through difficult times. Amen.

Written by
Holly Hauskins

HSBC Coffeebreak

Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.
Matthew 7:13,14

I have always thought that the broad road in these verses referred to wrong actions, and the narrow road referred to good deeds. But lately I’ve been thinking that the two roads could also represent two different ways of thinking.
Since our daughter is in Asia, and one of our sons is in Iraq, I often find myself on the broad road of worry and fear. It’s so easy to travel down this road, but I find that traveling down this road leads to my imagination running away with me, developing even more fear and worry in me. Traveling this road is not pleasing to my heavenly Father, who is watching over all of us and caring for us every moment.

I thank God for showing me His narrow road, where there is trust in Him and an assurance that He is in control of all situations. It’s hard for me to remember to travel along the narrow road, but when I do, I find that this road leads to more trust, God’s peace, and acceptance of God’s perfect will.

Oh God, please catch me before I start going down the broad road of worry and fear! Grab me by the hand and lead me into the narrow road of trusting You. Help me to remember that only the narrow road leads to true peace and joy, no matter what may happen in this world.

Written by
Judy Mulder

HSBC Coffeebreak

Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity?
Job 2:10

I believe that of all the Devil’s tools for making God’s people lose sight of His power and love is discouragement. The book of Job teaches us that the gift of encouragement is the strength gift, the love gift. Job’s friends meant well, but they missed what Job needed most - encouragement to believe in God’s love.

I was married straight out of high school to a wonderful, loving young man who was my hero, a football star and decorated war hero. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder wasn’t recognized then, nor was the term clinical depression. I was so busy with my three small children I couldn’t see what was happening to the man I loved, nor he me.

Although both of us were Christians from our teens, raised in the Church, as young married adults we seldom attended church. Too busy doing our own thing! The drift apart was slow and we were drowning chasing the wrong dream. Life was hard. My husband was gone most of the time attending college and working two jobs after graduation; I was lonely, frazzled, tired, scared and wondering how to be a wife and mother of three alone. How we needed words of encouragement!

As our children grew, our problems became giants. Three babies in three years suddenly became three teens. The only advice we heard were statements like those Job’s friends gave him. We were both so discouraged! Our families tended to side with whatever their child said was wrong. We got confused about just who God really is.

After the divorce, I vowed I would never give advice like that. Guess what? Unless God changes us, we are what we learn. Until recently the words Job spoke in Job 2:10 never occurred to me as words of encouragement. But they were, for shouldn’t we accept the bad and the good in others? We needed to hear words of encouragement, not words filled with fear and judgment.

There is a vast difference between putting your nose in other people’s business and putting your heart in other people’s problems. Let’s be a Barnabas to our married children and friends and help them to tell each other what each needs to hear: “You’re wonderful, I’m glad I chose you as my life’s mate and I know God is in control even though things are difficult right now.”

We need to accept others as they are; however, we also need to work on changing our wayward behavior and habits. That’s love! That is Church.

Written by
JoAnn Shelton

HSBC Coffeebreak

I have planted, Apolos watered: but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth anything, neither he that waters; but God that gives the increase.
I Corinthians 3:6 & 7

She was two years old (or should I say "two years bold?") and feeling every second of it. She had entered her room, opened the bottom drawer of her dresser, and flung its contents over her shoulder. It was great fun! So, she did it again... this time, she opened the drawer located above the one she'd just emptied. WHEE! Fling! Yipee Yahoo! Off the items would fly, over her head, up onto shelves, where ever they'd land, it was fun! She began on drawer number three, when her dad walked into her bedroom.

"No, no, no! STOP that! Now you are going to have to pick up all those things you just threw out and put them back."

She put her tiny hands on her hips, turned and faced her 200 pound dad and said with all the authority of a red headed two year old, "Get See-wee-us." (serious) She quickly learned that her dad was indeed "see-wee-us!" He stood there and made her pick up all the items she'd flung over her head and made sure she put them back into the drawers she emptied.

Later on, my husband and I had to go into her room and put back her dresser into an orderly fashion. We wanted our little girl to learn the lesson of hard work of putting things back and cleaning up messes she'd made, but a two year old style of organization wasn't what we'd wanted or needed for the dresser drawers.

Now there are several avenues I could take at this fork in the road for my devotional. I could write of how silly it is for us to deny doing things we know we are supposed to do for our heavenly father. I could write of the values of not doing what "feels fun at the time" only to suffer consequences of picking up messes we made later. However, I think I'll shed light on this angle...I wonder how many of the jobs I do for the Lord resemble the job my two year old did in putting things back into her dresser? She wasn't able to fold neatly, or organize short sleeves in one pile, long sleeves in another. God asks me to obey him. He is indeed serious about that! Just as we were pleased when our daughter chose to obey us, (after realizing how "see-wee-us" we were) I am sure our Father is pleased when we choose to obey him.

Perhaps it is through singing a worship song when our mood isn't yet into it. Does our obedience change the person next to us? Maybe.. maybe not, but it isn't our job to change that person. It's our job to obey, and let God give the increase, or do the changing. Perhaps it's by leading a class or loving our family or treating an undeserving person with more respect than we, in our human nature, believe they deserve. It is our job to obey. Even our best efforts no doubt look messy at best in light of eternity, but God will bless our obedience, and "straighten things out" and reward our efforts. That is his job. He will make things look better when we submit to His ways. We can watch for a bright, uncluttered outlook and count on His increase.

Written by
Melody Foster

HSBC Coffeebreak

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you and watch over you.
Psalm 32:8

This summer we took a camping trip with some friends. These friends brought along their dog, Jake, who was in the process of being trained to retrieve. I watched in amusement as Jake would bring his toy for someone to throw and then bound away in excitement as soon as it was thrown. Of course, in his enthusiasm, he would forget to watch where it would land. Then began the process of directing him to the proper location.

Our friends would give him verbal instructions and hand cues. With typical puppy exuberance, he would occasionally look at everyone watching and then with ears perked, tongue lolling out of the side of his mouth and a sparkle in his eyes, he would ignore the commands and run energetically around the field in search of his toy.

You see, Jake knew exactly what his objective was, but failed, in his enthusiasm and his focus on who was watching, to take the time to get instructions on how to complete the task.

Hmmm, strike a cord with anyone? I know it sure did with me! I have a goal- driven personality. I can be that exuberant and excited “puppy," putting my energy into serving God without spending time looking to Him for instruction along the way. I get so focused on accomplishing the goal I forget to seek God’s will on how I should get there.

Next time I jump into a task, I’d like to think I’ll remember Jake and take more time looking to God for His direction.

Written by
Michele Chard

HSBC Coffeebreak

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Philippians 2:3-4

I love Tuesdays. This is the day of my women’s Bible study. I adore getting together with a group of women and learning more about the God that I so love. These women may be 20 years older than I am, but I learn from them in ways that are priceless to me. This Tuesday was no different.

We had been studying the book of Philippians and discovering the meaning of true joy. We were in the second chapter of the book and I listened as my teacher read its words. She came to the third and fourth verses and pointed out that they command us to humble ourselves not only to fellow Christians, but our families and strangers as well. Our assignment was to put into practice this humble attitude as we continued our day.

This should be easy enough, or so I thought. I was a wife and mother after all, and wasn’t looking out for the best interests of others in my job description? I went about my day considering others better than myself. In service, I entertained the discussion of an elderly lady at the swimming pool when all I wanted to do was enjoy some peace while my children were in lessons. I put down the broom when my son wanted to curl up on the couch and read a book with me. I prepared a meal to show my husband that I appreciated his long hard days at work. All the while, I was making plans for the upcoming weekend at home. The fair was in town, and I envisioned our family enjoying a rodeo and eating high-fat foods. I thought I had these Bible verses figured out.

