"My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken...Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, O people, pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge." - Psalm 62:1-2, 5-8

As I think about the past 24 hours, in a word: amazing.

As long as we choose to be complacent with where we are at spiritually, as long as we maintain the status quo and keep up appearances, we aren't much of a threat to the devil. I think he writes us off and sets us aside. After all, why should he worry about distracting us and hindering our walk when there isn't anything to distract from.

But on the other hand, when we decide to step out in faith, to pour our hearts out to God and surrender totally to him by living every day in his plan, we become very dangerous. We become the type of people who rock the boat and influence others for the kingdom.

I am proud to be a new member of the second group.

Sure, it was a step of faith to move to New Orleans leaving behind all that I knew. It was a step of faith to take on an entirely different way of life, but it has just been recently that I have truly begun to pour out my life as a drink offering to the Father and I believe someone is not happy about that.

As I mentioned in my last post, I had an amazing time with God Thursday night and then was not able to sleep the entire night as the dog who lives behind us barked and whined and made noises I have never heard a dog make all night long. Friday night I stayed on the northshore with some friends and Saturday night was more of the same from the dog. I was so completely irritated the next morning after having to sleep on the couch in the house because I couldn't stand to remain in my trailer.

My attitude was shot. I was exhausted and crabby and I was ready to call the police to have them deal with the neighbors who were doing nothing to control their animal. But I spent more time in the word and time rejuvenating Sunday afternoon and I was looking forward to a good night. I spent time with the Lord, and went to sleep.

At 12:22 a.m. I was again wide awake. I ventured outside and Miss Jeri was standing on the balcony staring across the fence. There was still no reason in the world as to why that dog was making such a fuss but we were both beside ourselves with frustration.

I returned to my camper, put on a thunderstorm CD and decided to try a different approach. I took out my Bible and began to read. I read no more than five minutes and the dog stopped. Silence. Beautiful. Although now I was so excited that I could barely get back to sleep because God had provided in such a huge way!

Half-hour later, the dog was back at it. So was I. I pulled out my Bible and again began to read. I five minutes in, he stopped, but I kept reading. Some time later I laid my open Bible next to my pillow and fell asleep. I only heard Muscle bark one other time for about two minutes and then not a peep more.

This morning I went for a walk and all was joy and amazement at what God had done. It took me a few days to catch on to the fact that God was so very pleased that our relationship was growing and while the devil could not stop that, he could cause things to happen that could totally ruin my mood and my effectiveness, but no more.

Praise God for how he shows us more and more of himself. I have been absolutely giddy today as I think of how awesome he is and how good he is to me. It has caused an even greater hunger for his word and time alone with him. This is one trial that has been a blessing as it has drawn me closer to him and has shown me the holy, awesome, righteous power of the magnificent God we serve!