Unless The LORD Had Helped Me...

"Unless the LORD had helped me..." Psalm 94:17

There are so many examples in my life of situations where "unless the LORD had helped me", I would have failed miserably.

Unless the LORD had helped me...
~I never would have passed gym class
~I wouldn't have withstood peer pressure
~I couldn't have walked into that job interview
~my fingers would have floundered on the piano keys during my music exams
~never would my feet move into a plane or an elevator
~I would have been terrified raising a child
~I would never sleep during a thunderstorm
~I would have abandoned that relationship
~life would be too hard
~I would still be harbouring unforgiveness towards that person
~I would have spent so much of life living and trusting so small
~I would have surrendered to fear and never experienced Him as Provider
~I would have missed the opportunity of speaking at Ladies events
~depression would have conquered me
~I couldn't have volunteered to teach 3 year olds
~I never would have reached out to that person who is now a treasured friend
~nerves would have kept me from caring enough to confront
~insecurity would have bound my life in loneliness
~I couldn't love and obey Him like I do
~I would have said 'no' so many more times than I've wanted to say 'yes'
~I couldn't bring thoughts captive
~I would have lost hope
~I couldn't get up every morning longing to praise and follow Him

Unless the LORD had helped me, I would be nothing at all.

A Birth Story

"O Lord, you alone are my hope. I've trusted you, O LORD, from childhood. Yes, you have been with me from birth; from my mother's womb you have cared for me. No wonder I am always praising you!" Psalm 71:5-6

When I was a little girl I would often climb up on my Daddy’s lap and ask him to tell me the story of the “Dale Twins”. Dad would cuddle my sister and I in close and begin a familiar tale of two babies who were spared life by the divine hand of God.

It all started one day when the families only daughter noticed two pink hyacinths in bloom in their front garden. She confidently announced that her Mom, who was expecting a child at the time, was going to give birth to twin girls. This daughter was 18 years old and there had been no siblings in all these years. One baby was going to be a change…but twins? Impossible! Besides, twins didn’t run in the family. Her Dad however was hopeful. He declared he would love twins. In fun, he put in his order for identical twin girls with curly, red hair.

It wasn’t long after this that the Mom did go into labour, at 25 weeks, and two precious, little one-pound baby girls with curly red hair were born. No-one had been anticipating twins, and definitely not this early. The Doctor didn’t even know that twins were arriving until he saw the second head coming. Can you imagine the surprise? Upon hearing the news, the teenage daughter was quick to exclaim, “The hyacinths were right!“ The Doctor’s gave absolutely no hope for either babies survival. Born with undeveloped lungs, diseases and other concerns characteristic of preemies, these little ones were just too small to beat the odds.

Feeling the babies were too fragile to be transported to a specialized facility, they were put in incubators and basically left on their own. Their parents made 101 trips to the hospital before they could even touch one of them. My Dad related how their Dad would stand by the nursery window, watching their little chests rise and fall, and wonder, would that be their last breath? The agony of each moment. The pain of watching, yet too afraid to tear his eyes away, as if his very presence brought an unseen strength, willing these babies to fight for life.

And fight they did. Surpassing all probability, day after day these little girls clung to life. There were people praying for them all around the world. They became known as the “Miracle Babies”. Each day brought increased hope. Daily miracles were evident. After weeks and months of agonizing uncertainty, these precious little ones finally came home. The journey still wasn’t without challenges, but the prayers of many had been answered.



(I’m on the right!)

That story began almost 47 years ago. Those two little babies were my twin sister and I.

As I read the verse above today, again I am thanking God for the gift of years that Dr’s said would never happen. Nothing is impossible with God. Today I am thankful for each breath and pray that my life has been worth the gift bestowed on me by my Lord and Saviour. Lord, from my mother's womb You have cared for me. No wonder I am always praising You!

Keep Walking

“What joy for those whose strength comes from the LORD, who have set their minds on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem.” Psalm 84:5

Pilgrimage. A journey to a sacred place. A new destination. A change. Wherever you are right now you do not have to remain. It’s about forgetting the past…looking ahead…moving on.

The Psalmist isn’t describing a physical move, but an intellectual one. It’s not a geographical location, but a mind adjustment and a heart's position.

Where is your mind today? What is your focus? Disappointment? Resentment? Heartache? Envy? Pride?

Last Sunday my friend Cheri reminded me of Colossians 3 where Paul encourages us to set our minds up. I loved her choice of words. Set my mind UP!

Father, I pray You will keep me from being weighed down with cares and concerns that interfere with my journey. When my thoughts want to pitch a tent and set up camp in the valley of despair, Lord, don’t allow my heart to settle there. Keep me from being caught in the quicksand of doubt or detained by a forest of difficulties. Father, may Your strength enable me to resist the enticement of other travellers who have built homes and become permanent residents here, becoming citizens of grudges, unforgiveness and regrets. Even a short rest could prove dangerous. Discontent breeds among commiserating companions. Give me an urgency so that sand has no time to collect in my shoes. Let a cloud of dust bear witness to my minds constant walk.