Then my husband got home. He had other plans for the weekend. Later in the week, my husband had a meeting in Billings. We were going to bring our camping supplies, the children and I would find something to do during the day while he was at his meeting, and then we would go camping somewhere in the Beartooth Mountains later that afternoon. Well, that didn’t agree with my vision for a happy family weekend at the fair. God brought the verses from Philippians to my mind. That stopped my selfish ambition and vain conceit in its tracks. My husband relaxes more on camping trips than anywhere else, and my kids jumped at the opportunity to sleep in the camper, chase bugs and eat s’mores. I realized that this verse was not something I could ever master, and that this would not be the last time that God reminded me of this command.

God rewarded me at the campfire that weekend. After an enjoyable discussion with my husband, I gazed at the bright stars, which reminded me of the glory of God and took my breath away. I found real joy that night and I look forward to the next time God reminds me of this verse. I am excited to see the outcome of my submission to His will.

Written by
Lisa Waterman

HSBC Coffeebreak

Your Father knows what things you have need of before you ask him.
Matthew 6:8b

I was fifteen years old and rather bent out of joint. My dad had the nerve to ask me to spend a Friday and Saturday out on the ranch fixing fence. B O R I N G. That meant sitting in the pickup, driving s l o w l y along miles and miles and miles of barbed wire fence, putting in fence staples where old ones had fallen out, repairing broken wire and replacing fence posts that were broken. I could think of things I'd much rather do with my time, but it was a job that needed doing.

I'd had lunch earlier in the week with my Grandmother, and she said she'd enjoy spending time with me, would like to help if she could, and offered to sit with me and visit while I worked. A little background information is needed at this point, to clarify what was about to happen in my story. Grandma was blind. She also had diabetes. My siblings and I had been trained over the years, to treat Grandma carefully, since sometimes she'd bruise and not know it, and infection for a diabetic, left untreated, is a bad thing. Grandma and I got along great, and not being alone all day long was of interest to me, so I told her I'd pick her up and we'd head out for the long day ahead.

We sat in a dusty old pickup, windows down (no air conditioning). I'd watch the fence line as I drove and we'd talk. She'd hand me fence staples when I'd stop. "How many do you need?" she'd inquire. Sometimes just one, other times I needed two, three or four. She'd open up the pick up door and visit with me about different things. It did make my day go a bit faster.

After several hours, I noticed a larger section of fence was down, and three head of cattle were out, grazing on the wrong side of the fence. I was tired and dirty and wanted to just turn them into hamburger. "Oh crud," I groaned. "What's wrong?" Grandma inquired. "Cows out. Um... let me see. I'll figure out something to get them in." It was at this point that Grandma offered to stand on one of the fence posts that was down, holding the barbed wires down on the ground and enabling the cattle to walk across. I could round them up, walk them across, and then repair what was broken. I didn't give it another thought. I stood my blind, diabetic grandmother on a post that was attached to four barbed wires. I wasn't completely heartless, I gave her an old tree branch to steady herself with, as she stood there alone in the wind.

I ran out quite a ways, and rounded up the stray cattle. They got a bit excited and began running... towards my grandma..... and it was at this point (I'm not a real quick thinker, ok?) that it dawns on me what predicament I've just put my grandmother in. There she was, a bit bent over, perched on a broken fence post with barbed wire under her feet, her thinning white hair blowing in the breeze, blind to what was going on around her, cattle on a dead run heading towards her! AND I HEADED THEM THAT WAY! I didn't even have time to formulate a plan. It was over with before I could do anything about it. The cattle ran past my grandma and into the pasture where they were suppose to be. Grandma just stood there. (She obviously didn't have much other choice!) When she heard them run past, she hesitated for a bit longer, then said, "Are we done?" I could barely breathe. I was so embarrassed at what I'd just done. I ran towards her. "Grandma! I'm so sorry! I can't believe what I just did to you!" I cried. She smiled and laughed out loud, "I offered! I told you I wanted to help, and I'm glad I got to!" I swore her to secrecy, I didn't want my dad to find out what I'd just done to his mom! It was years later I told him about it (when it was safe to do so!).

Sometimes we find ourselves in predicaments. Some, like most of mine, are of our own doing. Other predicaments are just a result of living life on an imperfect earth. I didn't have time to pray for my Grandma at the moment I realized her predicament. I only had time to gasp and watch the events unfold within seconds. It's nice to know at times like that - God knows our needs, even before we ask.

Grandma lived another twenty plus years after that. We both had a good chuckle over that story, and I think she was tickled even though I was mortified.

Thank you, Lord, for Your limitless knowledge of what I need just when I need it, and for Your ability to provide it in spite of myself!

Written by
Melody Foster

HSBC Coffeebreak

Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28 NIV

My third pregnancy has been rough. I’ve found myself ill almost all day, everyday. Nothing stays in me and nothing even really sounds good to eat. I’ve been tired and nauseous and cranky. It’s hard to be functional, let
alone an enthusiastic mom to my two other children when I feel this bad. And all this illness wears on me emotionally.

I wake up everyday thinking about when I can nap. I wake up from every nap thinking about when I can lie down and rest again. Sometimes I don’t even know if I need a nap, I just think that I need to rest if I am going to survive the evening. As a result, my home has suffered and, well, did I mention that I am cranky? I usually have my quiet times with God during my kids’ naps. I usually straighten up, return phone calls and begin dinner. With me napping for a full two hours, I am unprepared…both domestically and spiritually. This drives me crazy.

A few nights ago, before I went to bed, I decided to look up the word “rest” in my Bible. I read the above verse and spent some time thinking about what it was really saying. I noticed that Jesus says, “Come to me” to find rest. I was struck by that. He doesn’t say, “Take a nap all you who are weary…” It made me think that perhaps Jesus defines rest differently than I do, and as a result, rest that comes from Him is true rest. Better than a nap. Better than a vacation away alone for a week (I’ve daydreamed about this too!). His rest is full of peace – and better yet, obtainable in any moment of every day. I can go to him in my thoughts while changing a diaper. I can pray to him while fixing lunch, washing dishes or playing in the yard.

Since that night, I have been trying to trust God with my need for rest. He knows my situation and my health needs. I don’t for any minute believe that He is against naps. I simply think that when I choose to spend time each day with Him, asking Him for rest and strength for the day, that I will receive it and it will last longer than when I take a nap. He is where true rest and peace are found.

Dear Lord, Thank you for the rest that you can provide for my body and soul. Thank you for providing time in my day to slow down. Give me wisdom to know what I need to do and what I simply “think” I need to do, be that napping or sweeping the floors. Help me to operate on Your strength, both when I am sick and when I am well.

Written by
Holly Hauskins

HSBC Coffeebreak

He said, "Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some." When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.
John 21:6

The disciples were fishing all night. But they didn't have any success and daylight arrives. Then some land-lubber hollers from the shore, that perhaps you just need to throw the nets on the other side of the boat.....

How do I respond to this? I am the expert, trying and trying to do something, but it has no effect. Then someone who hasn't the knowledge or expertise, happens by and gives me a new thing to try. Am I willing to give it a go? I need to be. The disciples chose to listen to the person on the shore, and suddenly they had more than they bargained for from a night's work of fishing and later some time fellowshipping with Jesus on shore. As I pursue my work, I want to have ears that listen to that "land-lubber" as well as a heart willing to give new advice a try.

The fish we can catch are bigger than the ones the disciples caught that night. We are called to be fishers of men! So let's throw that net on the other side of the boat!

Written by
Theresa Zacher

HSBC Coffeebreak

But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.
II Samuel 12:23

My brother and his wife lost their two year old son several years ago to meningitis. He had an ear infection, but was on medication. He also appeared to be feeling well. During the night, he developed a high fever and was taken to the doctor. After many tests, they found he did have meningitis. The doctor was sure the medication would take care of it. As the day went on, he became worse, and by early evening they could tell that he was in severe pain. Late that evening, we were told that he had passed away.

