I was saved on Palm Sunday, 1979...but it took me four long grueling years of practicing an empty form of religion and serving obsessively until I found out there was more to Christianity than rituals, rules, and endless work. Of course, it was Jesus who came along and took pity on me. He knew what I was doing wrong and had compassion on my worn out soul. That is when He whispered these precious words of hope and encouragement to me, "Cease striving and know that I am God."

And that is when everything changed for me...I mean literally, EVERYTHING! It was as if Jesus took me by the hand and personally led me into a new and better way of life. His Spirit reformed my thinking, reoriented my focus, and taught me how to live life. Not only did Jesus reveal the fact that life and true religion are about personally and experientially knowing Him, but, graciously, His Spirit taught me how to seek Him all the time in the midst of every situation and enjoy the reality of His love and presence, which...afterall, is what life is for.

I have spent thirty plus years seeking to know the God of the Bible, my Savior, Lord, Constant Companion, and closest Friend. It hasn't been easy learning how to relate to God. I know He is real, but I cannot see Him with my eyes, hear Him with my ears, or touch Him with my hands. I've never known anyone like Him before. It doesn't come naturally...this spirit to spirit kind of relationship. No, it's not easy, but the journey has been delightful. Day by day, getting up, seeking God in His Word, communion with Him in prayer, yielding, learning the fine art of following Jesus step by step through the day. Seeing...Sensing... Hearing His voice...Being strengthened by His grace. Indeed, it is a wonderful life.

I wrote what I have learned in a book entitled, The Simple Truth. It is not a scholarly work. I am not a great theologian and don't pretend to be an expert on or about anything. But I know that we are created and are saved to know God. The personal and experiential knowledge of God gives life meaning and provides fulfillment, hope, and satisfaction for the soul. In the knowledge of God we have what we need to thrive, succeed, and live abundantly. In the knowledge of God we find the true purpose of life. Sharing the truth...presenting what Jesus has taught me to others is my calling...the job He created, equipped, and ordained me to do. Alleluia! What a Savior...

Love in Christ, Patty Clark