As a George Harrison song title says, Father, today, “I got my mind set on You.”

All This

“All this has happened though we have not forgotten you. We have not violated your covenant. Our hearts have not deserted you. We have not strayed from your path.” Psalm 44:17-18

The ever popular question surfaces again. Why do bad things happen to good people? The Psalmist here is expressing the bewilderment when suffering seems undeserved.

Lord, I haven’t forgotten You. I’m keeping your laws. I’m not wandering from my walk with You. My heart is in Your hands. Why am I experiencing defeat despite my faith and obedience? Why has “all this” happened?

Are you in an “all this” season? It’s easy to identify. It’s marked with questions, doubts, confusion and countless why’s.

God wants to take our “all this” and transform it into one of the “all things” that He is working together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purposes (Romans 8:28).

I read a commentary saying that “all this” may not be punishment, but a battle scar that demonstrates our loyalty. Do I love God for what He does or for who He is? Is my commitment conditional and my allegiance qualified, dependent on His blessing? Bad things happen to all people. The rain falls on the just and the unjust, Matthew 5:45. The storm hit’s the home built on the rock as well as the sand. The difference? When the weather clears and the damage is surveyed and assessed, the foundation of faith has remained. Touched. Shaken. But firm.

Maybe the mystery is not so much that bad things happen, but that God allows great things to happen for His redeemed. Is not the good we receive even more undeserving? I'm just saying...

No Editing Needed

"Do not add to his words..." Proverbs 30:6

I received an e-mail from a lady at my church asking if I would consider editing a speech that she was preparing to give at an upcoming event with her family. I was blown away by this request. Why did she ask me? I'm not an editor. What did I know about revising anyone's writing? Did I even want the responsibility of looking over her carefully crafted preparation and correcting grammatical errors and sentence structure? What if I happened to offend her by correcting her work? I am far from a genius in the literary field, but I do have a passion for writing and a willingness to be available, so I agreed to at least look over her writing and gently 'tweak' it if necessary.

It's a daunting job playing 'Editor', and I do mean 'playing', as I've had absolutely no training. Meshing together someone else's words without inserting my own opinion or disturbing the authors perspective and personality. It was so tempting to insert my own thoughts and delete sentences based solely on individual preference. By the time I finished, I truly believe I kept her ideas intact. The message remained the same, just packaged with some new expression.

I wonder if I sometimes take on the role of "Editor" when it comes to God's Word. Do I believe that every sentence in the Bible is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, training and correcting? (2 Timothy 3:16) Do I believe that every sentence, every word, every thought in the Bible was inspired by the Holy Spirit? Do I sometimes desire to add or delete certain phrases, words and even complete passages based on my obedience quotient? God's directives that fit neatly into my life with relative ease I'll embrace and follow, but those that require effort, surrender and change I'll omit or re-write to suit my schedule and agenda. After all, God certainly didn't mean we had to follow ALL of His Word did He? It's not really commandments, but simply suggestions....right?

WRONG!! God doesn't want me to change one 'jot' or 'tittle'. I must leave every 'i' dotted and every 't' crossed, for "not even the smallest detail of God's law will disappear until its purpose is achieved." (Matt 5:18). So, although I had freedom to edit this ladies paper, I do not, DO NOT have permission to edit God's Word. I must read it and apply all of it to all of my life.

Oh how I pray that the Lord will keep me faithful in the reading and sharing of His Word. May I not look to God's Word to make editorial corrections, but instead may I allow the Divine Editor to use it to refine my life and change my character to match my calling.

Iron Sharpeners

“Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy.” “As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.” Proverbs 27: 6, 17

Seeing the senders name, I clicked into her e-mail with enthusiasm. My excitement was quickly dashed. Like hitting a brick wall, the impact of her message was sudden and abrupt. The smile that had only moments ago danced across my face faded. Her words brought a waterfall of tears. Sobs wracked my body. Sounds I had never uttered before escaped, as my heart felt torn in pieces. What had I done? As far as I could remember my only mistake had been loving and caring too deeply. Stung by her written word, David’s thoughts were mine: “If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it; if a foe were raising himself against me, I could hide from him. But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend…” Psalm 55:12-13.

Feeling like a sword had pierced my heart, I dropped to my knees. Every ounce of strength had vanished. Sobbing uncontrollably, I fell on my face. Never had I known such pain. When the tears finally began to subside, I lay on the floor now completely alone with my thoughts. Questions filled my mind. Hesitantly I finally asked, “Lord, is there any truth in what she has said? Does this seemingly unfair attack hold any merit? Father, is there something You desire to change in me?”