We made the trip to Kansas and after the chapel services, we went to the cemetery for the burial. My brother chose to speak at the cemetery, using II Samuel 12:23. My husband, who had been saved a short time, told my brother that he didn’t know how he did that! His reply to that was, “I didn’t; it was the Lord that helped me through this!”

His prayer after his son’s death was that if one person came to know the Lord through his death, the blessing would be worth it! He found out many years later that after the death of a good friend, his friend’s son came to know the Lord! He told my brother he never forgot the Scripture that was used at the cemetery! How faithful is our God! I’m sure my brother never stopped praying for that man, and he saw the fruits of his prayers!

This reminds me of one of our Pastor’s sermons. We should never stop praying for our family and friends who do not know Jesus as their Savior! At the time, I remember thinking about my nephew being in heaven with his grandma! What a wonderful time is waiting for us!

Written by
Delma Lebien

HSBC Coffeebreak

Enter through the narrow gate…For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.
Matthew 7:13, 14

Yesterday, my grandson said something that stung. He called me closed minded. That upset me because I’m not closed minded. So I prayed about it and the Lord reminded me of an incident that happened back in the ‘70’s. I had to look up the Scripture.

My husband, Jerry, and I were refurbishing a hundred year old house in Utah. His oldest daughter, Anne, and her husband, Greg, were spending the summer helping us. Anne was misguided in her beliefs regarding her Salvation and Greg was a Pantheist, universe and God is equivalent, or Atheism for nature lovers. I was looking forward to sharing the saving grace of Christ. For the first time, I was feeling the sting of loved ones rejecting Jesus. I was not popular.

I was on the ladder, scraping the 6 coats of paint off the 3ft thick window casements listening to Greg tell me about his life experiences and why he chose to believe in Pantheism. He was an ex-Green Beret who had what he believed to be a “born again” experience on the battlefield in Vietnam. My heart broke for this sweet young man who had seen such horror. I felt he was ready to hear what being “born again” really meant. After sharing the love story of Jesus, I was unprepared for his response.

Full of rage, he shouted at me from below, “You are the most narrow-minded person I have ever had the misfortune to meet. You are like a stupid old horse with blinders on to keep it on the road and at the end of that road all you can see is this man, Jesus!” My gut wrenched and hot tears rolled down my face as I fought back the anger of being spoken to so disrespectfully. In a flash, I suddenly realized I had succeeded. I climbed down the ladder, embraced him and said, “Thank you, Greg. No one has ever paid me a higher compliment. This man at the end of that road is indeed my Savior.”

Sometimes our Lord is incredibly prompt in answering prayer. This was one of those times. I explained to my grandson the difference between being closed-minded and narrow-minded and was able to read Matthew 7:13 & 14 to him.
The narrow road can be difficult, but remember who waits at the end of it. Telling others the great love story is worth every insult we may receive. Let the tears flow! I have since learned Jerry is born again.

Written by
JoAnn Shelton

HSBC Coffeebreak

Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
2 Corinthians 9:7

I love God's little reminders that He sends via Christian radio. As I listened one morning while getting ready for my day, I heard the great story of Chad. Chad is 8 years old, and he doesn't realize he's not going to win the Mr. Congeniality Award at his school. He walks to and from school alone, greets the kids and teachers with a happy "good morning" or "have a great day", and every day his mom prays that one day he'll return home with some friends. But Chad is different and she knows it; she just wishes popularity was based on kindness.

One day, Chad bounds in and announces that he's going to make a Valentine for every child in his class. Valentine's Day is just 6 weeks away, so this seemed a daunting task to his mom. Without discouraging Chad, she hoped he'd soon forget, because it would take so much work and dedication, and she was sure Chad wouldn't get many in return. "How about if we make heart sugar cookies instead, and we can frost them and you can lick the bowl?" Or "why don't we bake cupcakes with red frosting?" "No, mom, I'm going to make a Valentine for every friend in my class, and I counted and there are 32. Can we go get our supplies tonight?"

She thought of every way to change his mind because she couldn't bear to think of how hurt he would feel when he didn’t get a Valentine from everyone. But he persisted, and every night they worked on a few together. "Oh mom, this one will be perfect for Lily! And I can't wait to see the look on Jeff's face when he gets this one." Her heart just sank.

The night before Valentine's Day, they packaged up the homemade cards and that morning, Chad left for school with a bigger bounce in his step than ever before. "Bye mom! You can bet I'll be smiling when I get home from school tonight! Have a great day!"

Once Chad left, she baked his favorite cookies so they'd make him feel better after this heartbreaking day. The hours went by so slowly, and finally Chad came running through the door. "How was your day Chad? I baked your favorite cookies and they're still warm." Chad looked happier than she'd ever seen him, with his head in the clouds. Then he said "Not one, not even one mom." Her heart sunk to her toes. And then he said "I didn’t miss even one, mom. Every person got a Valentine from me today."

I know that sometimes I get caught up in "what's in it for me?" If I go out and do that for her, what will she do for me? I have committed my life to serving God, but sometimes I feel like God should be serving me. Isn't it true that there is more joy in giving, than there is in receiving? Anytime that little devilish thought crosses my mind about what I might get in return----I simply think of Chad, and "not even one."

Written by
Shelley Olson

HSBC Coffeebreak

May the LORD repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.
Ruth 2:12

I was looking for a place to live. The son of the land-lord was returning, and he would be returning to my room, and so it was time to move!

Trying to find a new place to live wasn't as straight-forward as one would think. Since I am a foreigner (an American missionary living in Poland), I have to be registered. Registering a renter isn't really high on the list of people to rent to, since it means that one has to deal with the paperwork (waiting in line at a government office) and then later has to pay taxes on the rent.

So..... my daily struggle of trying to find a place to live continued. Each morning I was spending time in the Word, and each day the promises of God met me where I was in the process. I was less than a week away from needing to be out of my current place. During the last month of searching with no success I was still feeling peace that the Lord would provide. Today, however, I was feeling a bit of stress, knowing I had to again search the internet for available places, make many phone calls and hope for one person to be willing to register me. Today, the price or location was not making a difference to me. I only needed to find someone who would register me. Then I read the Scripture for that day.

It was out of Ruth 2:12, “May the LORD repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.”

Everything was going to be okay, I am under God's wings. Then came some further reading that reminded me how I was going to be okay. In Ruth 4, the Lord worked out the details for Ruth, Naomi and Boaz to a beautiful conclusion. The summary was such: "Sometimes you can only do so much yourself. You have to trust that God & others will play their part too. Pray for the strength to trust."

So that day, I did pray for the strength to trust & continued my search for an apartment.

Written by
Theresa Zacher

HSBC Coffeebreak

…apart from Me you can do nothing.
John 15:5 NASB

Slowly but steadily we climbed up a bumpy mountain road in an old Jeep. Eucalyptus trees dotted the Andes hillside. Pink quinoa grew amongst small patchwork farms, extending beyond my view. Finally we reached our destination, a Quichua Indian village, nestled in the heart of Ecuador.

My host missionaries and I were greeted with warmth and friendliness by the brightly dressed Quichua people. With lots of smiles and nods, we were ushered inside where a simple table was set with a mix match of dishes. I could smell something cooking. It was a peculiar odor, one that I couldn’t identify.

I recalled what my host missionaries had told me, “The Quichuas share their best food with us-- food they seldom eat themselves. It would be insulting for us to turn down their generosity. Some of the food, meat especially, may have set out at room temperature for days. We always silently pray before eating, asking for protection from sickness. Never once have we become sick after eating their food.”

We gathered around the table and sat in our appointed places. Being their new guest, I was given the honorable serving of a roasted guinea pig, complete with an attached head! I swallowed hard and wondered if I could really eat that. Next, I was given a bowl of broth with “chunkies” that I did not recognize. Ah ha, this is what I had smelled earlier.

