Recently I was looking out of my backdoor and noted the variety of animals that had come to feast on the fallen pecans.  Animals such as pigeons, black birds, raccoons, squirrels, and a family of possums all were enjoying the sunshine and eating to their hearts desire.  For entertainment I have named some of the animals and made up stories about them to share with my family and friends.  It is quite amusing to me to tell the stories of Pauly and Penelope Possum, and Rocky and Rowanda Raccoon in a matter of fact way and to see the reactions of people’s faces.  Repeating a story as if it were true letting your mind just “go there” settles you in the story no questions asked and accept it as if it were true.  Although you may think I have digressed away from the title of the writing in a moment you will understand how it fits in.  It is interesting how the animals peacefully and without a care go about their business and I am reminded of the scripture “Look at the birds of the air, they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your Heavenly Father feeds them.  Are you not much more valuable to then that?” (Matthew 6:26).  The Lord provides for them as He cares and provides for us so much more.  “But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in Heaven”. (Philippians 4:19).  “Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink?, or Wherewithal shall we be clothed?” (Matthew 6:31)  It brings peace where there was worry as we accept and stand upon God’s word.  How easy it was for my family and friends to accept my silly animal stories as if they were true and listen contently.  How easy is it for us as Christ followers to accept His word knowing it is truth?  How much peace would we be walking in if we did?  Sometimes we get so caught up in our thoughts of worry that we lose sight of our foundation, our rock.  “The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my strength, in whom I will trust..” (Psalms 18:2).  Walking out our lives in faith replaces fear which gives us peace.  “And He said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith made thee whole, go in peace.” (Luke 8:48).  When we rise up and look upward where we can put our confidence and trust in return we can receive His peace.  Again, and again, and again we seek a life of peace and through all our doubts, confusion, trials, and tribulations there is one who is faithful to bring us peace that we can trust in without fail, He will bring us to the other side, to victory.  “…In this world we shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33).  As a Christ follower we can choose to heed and receive his wisdom, His grace, His mercy and who He is to us, in our own personal relationship.  Choosing to place our burdens on Him where we are week He is strong lifts us to a place of peace that surpasses the world’s understanding.  It’s like a breeze of fresh air, where we can feel serenity and tranquility even in the eye of the storm to continue to walk out our lives and all that it has in store for us.  Many have said and myself included if it were not for the Lord where would I be?  How wonderful to know there is a greater power above ourselves that we can rely on, what great joy, what great peace!