Greetings, Dear Friends!

And to those visiting I say welcome! I post every Wednesday and my purpose is to bless and encourage you along your way.

This morning I was talking with a friend and we were both recalling the ways God has affected us, even changed us. My friend made an observation that affirmed me greatly. She said, "Susie, God has clearly done a work in you. You are accomplishing far more now than you ever have; and you're doing it with less effort and more peace."

Her words stopped me in my tracks. I looked back over my shoulder and recounted the times and seasons when striving was my middle name and straining was the way I played the game!

At some point along the way, I realized the error of my ways. I began praying by faith, "Lord, I thank you that there's no striving in me because I know that you are God!" The more I prayed this prayer, the more peaceful and rested I felt.

One day when my task list was greater than my ability to accomplish it, I was especially tempted to worry. But I did something else instead. I said, "Lord, it looks like I will need a loaves and fishes day today. No matter what, I refuse to worry."

At that very moment I was filled with peace and I knew I had awakened the Lord's pleasure. I felt His smile over me all day long, and believe it or not, I accomplished everything on my list and still had room in my day to clean my house and go biking on the trails! You know, it's really not so much about what we accomplish but rather the heart with which we accomplish the things God gives us to do. He is good and He is for us. And when we look to Him, He strengthens us out of HIS riches, where there is no lack.

Since that time, I've discovered some tangibile ways to walk in peace, provision, and power, and to thus awaken the sweet pleasure of the Lord...