As a jolly Quichua man prayed a prayer that I could not understand, I silently prayed for help to eat this food and for protection from getting sick. I was lacking faith but did not want to offend these kind people. I remembered what the missionaries had told me earlier, and I knew they would be praying for me, too.

God did enable me to eat that meal. I did not get sick, nor did I get sick for the remainder of my time in Ecuador. Each time the friendly Quichuas shared a meal, we silently prayed and God protected us from sickness.

The American food that I missed most that summer was simply a hamburger. After my long flight back to the United States, my friends picked me up at the airport and asked me what I wanted to eat. Without giving it a second thought, I said, “a hamburger!” They took me to an American restaurant, and I ordered a burger. Oh, was it ever tasty! However, a while later, hamburgers didn’t sound the least bit appealing. I was sick and learned that I had a mild case of food poisoning. At the time I did not think it was funny, but hindsight reveals a bit of humor in the situation.

While I was in Ecuador, I was out of my comfort zone and naturally more aware of my dependence on God. I felt a need for Him even when I ate a meal. However, back in my own country, I thought I could handle it. God reminded me that I still needed Him for the simple things, even when I was in familiar territory. Apart from Him, I can do NOTHING. I need Him, and He wants me to be mindful of that-- no matter where I am or what I’m doing.

Dear Lord,
I’m grateful for Your constant presence in my life. Thank You for always taking care of me. Even when I lose sight of You, You still have Your eye on me. I desire to live with increasing awareness of my need for You, whether in difficulty or ease. Amen.

Written by
Jodeen Erickson

HSBC Coffeebreak

That whatsoever you ask of the Father in my name, he may give it to you.
John 15:16b

About 1 ½ years ago our 15 year old grandson (he was 13 at the time) was having some eye problems. It occurred to his mother that he wasn’t focusing. Since it was almost time for a checkup, she took him in to see his eye doctor. In the coming weeks, he was to see several doctors, the last being a specialist in Portland.

After one long day spent in Portland, the doctor came to the conclusion that our grandson had a terminal disease of the eye – one that could not be treated. He told our son-in-law that he was 95% sure. Eventually he would lose his sight, become an invalid and would probably not live much beyond 20 years. What a heavy load for our son-in-law to carry!

He called us and told us about the “diagnosis” and my husband and I felt numb. We cried and prayed a lot that night. The next day, we had to get busy and notify our family. That’s when our grandson was placed on MANY prayer chains across the country – east coast to west coast, north to south. I talked to my cousin at Bob Jones University and she told me that the school would pray for a miracle! Our daughter couldn’t seem to talk to anyone, but just kept to herself. Finally, she called and we cried, prayed and had the best conversation.

Days went by and they turned into weeks. Finally, just before Christmas, the call came that the test they were waiting for was negative! Praise the Lord! The doctor was in shock, wondering how he had misdiagnosed the situation! Certainly there were those of us that knew the hand of God was in this and that it had been a miracle! The doctor, however, wanted to do the test a second time. Again, the “waiting game” began, but it turned out negative a second time. The other test they did revealed our grandson does have a severe problem with his eyes. He was diagnosed with “Cone Dystrophy” which has to do with genetics. He can lose his sight, but they can’t say how much or if he will be totally blind - but God spared his life!

We don’t know what God has planned for him, but he certainly seems to get along well with the sight that he has. I cannot say what I would feel if a doctor were to tell me that one of my children would not live long. It certainly has made me aware of the fact that our time on earth is totally in God’s hand. All things are in His time!

Written by
Delma Lebien

HSBC Coffeebreak

The Lord protects the simple-hearted; when I was in great need, he saved me.
Psalm 116:6

My daughter has recently adopted a caterpillar, Fuzzbudd, into the family. She keeps him/her (anyone know how to tell the difference in a caterpillar?) in a small plastic tin loosely closed to allow it air.

This morning when I got up, I realized that the lid was open and one of our cats was taking an unusual interest in our new little friend. After removing the cat, I checked on Fuzzbudd and he/she was happily eating away at a leaf unaware of the menace of the cat or the protection of his benefactor.

I wonder how often God has done the same for me. When troubles come, I sure am quick to notice and reach out for His help. There have also been the times such as the near miss on a car accident when I thank Him for keeping me safe.

When was the last time I praised Him for all the times He has kept me from dangers I didn’t even know were a threat? Thank You, Lord, for not only protecting me from the seen, but also the unseen threats, in my world!

Written by
Michelle Chard

HSBC Coffeebreak

But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
2 Corinthians 12:9

Mother’s Day weekend wasn’t my finest. I seemed to be really struggling to demonstrate patience towards my children. For example, that Saturday I had decided to really do something outside the box and make chocolate chip pancakes for my children. I am a health food nut, so in my head I thought that this was definitely going to be a special breakfast. My children were going to LOVE it.

Nope. My oldest, who’s three, decided that she didn’t like the looks of the “black dots” in her pancakes. Her 20- month-old sister followed immediately. They both pushed their plates away and said, “Ew.” Having mentally built this breakfast up to be one of my greatest moments in “fun motherhood,” I was devastated. I cannot lie, I lost it.

“Eggs? You want eggs? You never want eggs when I make them. Why now? It’s chocolate for cryin’ out loud…what kind of little girl doesn’t eat chocolate? I can promise you, I will never make a special breakfast treat for you again. If you are just going to say, “Ew,” then I won’t even try!” (Just a sample of my rantings)

Without even going in to the specifics of the crazy things I said that morning, I immediately felt awful. As I scrubbed the breakfast dishes furiously, I realized that I had behaved selfishly and immaturely. Who was the parent here and how could God think that I was a competent mother? My children were suffering at the hands of a madwoman… who would save us now?

The following day, at church, we sang Chris Tomlin’s “Enough.” The chorus says, “All of You is more than enough for all of me/ for every thirst and every need/ You satisfy me with Your love/ And all I have in You is more than enough” Tears streamed down my face as the truth of those words sunk into me in a very real way. His grace is more than enough for my weaknesses. He is more than enough for all of me! I realized that on my own strength, I would never have more patience with my children, I would always struggle to be more flexible with them and to remain calm in intense moments.

Only God’s power, only God’s strength can change me. He made me with weaknesses so that He could change me…so that I would become dependent on Him to thrive in this life. He made me weak so that He could be strong.

I am grateful for God’s grace in a new way. I will never be a perfect mom. But I can be a mom who trusts that God is enough for my weaknesses. He can change me in a permanent way; I only have to bring my sins and struggles to His feet. There, He does not condemn me, rather He says, “Holly, I am bigger than those. Take my hand…let my love and my strength lead you to a better way. Please let me work in you.”

Written by
Holly Hauskins

HSBC Coffeebreak

…in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
I Thessalonians 5:18

Many times throughout my adult life I knew I was obviously having a problem understanding what God wanted from me. You know those times, when you pray and pray, feeling like the prayers aren’t getting past the ceiling.

It was a beautiful, sunny day and the bay was like glass. With coffee in hand, I was pondering what my husband had said the night before. He had told me he didn’t want to be a father and grandfather to my children, he wanted a divorce. This cut deeply and I was questioning how I could have made such a wrong turn in life. I knew Christ, so how did I end up here?? Tears were streaming down my face as I looked out our picture window.

What I saw made me smile. My retired neighbor was attempting to learn to wind surf. He had a new step-son and wanted to connect with him. The contrast between the men drove the knife deeper.

I laughed each time he fell, waved to him and cheered him on. He would crawl up on that board; readjust the sail and his stance until finally he was gliding across the water, yelling in triumph. In that moment of time Jesus spoke an epiphany to me. We don’t really learn from our successes - only from our failures when we recognize them and adjust our stance and sails. This life is His school room, and just like school, we can learn what our teachers expect, do it their way and reap the reward, or we can end up in Continuation School.

