[close] To the man who pleases Him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner, He gives the task of gathering and storing wealth to hand it over to those who please God. (Ecclesiastes 2:26 NIV) What does pleasing God have to do with success? Success isn't a three-car garage. It isn't a bulging portfolio or a world-class reputation. Success isn't squeezing into a smaller size or owning more things. Genuine, God-defined success is a whole lot more complex than that, and it's a whole lot more simple as well. Success is pleasing God - in all ways and at all times. We know we've succeeded when we're bearing fruit in every good work; growing in the knowledge of God; being strengthened by the awesome power of His will; and joyfully giving thanks for all things at all times. (Colossians 1:1-12 NIV) And God Was Pleased draws from Biblical principles, characters and stories - as well as author Ava Semerau's personal experiences as a Christian expat in some of the most alien places on earth - to touch and challenge readers with creative, thought-provoking and actionable strategies and ideas for pleasing God and living worthy lives of abundance and success. Ava Semerau is an award-winning journalist and author, an American expat and a Christian who has lived, worked and worshipped in some of the most alien landscapes on earth, including the Middle East and South Pacific. Her experiences in those places have given her a unique and distinctive perspective on living a worthy life, loving one another and pleasing God. Semerau has been a professional writer for two decades. She currently lives in Texas and Australia with her husband and four children. She can be reached at avasemerau@gmail.com or via her Web site www.avasemerau.com. [close]