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