The testing of our faith produces patience, and the work of patience makes us perfect and complete, lacking nothing (James 1:2, 3) this is why we can thank Him in all things. For what seems to be an imperfect gift just may be what we need for God to perfect us. His Holy Spirit is constantly praying my feeble prayers in His Power and that power is what will accomplish victory over my sin and work all things for my good (Romans 8:28).

I’ve learned to embrace the trials life sends my way, assured of the love of Christ.

Written by
JoAnn Shelton

HSBC Coffeebreak

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Be still and know that I am God.
Psalm 46:1, 10a

A few weeks ago we were able to celebrate our twin grandsons’ 18th birthday. They came into the world at only 29 weeks. When we saw them shortly after birth, they were so tiny and fragile. One weighed 3lb 12oz and the other one weighed 3lb 11oz. Being only 17 inches long, if you touched them, you thought they would break! Those first several hours were very critical as oxygen and ventilators helped them with their breathing. I didn’t think they would live 18 hours, much less 18 years! They were on multiple prayer chains across the country and God is good! We finally received word that they wouldn’t have to be moved to Salt Lake City and six weeks later, they were able to go home.

We have watched them grow, little by little. Both had hernia surgery at three months and one had kidney surgery at about eight months. For two years, they were on oxygen, even spending two weeks in the hospital battling RSV. Going through the crawling and walking stages, managing around oxygen tubing, was an experience. They had their own “lingo” which no one could understand except the two of them. Both boys would “talk” to each other and laugh. Since those first years, they have competed in track, basketball and football, something the doctor said they probably could never do. In the fall, they will be entering the 12th grade, standing tall at almost 6’2” and weighing about 185lbs.

I asked our daughter one time if she ever had the feeling they wouldn’t make it and she said, “No, mom, that never crossed my mind.” She went to the hospital every day and sat between the two cribs, talking to them and touching them. It was a struggle those first few years - what faith she and her husband had during those difficult times! God used this experience to draw them closer to each and to Himself. He is the “giver of life” and in today’s world that has been taken so lightly! How very thankful we are for ALL of the grandchildren which God has given us!

Written by
Delma Lebien

HSBC Coffeebreak

And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers,
you will surely be rewarded.
Mt. 10:42

I’ve learned that for years I was one of the Devil’s best workers because that is what an inconsistent Christian is to God’s work. Having random hearing where God is concerned is not healthy to a nation or a family.

I was grinding coffee beans around 5:30a.m. in a sullen, angry state of mind. The night before, my husband had expressed his desire to have me make his freshly brewed coffee using the antique coffee grinder he had just purchased. With clenched teeth, I was vigorously turning that old crank. I had just quit my job with his blessing and felt I had earned my right to enjoy the warmth of the covers a little longer. However, I had not opened my mouth to protest the request.

Suddenly, the Lord spoke to me, “JoAnn, would you do it for me?” In the twinkling of an eye, I saw Jesus and was overwhelmed with His love for me. I was filled with resentment and He was filled with love. From that day to this when I am faced with a service I really don’t want to do, I remember that question and answer, “Yes, Lord, for you.” It makes even the worse job a joyful experience.

My Redeemer woke me up to the importance of learning to share feelings in a loving manner. You see Jerry didn’t know how I felt about his request, but the Lord did. Women often want their husbands to just know what they want. But husbands can’t know unless we tell them. Serving with a spirit of love is like giving a cup of fresh water to someone; joy and peace is the reward.

Maranatha!

Written by
JoAnn Shelton

HSBC Coffeebreak

Ladies,

Just a note to let you know that next week, April 23rd, there will be no Coffeebreak sent out. Our web administrator is on vacation! We'll be back with you on April 30th! Until then, may you experience extraordinary moments with God in your everyday life!

HSBC Coffeebreak

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed.
2 Corinthians 4:16

Last week I saw the face of Christ. If I had not previously believed that Jesus was alive and at work here on earth in those who love Him, I would completely embrace that fact now.

I went to visit my cousin in Washington, who has been battling colon cancer for about the last fifteen years. She has had her highs and lows, but is now at a very difficult place. Several times the doctors have told her that statistically she does not have much time and they don’t know what more to do. This is one of those times.

I was slightly anxious as we drove to her house. I hadn’t seen her in awhile and wasn’t sure what to expect regarding her condition. I was also worried about saying the right thing. We were greeted warmly by her husband when he answered the door. She was right behind him, hugging us and inviting us in. She is tiny, so tiny--just a wisp of a woman. She can no longer eat, but is fed through a feeding tube. Because the cancer is affecting her liver, she is battling with an extreme case of jaundice. I had expected her to be in bed or lying on the couch, propped up with blankets, but she was dressed and up. After welcoming us, she cheerfully chatted while she served us coffee.

Life has not always been easy for her. Some very difficult things happened in her early childhood, one of which was essentially losing her mother who became ill and could no longer care for her or her brothers. She made poor choices in her adolescent years and lived a risky life for awhile. In her mid 20’s she and the man who is now her husband started going to church. They met Jesus, with whom they fell in love and to whom they wholeheartedly gave their lives. Skepticism arose in the extended family about their faith, but my cousin and her husband clearly and consistently lived out their relationship with Christ. And never so clearly than in their battle with her cancer.

We talked about many things that day: the goings on in our extended family, their children, my cousin’s condition, the Lord, plans for a family reunion this summer if she was up to it, the possibility of them going to Hawaii again soon so she could “just relax on a warm beach.” I was impressed with the tangible peace and joy they radiated, while acknowledging the pain and difficulty of her illness. I prayed with her as I hugged her goodbye.

My cousin lives a transformed life, and although “outwardly [she is] wasting away, inwardly [she is] being renewed day by day.” I know she and her husband would not want to be glorified, but would instead want to assure everyone that it is Christ in them who sustains them. It encouraged me afresh to think on the fact that Christ is in me also, and is available for all who desire to know Him.

Written by
Chris Bushnell

HSBC Coffeebreak

As I was with Moses, so I will be with thee; I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
Joshua 1:5b

I cannot describe the thoughts that went through my mind when my husband suffered his heart attack. One of the greatest thoughts was that of fear! I was told by the attending doctor that he had at least six blockages. He was going to need bypass surgery, hopefully that day. The surgery would have to be performed in Billings. There were so many things to do before we left for Billings, but I couldn’t bring my mind to focus on what needed to be done. I was told I had 1 ½ hours to prepare for the trip. This meant that the house had to be locked up, suitcases packed, the dog taken care of and calls to be made. As I was trying to pull my mind together, a friend called and asked if I was doing OK. At that point, I broke down and started to cry. She told me we would pray together. When we finished, I hung up the phone and a sudden peace came over me and I knew it was going to be OK.

When we arrived at the hospital in Billings, our daughter was there waiting for us. What a blessing to have her there with us those first few days! The doctor was excellent and we found out he was a Christian. He prayed with my husband before he went into surgery. As it turned out, he had to have a quadruple bypass. When the surgery was finished, he came to the waiting room and prayed with me.

Recovery went very well and we came home a few days later. While in the hospital, I met a real sweet Christian lady. We had prayer together each morning.

The experience of possibly losing my spouse taught me that I need to be faithful in reading the Scriptures and spending time in prayer to God. We don’t know what He has planned for us each day. How very thankful I am that my husband is still with me. What an AWESOME God we have that we can bring all our worries, fears and concerns to Him and He will gently take us by the hand and lead us through all of our trials. God was with me in every aspect of my husband’s surgery! As I am writing this, I am reminded of a song my mother used to sing, “What a wonderful Savior is Jesus, my Jesus. What a wonderful Savior is Jesus my Lord.”

