My husband and I made a quick trip to Saskatoon last week, and while we were there I got a lesson in love.

Our four-year-old granddaughter claimed her Grampa immediately, as usual, and didn't want him to be out of her sight the two days we were there. The second morning, while my husband was out of the room, I gently teased our granddaughter about how much she liked her grandfather.

With eyes wide and a soft smile on her face, the little darling sighed and said, "I'm in love with my Grampa!"

And why wouldn't she be? Her Grampa adores her (as he does all our grandkids), loves to spend time with her, even doing silly things because it makes her happy. And his arms are always ready to hold her close to his heart.

Later in the week after we'd returned home, I was reminded of that sweet comment when I suffered an intense disappointment and was attacked with old feelings of self-doubt and insecurity. As a child I'd always felt like an outsider, not really accepted and loved by my dad, and this incident made me realize that there is still a lot of that insecure little girl inside me.

Then the Holy Spirit reminded me that I have a Father who adores me even more than my husband adores our grandchildren. He longs to spend time with me, loves to comminicate his love and care, and He never turns his back on me even when I deserve it. His love is never-ending, and His mercies are new every morning (Jeremiah 3:22-23).

As I thought of the many times God has proven His love for me, my tears of disappointment turned to tears of thankfulness. People here on earth will hurt us, purposely or inadventently, but our value is not determined by their feelings or actions. We have a Father whose love is greater than anything this world can throw at us.

In His eyes, I am His beloved daughter, worth even the ultimate sacrifice - His Son.. I cannot help but lift my hands, sigh, and say, "Oh Lord my God, I'm in love with You!"

It's been quite the journey from initial idea to published book, but my first novel is DONE! Now, just when I want to sit back and relax in the aura of accomplishment, I find I need to work, work, work to get the news out and get noticed.

Or do I? This whole project has been orchestrated by Someone much more powerful and far wiser then I, and I don't think He'd leave me on my own at this important stage. I am willing to do what is necessary - in spite of my timidity - as long as I know He is with me.

At first I felt the stirrings of rebellion at the pressure to "build your platform," "get noticed," and so on. But one thing changed my mind: I had the opportunity to listen to a couple webinars via Christian Writers Guild on promotion. The first was "Using Social Media to Build Your Platform" by T. Suzanne Eller. The second was "Shameless Self-Promotion" by Torry Martin. Both were excellent presentations, and they shared a message: consider your work to be your ministry, your sacrifice of service for the kingdom of God. That makes all the difference in the world!

With this in mind, I will do my best to arrange book signings and get stores to carry "Melody's Song," because I believe in its message: God does care, and He is powerful to save. To God be the glory!