How do you define true freedom?

From Restrained . . . to Released
From Enslaved . . . to Enabled
From Limited . . . to Liberated
From Confused . . . to Confident

When I attempt to define freedom, I tend to include its opposite: captivity. Emotional, spiritual and physical captivity come in kaleidoscope shapes and shadings--their one constant: the desire of those held in their bonds for...

INDEPENDENCE...FREEDOM...

It's ironic, but as a Christian, true independence comes when we understand and embrace the reality that we are fully dependant on God...for the very breath we breathe...for life itself. Along with the dynamic possibilities and promises walking with God brings, living in right relationship with Jesus provides a wonderful sense of liberty.

When we find that balance between "without me (Jesus) you can do nothing" (John 15:5) and "I can do all things through Christ" (Philippians 4:13), we find the launching pad to fulfilling our potential and purpose in God. True freedom is found in accepting the limitations of our humanity...within God's loving constraints...while at the same time being empowered by His Spirit to live an abundant overcoming life full of destiny and purpose! This is freedom! This is plain old exciting and fun!

Ok. Whoa. I'm easing off the gas pedal before I drive full throttle into a "Gates & Fences" talk on the blessings and protections of biblical boundaries. "But why?" you ask. (Thanks for asking...lol.) Because I have another wonderful book to share with you. A new release, with a freedom theme just in time to celebrate Independence Day.

A Patchwork of Freedom is now available from Affirming Faith. See the article and link below to learn more about this inspirational new project, the much anticipated follow-up to Quilting Patches of Life released in 2007.

God bless you as you celebrate the multitude of freedoms we enjoy in our country and in our Savior this Independence Day!

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NEW RELEASE!

A Patchwork of Freedom
True Stories.
Secret Quilt Code.
Hope for Today.

Contemporary stories of spiritual and emotional freedom connect with tales of escaping slaves in the pre-Civil War era through a mysterious "Underground Railroad Quilt Code."

[Click Here] to find out more and order your copy today.

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NOTABLE QUOTES ON LIBERTY & FREEDOM

"Order without liberty and liberty without order are equally destructive."
- Theodore Roosevelt

Freedom consists not in doing what we like, but in having the right to do what we ought." - Pope John Paul II

"Nothing is more difficult, and therefore more precious, than to be able to decide." - Napoleon Bonaparte

"My definition of a free society is a society where it is safe to be unpopular." - Adlai Stevenson

"You have freedom when you're easy in your harness." - Robert Frost

"If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." - Jesus

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BOOK/WEB UPDATE

The Affirming Faith website is still being revamped. We've been having some technical issues, but you can get a sneak preview by visitng the Holy Intimacy page now uploaded.

[Click here] to be redirected to the page for details of this unique resource and ordering information, and stay tuned for the new website complete with slideshows and videos. Woohoo!

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GIRL TALK

The Girl in the Dress is now in its THIRD PRINTING since January, and honestly, I've just been blown away by the tremendous feedback. Here's a sampling:

"The Girl in the Dress is going so fast--it is wonderful! Pastors are ordering them by the case. Best book on modesty to come out this century!!!" - Gwyn Oakes, Ladies Ministries President

"It was a great and amazing book. My youth leader let me read it. I don't think I have ever read a book that quickly in my life. Thank you for writing it." Christine in Ontario

"So much insight in there. I love this book! So encouraging to read and put into practice." - Jessica in Australia

"I'm loving your book. It is really starting to make sense to me. Thank you." - Thea in Tennessee

"Love, love, love this book! It's already affecting our young ladies tremendously!!" - Kathy in Canada

"Reading The Girl in the Dress with my daughter, and how powerful. EVERYONE should read this book. It's AMAZING!! We're doing a chapter a day, and discussing it." - Michelle in Missouri

"Lori Wagner and the writing team take an excellent approach concerning the way the Bible teaches us to walk, talk and dress..." - Debbie Sanders, Director of Today's Christian Girl

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GOING MULTI-LINGUAL!

And to finish off all the good reports, here's an exciting note from missionary Sandra Bracken:

"The book Gates and Fences is incredible! Thank you for producing a book that is so well written and easy to understand. We are starting the translation of it into Chinese and I know it will be a great blessing to the work here."

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THANK YOU FOR SHARING A BIT OF YOUR DAY!

As you celebrate Independence Day this year, please remember to pray for our country, our leaders, and those who bravely serve and sacrifice to keep our nation the land of the free.

God bless America
Land that I love
Stand beside her
and guide her
Through the night
With the light from above.