Written by
Delma Lebien

HSBC Coffeebreak

The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!”
Matthew 8:27 NIV

I was recently visiting my in-laws in Missouri. We had had a great visit, but we were ready to return to our home. Traveling can be hard with two toddlers…you know – your children aren’t sleeping well, new people all around them, loads of activities and people to see, etc.

On the day we were to fly back to Helena, a terrible snow storm came through the St. Louis area. We waited, holding our breaths, to learn the status of our flight: CANCELED. While we easily rescheduled for the next day, I will admit I was frustrated. I distinctly remember thinking, “Doesn’t God know how badly I want to get home? How much work my husband has to do?”

That evening, about the time we would have been taking off in the airplane, I received a phone call from my mother. My brother’s oldest son, Max, who is eleven, had been in a terrible accident. My brother had been pulling him on a sled behind their ATV. Max flipped off and went backwards into a tree. At the time, we knew no details, only that he had been life-flighted to the St. Louis Children’s Hospital. My mother, who lives three hours away from St. Louis, was in tears. She choked out the words, “Holly, can you drive there to be with your brother?”

Could I? I was already gathering up my things. I jumped in the car, drove slowly through the snow, and arrived at the hospital within 45 minutes. Max had just gone in for an MRI and my brother and sister-in-law were trying to figure out how to orchestrate everything so that their three younger children could get back home and with a sitter.

Without going into all the details, I saw the hand of God in every single detail of that night. I sat with my sister-in-law while Max was checked in to the Intensive Care Unit and examined. I was able to pray with her and Max. My brother’s family has recently begun attending church again and I was able to encourage my sister-in-law that God didn’t do this to punish them and even though I didn’t know why He allowed this to happen, I did know that God was all-powerful and has a special place in His heart for the broken-hearted. He would work this all for His glory.

Max suffered three broken vertebrae and a cracked skull. However, he’s back at home and recovering just fine. As a result, my brother’s family is completely connected with their new church and has memorized a Scripture that I gave Anne on a note card that night in the hospital.

I’ve no doubt He had thousands of reasons for sending a snow storm to St. Louis to cancel my flight – I feel blessed to have seen His mighty hand at work and to have been there to be an encouragement to my family.

Thank you God for being in control of all things, including the weather. Thank you also for the opportunities I have to play a role in your Kingdom. Help me to trust that when my plans go awry, You are at work. Help to me look at all inconvenient circumstances in my life as opportunities to be used by You.

Written by
Holly Hauskins

HSBC Coffeebreak

...Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word. Luke 1:38

I was raised in a Baptist home and really can't remember when I didn't believe Jesus was the Promised Messiah, but I never gave much thought to Mary. I knew she was very young and obviously much more dedicated to God than I was. Today my children are grown and I'm reminded over and over that my role as a mother holds much less importance in the lives of my family. Perhaps that’s why I've started to appreciate Mary and her role in the life of Jesus and His Church. What a woman! She had to be strong, sure of God and I believe full of fight to do right, ready to forgive and open to love.

I read Oswald Chambers profound statement: "What was true of the Virgin Mary in the historic introduction of God's Son into the earth is true in every saint. The Son of God is born into me by the direct act of God..." and it convicted me deeply. Crying out in repentance brings the miracle of the virgin birth in us; for the Holy Ghost enters into us just as He did into Mary! Every day is a new day where we are called upon to exercise self-control in order to obey.

Mary quickly grasped the Holy Spirit and took Him into her body and life. She nurtured the words of her God and responded, "Behold Your maidservant." She pondered the words spoken to her through others in the power of the Holy Spirit. She became highly favored and bore God's only begotten Son. She didn't stop there - she went forward in the face of criticism and name calling and raised Jesus according to God's instruction. How? She listened to His Word and believed it was truth. Do I?

Her act of obedience made my salvation possible! She had a heart for God and He did the rest. He drew her closer, she responded. What a dance of love they had!

Written by
JoAnn Shelton

As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.
Psalm 103: 13-14 NIV

The trouble is my days are like my nights. Ideally, my night would start at a nice, solid, concise time. I would fall into bed tired, sleep a full eight hours, and wake up promptly in the morning refreshed and renewed, ready to tackle a new day.

Instead, I stay up a bit too late, pumped up on too much adrenaline and thinking about unfinished projects. I’m not sleepy enough because I slept in a bit too late. So I force myself to bed, sleep for a while, and get up to give my four year old some cough medicine. Then it’s back to sleep. Before long I find myself, half asleep, settling my two year old, who woke up wailing and neither of us know why. (Although if I start wailing soon, I’ll know why.) I manage to sleep through my husband’s alarm, only to have my four year old come in complaining of a wet bed, nightgown and panties. Rather than face the mess and probably disturb the baby, I have her strip and join me in bed. But it’s not long before our two month old wakes up and wants breakfast. I feed her in bed so that I can lay too long, unable to sleep anymore but somehow setting my internal clock to think I spent too much time in bed today to go to sleep early. Well, my six year old is ready for some attention. Come to think of it, so are the other three kids, though I can’t imagine why.

Another day has begun. The trouble is, the days are like my nights. I have always taken so much comfort in Psalm 103:14. God knows how I am made and how much I can handle. He’s definitely not shocked at my lack of accomplishments in life, or my inability to handle things at times. He made me, and He knows that I am nothing bust dust. How much can you expect from dust?

Written by
Melody Anderson

HSBC Coffeebreak

In as much as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
Matthew 25:40

I sat on the bleachers at an out of town soccer game, watching my sons play in a closely contested game. I didn't know many folks in the stands and I was sitting in a section among only a couple of folks who knew me. The game was close, first we'd be ahead, then the opposing team. The outcome could go either way, and the crowd was well aware.

At one point, one of my sons was racing up the field along side of a player from the other team. Both went for the ball and my son slid to try to kick the ball in the direction of one of his team mates. In the process, the player from the opposing team was tripped and fell to the ground. "What a jerk!" I heard from an adult sitting near me. "Toss him out of the game!"

They had no idea that they were seated near his mom... Those comments were hurtful, and uncalled for. Both boys were going for the ball. The boys on the field weren't upset, they got right up and kept on playing. It was just a few fans that had felt it necessary to hurl slicing comments.

Is that how God feels when I decide to open my mouth to criticize one of His children? Do I leave a hurt in the heart of God Himself when I belittle someone for behavior I don't understand or that I deem unfair?

Lord, forgive me for times I've spoken things I shouldn't have. Remind me that these people that I live amongst here on earth are YOUR creation... YOUR children.. and that you love them more than I can understand. Help me, Lord, to not hurt you like that. People are precious to you, Lord Jesus, and you died for every one of them.

Written by
Melody Foster

HSBC Coffeebreak

It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn Your statues.
Ps. 119:71

I may not know what the Psalmist was afflicted with, but I know that in my past, I have had a hearing problem. I'm reading the book of Deuteronomy written by Moses. As Moses recaps all of God's laws for His people I couldn't help but notice the many commands that are coupled with wonderful promise phrases like, "that it may go well with you." Obedience seems to be the key to blessings - something we slow learners struggle with.

I was about 6 years old and my daddy had just finished planting baby pine scrubs on either side of our front stoop. Now that stoop was my springboard to measure the distance of my mighty jumps. I was already eyeing the distance over those scrubs. When daddy finished his work he lovingly pulled me under his arm and said, "JoAnn you're not to jump off this stoop any longer; if you break one of these little trees, I will have to turn you over my knee." The next day I commenced my practice jumps and was very successful for a time. Then it happened! Daddy's warning proved true.

The secret in building character is in the follow-up. I quickly learned my earthly daddy meant business because of his love for me and who I would become. It took me much longer to realize that truth concerning my heavenly Daddy. Doing it my way seemed so important.

Oswald Chambers made a great statement, "God never threatens; the devil never warns." Parents often use those words interchangeably. However, there is a definite distinction; threats attempt to preserve our power, warnings serve to protect from danger. Our God's never-ending love resounds throughout time in His attempt to get us to listen.