Immediately my eyes were opened to a personality trait, that although positive, if not reigned can smother the recipient. Her words held fact and were valid. God wanted to work on refining my character. This wound from a friend would heal.

It is impossible to sharpen iron without striking it. Sparks often fly. There will be pain as rough edges are shaped and cut away. In the process both objects are changed.

So it is with friends. We need each other to keep a sharp spiritual edge. We need to be wise in choosing companions, and pray that God would bring those into our lives who will encourage us and bring out the best in us.

I have a friend who is constantly telling me that she’s not going to pat me on the head saying, “there, there”, and I love her for shaking up my life a little…or a lot. Others see things in us to which we close a blind eye, whether intentionally or accidentally. As Nancy shared in her comments on Tuesday, “not all pain is harmful”. It can hurt, but it may not harm. We can grow from the experience, embrace the pain and allow God to change us and love us.

God uses time spent with a godly friend to shape us into His likeness. I am forever thankful for the “iron sharpeners” the Lord has placed in my life. I am more like Jesus because of each one of them. Thanks for rubbing off on me.

I'd like to dedicate this song to a couple of my faithful friends. Love ya.

Reporting For Duty!

To all my Canadian friends...HAPPY CANADA DAY!!!!! Click here to hear this song: Worshipers Agree (Thanks Raylene for finding the link!!!)

Worshipers Agree
Let our nation sing to the King of Kings
Let our people pray to the Lord today
May the anthem of my country be pleasing God to Thee
From sea to shining sea let the worshipers agree
That the Lord of the Heavens is the Lord who reigns in me
From sea to shining sea let the worshipers agree
O Canada let the worshipers agree
O Canada living God reign in me
O Canada we stand on guard for Thee
O Canada
Let our nation sing to the King of Kings
Let our people pray to the Lord today
May the citizens and leaders ever stand on guard for Thee
From sea to shining sea let the worshipers agree
May we trust in the living God to keep us glorious and free
From sea to shining sea let the worshipers agree
O Canada let the worshipers agree
O Canada living God reign in me
O Canada we stand on guard for Thee
O Canada
Let our nation sing to the King of Kings
Let our people pray to the Lord today
(Written by Laura Dugas, His Season)

Celebrating my country and my heritage today!

“‘My sons, do not neglect your duties any longer! The LORD has chosen you to stand in his presence, to minister to him, and to lead the people in worship and present offerings to him.’” “Hezekiah encouraged all the Levites regarding the skill they displayed as they served the LORD.” 2 Chronicles 29:11, 30:22

An exclamation mark always catches my attention. Preceding words take on power. There’s urgency and emphasis. The Lord here is calling us back into service.

Taking personal inventory, I’m asking myself, have I become inactive or ineffective? Have I, or am I, neglecting my duty? I know there have been times, whether by choice or circumstance, I have pulled out of ministry positions. Wondering now…has this been God’s direction or my decision…a decision most likely based on emotion. Feeling overlooked, overwhelmed or unappreciated, I withdraw. Thinking I have “done my duty”, served in that nursery, led the Bible study for years, taught that class, attended enough choir practices, served endless luncheons and cleaned up after enough events. It’s someone else’s turn.

Well, I’ve got news for all of us. Regardless of age, attitude or ability, until the Lord calls us home, we have purpose and He has a plan. God isn’t finished with us yet.

It wasn’t that long ago I was in desperate need of some time of refreshing. I was sure the Lord would understand if I stepped back from my position as Bible study leader at our church. I was tired. I didn’t feel like anything I was doing was benefiting the ladies who were faithfully attending each week. Ironically, we were studying Lysa TerKeurst’s book, “What Happens When Women Says ‘Yes’ to God”, and I wanted to say ‘no’!

I approached my co-leader and asked her if she could take over the remainder of the year. She lovingly told me she would, but only if I first agreed to pray about my decision for a week. No problem. I was sure God would just confirm what I already knew.

On the 7th day, I opened up my Bible to have my morning devotions, and this is what I read, “Stay at your post reading Scripture, giving counsel, teaching.” 1 Timothy 4:11 (The Message)

No easy road out. I was not to neglect my duties. The Lord, for some strange reason, had chosen this inadequate, weak vessel.

I love how Hezekiah not only called the Levites back into active service, but then he followed up with encouragement. Let’s not neglect expressing appreciation towards others. A little word of sincere praise goes a long way. We are often so quick to criticize, but maybe today your child’s Sunday School teacher needs a hug…your Pastor’s wife would be uplifted by a precious note in the mail…the church custodian could use a Starbucks…the office secretary might be blessed by some fresh flowers. I don’t know what God will place on your heart, but Proverbs 3:27 reminds us, “Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act.”

If you know the Lord as your personal Savior, He wants you in active service. He has recruited you. Today I'm reporting for duty.