And to those visiting, I say welcome! I post every Wednesday and my sole purpose is to nourish your soul along the way.

I'm back from last week's publicity tour and I have to say, things went extremely well. I missed connecting with you though and I have a fun message to share today.

Before I get into my topic I have a little business to take care of. As most of you regulars know, each month I give away a $10.00 Caribou Coffee gift card to someone who posts on my blog. Next week I'll announce the winner for September. Remember, you have to claim your prize. I wish I had time to chase you down, but I don't. So if you see your name posted next week, be sure to contact me.

Also, on October 15th, my quarterly E-zine goes out to my mailing list subscribers. This E-zine is packed with fun information. From health and balance tips to great book recommendations. From devotional insights to a handful of fun giveaways. If you've not subscribed yet, do so by clicking the following link:

You'll receive the E-zine in October, January, April, and July. A couple times a year you'll receive a "Members Only" email offering great discounts on my books and CDs. 

Okay, now on to my topic...

About a year ago I blogged about a stray, abused dog my son rescued from traffic. In that post I wrote about the power of loving the weak and the call to to be more like Christ in this way. Check it out:

Anyway, when Jordan rescued, "Bubs" (a name he gave the dog after we tried every other name we could think of including Steve and Phil), he was scruffy, scared, and completely messed up. His nails were grown into a full circle. His teeth were black. He was filthy and without a collar. Whenever I reached up to scratch my head, he would shrink back in fear. Any movement made in his presence made him jump back and cower as if he was about to be hit.

(A little note: if you took the time to read the "Loving the Weak" post (which I love), you'll notice I referred to Bubs as a 'she' but we were more than a little wrong about that little point.)

Whenever I opened the sliding glass door for Bubs to go outside, he would shrink back, start shaking, and cry like a baby. Every. Single. Time.

I started to wonder if he had been slammed in the door or kicked out the door when it was time to go to the bathroom. 

Even now, when the storms rage outside, he trembles and cries in my arms. I have to wrap him in a blanket and hold him tight to get him to stop crying. My heart broke as I imagined him stuck outside on stormy nights. What a broken, wounded animal this was!

But boy, how have things changed for Bubs!

Just after we decided to keep him and care for him, we put about $350.00 into his teeth, nails, hair, shots, etc., etc. His whole appearance changed.

In the months that followed Bubs got perkier and perkier. He follows me around. Everywhere. I can't get up and take two steps without him right at my side.

My friend said that dogs know when they've been rescued and they're forever grateful. 

Bubs is definitely grateful.

What's amazing is that I can now open the sliding door just enough to let him out, and he'll bolt right through without a hint of fear! I used to have to open the door all the way and gently carry him out onto the deck. 

Now that Bub's feels safe, his funny personality has emerged. He makes us laugh every day. 

He still makes an occasional mess and sometimes smells bad. But he knows he's loved. 

Look again at the picture above. Now that dog has a good gig!

Just what does this have to do with you and me?

Well, I can think of several areas of my life that were once marked by fear, cowering, and shrinking back, and are now forever changed because of God's love and truth in my life

God's love heals.

He loves us. He wants to go to every deep, wounded, dark place, and shine His light there. He is intent on our healing and freedom. 

Read this great excerpt from, "Sparkling Gems from the Greek"

"...you can be sure that the 'agape' love of God wil never fail you or let you down. This love is constant, unchanging, and dependable. It is a love you will always find to be reliable and true--a love on which you can depend." (p.687)

When we're messy and when we smell bad, God loves us still.

When we're grateful and when we're growing, God cheers us on.

When we're afraid and we cower, God holds us close. 

When we cling to our fears more than the promises of God, we break His heart. And there is a point where those fears then, become rebellious.

It's for FREEDOM that Christ has set us free!

Just for good measure, I'll include one more picture of Bubs. Jordan 'super-tucked' him (something Kevin did for our boys every night when they were young).

Daily, God pours forth a new measure of grace and healing. 

Slow down, look up, and open your hands.

Receive what He so lovingly wants to give you. 

Walk in a greater measure of wholeness today than you did yesterday.

Know and believe that God is up to great things in your life!

Have a blessed and wonderful week.