The Israelites spent 40 years before they learned God meant business. He had to keep them moving in circles going over the same ground (one year for every day the spies looked over the Promised Land and refused to enter). I can identify with them. I, too, had to spend 40 years learning that the only way to hear the Lord's instruction is to keep your dial tuned on His wavelength, and even then static from the world can drown His voice. Finally I've learned the sound of My Redeemer Husband's sweet whisper. Where are you, murmuring (complaining) or trusting that, "Father Knows Best"?

Written by
JoAnn Shelton

HSBC Coffeebreak

Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
Phil 2:8 NIV

I am blessed with a friend who is always interested in my life. When we meet for breakfast, her pointed questions never fail to get me talking about me. While waiting in line at the cafe, she asked how it was going with my strong-willed three-year-old son. I told her things were not really improving and I expressed my exasperation and frustration.

Her next statement caught me off guard. She said, "You know, I really feel the Lord is raising up a generation of men who will be warriors for Christ. I know too many strong-willed little boys in this generation and I really think God is preparing those boys who will not back down...to never back down for Him. He is planning something big...and He will use Braden to carry out His plan."

Standing in awe at her statement, my heart melted and my perspective of my son was forever changed. Instead of despising his steel will, I could appreciate -- maybe even respect -- his God-given personality.

Because she was interested in my life, and not just her own, I am sure she not only changed my view of my son, but quite possibly saved his life! :-)

Clearly, her friendship and interest in my well-being blessed me in more ways than she'll ever know. God wants us to be interested in the lives of others so we can speak truth, love and encouragement into them...and in this case, wisdom. I am so thankful she chose to speak it into mine.

Written by
Angie Howell

HSBC Coffeebreak

He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil- this is the gift of God.
Ecclesiastes 3: 11-12 NIV

When my first baby was still a newborn, I remember constantly being stopped in the grocery store by older women telling me, “Enjoy her while she’s little, they grow up so fast.”

I remember struggling inwardly with two different responses. One thought was, “How can I enjoy it anymore than I am?” The other response was, “It’s not really all that fun you know.”

The first month of my daughter’s life felt like it lasted an eternity. She seemed to cry all the time; I didn’t know what she wanted; I never knew when she might start crying while I ran errands, and I feared it. I didn’t know how to get her to sleep, and I wasn’t convinced I was fit to keep her alive, let alone that I was really the best one for the job.

My oldest child is now six and something strange has happened now that my fourth child has been born. When I hold her in my arms it usually makes my eyes tear up because she is so precious. I can see the seconds flashing by, and there’s no way to hold on to them any tighter.

I’m probably slower than anyone else at learning these things, but I have gained a lot of confidence and experience with babies. I’ve had a chance to watch my other kids grow into fascinating individuals. I’m guessing it will only be a blink or two before my children will be grown and on their own. Maybe then I’ll stop mothers in the grocery store, and while their babies fuss in their carts I’ll tell them, “Enjoy them while they’re little, they grow up so fast.”

Why do we tell others to enjoy life before it passes? Does it actually change anything or make it any more enjoyable? Maybe after a few more years I’ll figure out how it make time slow down, or how to enjoy my kids when they’re miserable to be around, but I haven’t yet. I don’t know if talking about the speed of which life passes accomplishes anything, but it is so true, that we seem unable to say it enough. Or maybe it’s just a fact that can’t be changed whether we realize it or not.

Perhaps God has placed eternity in the hearts of men so that we can’t get used to this temporal world. It’s natural that we would fight the passing of time. Our heavenly home is not a place of death or good-byes or losses. This world is a place where goodness, purity, and pleasure are always so fleeting and fragile that we grasp it as though our life depends on it. But until we reach heaven, “I know there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live.”

Written by
Melody Anderson

HSBC Coffeebreak

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “You are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Luke 10:41-42

A couple of months ago I took a part-time temporary job as a way of making a little extra money for Christmas. It was fun, and for a time, I did not have too much trouble juggling an already busy family. I even marveled at myself at how well I was keeping the family schedule going.

Then came THAT day. Have you ever had one of those days? It started out all right. I knew I was going to have a more than average workload because I had volunteered to do a couple of extra jobs. “Don’t worry,” I gloated, “I am sure it is all under control.” I worked hard to accomplish my many tasks, but shall we say a number of complications entered the picture? So, I passed off a chaotic mess to my husband as I left for work. The poor guy did his best, but most men are not equipped to multi-task like us women (and frankly, they usually do not over commit like we do either! ha ha). He did a valiant job, but the lesson for me came when I was driving home from work. I pulled into the center lane to turn left toward our home and there right in front of me was my husband and daughter in the same center lane turning the opposite direction as he was rushing her to a birthday party. I laughed at how ridiculous it all was. We were in a race going opposite directions. Not only had we missed each other, but also they hadn’t even had any dinner, as I had underestimated the cooking time on the hastily thrown together mess of a evening meal I had made.

When I got home, I reflected on those events and how my life had changed in the previous weeks. With my newly organized schedule, I had quit doing my devotions in the morning (why is that usually the first thing to go?). In reality, I was just barely holding my days together. We rarely ate dinner as a family anymore (a precious and guarded time until now). The Lord, in His merciful and gracious way, allowed me to see that my life was out of balance and I was on a one-way course toward disaster.

I had to evaluate my day and ask myself if I was choosing the “best part.” I had added too much into my schedule and dropped the most important part. Martha did what was right and good, but for that moment, when Jesus was in their presence, Mary chose the best part and was blessed for it. Let us not forget to sit at our Savior’s feet so He can pour out the blessing of His loving presence on us, too!

Precious Jesus, King of my heart, let me not forget to sit at your feet each day. Help me to seek first your Kingdom and trust that you will take care of the details that I am worried about today.
Amen

Written by
Joanne Kauzlarich

HSBC Coffeebreak

All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags;
Isaiah 64:6 NIV

Scripture is clear, the very best achievements of man fall short of God’s perfect, holy righteousness. All we have to offer is not good enough to satisfy His righteous requirements. We have no hope of spending eternity with Him except by accepting the gift of Christ’s righteousness, which He has offered on our behalf. So why does God still want us to live righteous lives?

My daughters give me gifts all the time. As I type, they are cutting up paper and littering scraps all over the floor. Five seconds ago, my two-year-old handed me a treasure, made just for me. It’s a one inch square of paper, folded carefully in half with some intricate code written on the inside. I can tell it’s very special by the solemnity and care she used in handing it to me. I feel honored; it’s the best she has to offer.

My six-year-old is just beginning to read. She drew me a picture of a boy washing dishes and the words coming out of his mouth say, “I HAT Too Woch ThE DICh.” (I hate to wash the dishes.) I’m delighted. She did it all by herself; it’s the best she has to offer.

The gifts of my children help me understand Isaiah 64:6 when it says, “all our righteous acts are like filthy rags.” Most of the time it takes a lot of hard work to do what’s right. After struggling and sometimes sacrificing in order to live in a way that pleases God, to hear that my righteous acts are as filthy rags to God is almost insulting. Then I think of the gifts of my children. It’s not as though the things they give me are all that nice. They aren’t perfect; they aren’t even correct. It’s not because their gifts are any good that I love to receive them; it’s because I delight in my children.

Compared to God, my best, proudest achievements are as comic as my children’s attempts to do great things. Then why, if my righteous acts are so feeble and pathetic, does He want me to do them? When I think of my children’s gifts, I can imagine our Father in heaven, looking down on the daughter He delights in. There she stands offering her filthy rags, and He says, “After all, it’s the best she has to offer.”

Written by
Melody Anderson

HSBC Coffeebreak

When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.”
Luke 2:48

After having what I like to call a “low point” in my mothering career, I began my quiet time searching Scripture for a mother of a preschooler. I wanted to know if I was alone in my struggles to be patient and loving in all circumstances.

I found that Scripture doesn’t give us many examples of moms actually “training up their children.” As much as I long for specific examples of little John lying and how his mom handled it, I think God knew that giving us those examples would actually trap us. We would follow them too closely. God didn’t include discipline in Scripture (in my opinion) because my children are different from anyone in Scripture. And I am different from any mother in Scripture. How biblical mothers handle a situation may not work for me - and that would only frustrate me when the “technique of Hannah,” for example, didn’t fix my kid.

But this passage, Luke 2:41-51, this is exactly what I need. Mary, the chosen mother of our Savior, wasn’t perfect. She blew her lid at Jesus…a child who was perfect. I LOVE that. I take great comfort in that…not because I want to revel in my faults and my lack of patience and my anger, or even because I take joy in someone else’s sin, but because I fully trust that God loved Mary with all His heart. He trusted her with His Son. And yet, she struggled. If He can give her grace…He for sure can give me grace – for I have children who are not perfect.

I look at Mary’s response to her child, Jesus, here. She has just realized that she accidentally forgot Jesus at the temple. She asks him WHY have you treated US (me & your father) like this? Do you know ALL that I have done for you? I can relate to her frustration here and her response – it’s much like mine toward my own daughters at times.

She made it about her. Christ wasn’t following the script! But, Christ wasn’t doing anything wrong. He has to answer to God before Mary. Perhaps Mary was in the wrong for leaving him. Who knows, who cares. But sometimes, when I am in her position – panicked and embarrassed, perhaps in front of family and friends or in a situation where I cannot control my child or dealing with a behavior that I have been over with my child and I KNOW they know better, I respond the same way. I yell – and when I yell, I make it all about me.

I shall take heart. Mary was “highly favored” by God (Luke 1:28). And she didn’t get it perfect. I have to trust that I, too, am favored by God and He knows I’m not going to mother perfectly either. That’s not an excuse…but it is oddly encouraging to me as I long to be better at this mom thing. God has grace (and patience) for me!

Written by
Holly Hauskins

HSBC Coffeebreak

For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
Romans 15:4

My twin sons are seniors in high school this year. Recently, they have been working on speeches to present for combination grades in History and English class. They had to prepare a written paper first, making sure it was prepared correctly, then memorize it and present it to the class. It has taken a lot of forethought. They’ve combed over their presentations, organized notes, made rough drafts and revised them, selecting just the right words to create a sound presentation. They worked hard to come up with an attention-grabbing start and to summarize and construct a conclusion that ties it all in nicely.

Have you ever thought about how the Bible does that too? I guess I didn’t really think about it until recently. In the book of Genesis, we read of the creation of the sun, the entrance of sin into the world, the curse that it brought with it, of Satan’s victory in conniving humankind, and of the exclusion from the “tree of life.” In the last few chapters of the book of Revelation, we read of a place where there will be no need of the sun. We read about a place where sin is banished, and there will be no more curse, where Satan is overthrown and there is admission to the “tree of life.”

Wow! It appears that there was some forethought to how this book was put together! These inspired words were written for our learning. They’ve been well thought out, well prepared, selected just right, so that when they are presented to us, we’ll be able to see an attention grabbing beginning with the creation of the world, and a triumphant end when “The seventh angel sounded; and there were a great voices in heaven, saying, ‘the kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ, and he shall reign for ever and ever.’” Revelation 11:15.

Written by
Melody Foster

HSBC Coffeebreak

Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him.
Psalm 62:5 NIV

My relationship with God is not always made of grand discoveries and amazing victories. One day that definitely didn’t feel like an award winning day, but was actually pretty typical, came towards the end of my fourth pregnancy. I am a morning person and during that time, I felt lucky to get the evening meal on the table. The process of tracking down my family, forcing them to come to my meal and then clean up their food was almost more than I could bear, let alone clean up and get the kids to bed. I felt like I was skipping most of the things I should be doing most nights and still barely making it. Finally the kids had all gone potty, they had their drink, and those in need were in diapers. They each got tucked in, hugged and kissed and put back about twice, prayed with, and then we tried to leave the room. My kids are geniuses for finding a question that will actually get a response from us at that time of night. Something about death or heaven or God’s love will usually do the trick and they know it.

Finally our escape was made. I sank onto the toilet with a sigh of relief. (Maybe that’s too much information, but this is my reality.) “I love the end of the day,” I said to my husband, “when I know my work is done…” As these words left my mouth, the bathroom door swung open, “Mommy,” said a little voice. My daughter’s toy had fallen out of bed and now she was coming for permission to pick it up because she didn’t want to get in trouble for getting out of bed. Five minutes later she was back, again, needing to go potty, again.

Come to think of it, does a parent’s day ever end? It’s a relief to know God is there on the days I have nothing left, on the days, in fact, when I’ve been running on empty for a long time already. On most of my days, I am not the conquering victor I’d like to be, but I have my own Heavenly Father whose arms I can sink into and find rest. Instead of shaming me for not being all I think I should be, He provides me with a resting place.

Written by
Melody Anderson

HSBC Coffeebreak

‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.’
Jeremiah 29:11 NASB

It was my day off and I had planned as many errands and much housework as I thought I could fit into one day. The first stop was getting a part replaced on my car at 8:00 a.m. I had allotted myself one hour to get this done and head on to the next store, which I guessed would open at 9:00. Surprisingly, my car was done in less than half an hour. I decided to head on to my next stop in the chance that the store might be one of those to open before 9:00.

As I pulled into the parking space in front of the store, things weren’t looking good. It looked too dark inside to be open, but I ran up the steps to check the door and read the sign, just to be sure. Sure enough, it didn’t open for another half hour. Now what? If I headed home, by the time I got there it would be time to come right back in. But to sit in the car for a half hour without anything to do would be such a waste of my time.

These thoughts had barely had time to cross my mind when someone behind me honked. As I turned around, I saw my friend pulling her car in beside mine. She, too, was running half an hour earlier than expected and was debating what she would do next. It was decided that I would jump in her car and we would wait for the store to open together.

Well, as you know, when a couple of women get together, time flies. We had the best visit and before we knew it, the store had opened and we were off to conquer the rest of our day.

This meeting was not in my plans for the day, but oh, how much sweeter it made my day to have had it happen.

Thank you, Lord, for having something better planned for me than I have planned for myself. And on this day, thank you for interrupting “my” plans to put a friend in my path.

Written by
Anna Waggoner

HSBC Coffeebreak

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Matthew 6:21

This summer I had the privilege of attending a huge youth conference at Purdue University. The week that we were there, the latest Harry Potter book was released. Some of our kids placed their orders and I went with them to pick up their much anticipated books since they needed a chaperone.

As we boarded the bus to return to the airport, a trend began to appear. No matter where I looked, kids and adults clutched, read, and cherished their latest treasure. We took 15 kids on our trip and throughout the various connections, we saw other conference attendees carrying the same treasure. Airport stands were filled with copies stacked high, banners waved in store fronts, and people chatted away excitedly about what the story was all about.

I began to wonder about the 5,000 kids all over the country working their way home from a weeklong conference studying and sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. What if we clutched, read, and treasured our Bibles the way thousands of people were now doing with this book?

I asked the kids about what they observed as people rushed by with the book and asked about seeing the Bible carried that way. Some said it was a much anticipated book; therefore everyone wants to read it and will do what they have to in order to obtain their copy. Others shrugged it off and said it didn’t matter much to them.

I found myself hugging my Bible praising God for His Word. It is alive and active. Since that time, I have looked around my office, home, and backpack to see what treasures I am expressing. I am wearing the cross, carrying my Bible, have Jesus pictures on my walls, and a cross hanging in my truck. But the treasure I noted most important is the one I carry in my heart and express through my love for Him.

Written by
Erica Alexander