Who Will Betray You? Words of my heart by A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Who will betray you?


I was praying over this after the church service on Sunday.  Pastor Jack had us write down on cards someone that had betrayed us in our early life.  On the back of the card we had to write how we felt.  My feeling was "vulnerable".


Who would betray you in life?  Many times a family member will break a trusted relationship and cross boundaries.  Most of the time it is a close friend. 


I found this on the interent  The 48 Laws of Power:

"Never put too Much Trust in Friends, Learn how to use Enemies

Be wary of friends-they will betray you more quickly, for they are easily aroused to envy.  They also become spoiled and tyrannical. But hire a former enemy and he will be more loyal than a friend, because he has more to prove.  In fact, you have more to fear from friends than from enemies.  If you have no enemies, find a way to make them."

I definitely do not agree with the 48 Laws of Power as being something for my life...but was intrigued by the writer's point that your enemies can be trusted more than your friends or even your family. I would rather turn to God, He is the highest power. 

Betrayal in a relationship often leaves you feeling taken advantage of, deceived, humiliated or cheated. Often it comes unannounced and the surprise leaves you in great pain.  It can be difficult to regain ground and find the light that comes from such life experiences.  Some betrayals are planned out, others evolve from situations that just happen. Betrayals can often change the course of history as can your response to them. The destruction remains behind no matter what. The impact of the pain can often take years to work through.  Learning to release and forgive is often difficult.

That takes me back again to the prayer from yesterday, 

"Thank you, God, for everything you gave me, and thank you more for everything you took." 

Judas took thirty silver coins and betrayed Jesus. We all face betrayal in our lives. How did Jesus handle it?  How do you respond to betrayal?


John 13: 2-5 "The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him."


Jesus already knew Judas had betrayed him. He still washed Judas' feet in a humble act of service.  Despite the pain of betrayal, we cannot allow discouragement to keep us from life.  Pain and anger slow our world down and create a pool of misery that we tend to linger in.  God is ready to TAKE it from us.  Are you ready to give it up?   


The last thing Jack had us do was write down the feeling we had giving it up to God... allow Him to 'take' the situation.  I wrote down 'strength'. 


Biblegateway has a remarkable commentary on Jesus' view of loving your enemies. Click here to read it.  Grace comes from forgiveness....how open is your heart to His Grace and are you ready to receive it?  Are you ready to see life through the eyes of grace?


Words of my heart, Laurie




“I will lay down my life for you.” Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for me? Amen, amen, I
say to you, the cock will not crow before you deny me three times.” Jn 13:21-33, 36-38

Everything You Took From Me, Words of my heart, by A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Everything You Took From Me

I was reading the newest issue of AARP (they start sending it to you when you turn fifty) and was deep into the article on Sharon Stone.

I shoved the magazine in front of Terry and he said,
"Wow she looks better today than back then."

"everything you took from me..."

How did she get there?

"everything you took from me..."

It is an incredible article that covers a journey in her personal life.  A prayer shared with her by a close friend kept her sane and kept her focused on Him.

"Thank you, God, for everything you gave me, and thank you more for everything you took." 

It was just yesterday afternoon I was on the phone with a fellow artist facing many worldly changes in her life. Her foundation is with Him, but she was questioning why change was so abrupt and so far reaching at times that it reduces everything in your world.   "Thank you more for everything you took."

In church yesterday, Jack chose for the offertory, Luke 6:38:"Give away your life; you;ll find life given back but not merely given back, given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting is the way. Generosity begets generosity."


It's that baseball bat theory... if you are not listening and focused, sometimes that baseball bat thumbs you hard across the head and sets you spinning. Spinning back to Him.  Can you give away your life? Can you give away how you live your life? Can you trust Him enough to step out of your comfort zone and give it all up and start again?  "Thank you more for everything you took."

Can you forgive things that have set your life on a course filled with doubt and anger? Can you give away that life? Can you accept what you deem as failure as a learning tool and fall to your knees and ask Him to pick you back up?  Your bonus will be joy. Your blessings will be your gifts, and those you must be ready to share with those that have a need you can fill. "Thank you more for everything you took."

My recent vision has been more like a lump of wet clay.  When you feel 'deformed' and unable to find your way or your identity or when things are just not working right, you have to give up where you are right now. God will work with you. The clay is wet down and reworked and reformed into something different; something useful; something that has the ability to serve and give to others. Giving not getting. Generosity begets generosity. God will do the same with you.

"Thank you God, for everything you gave me, and thank you more for everything you took."  When I lost those things that I thought meant so much to me, I felt lost and desolate with their absence.

You begin to give back and fill me with new things, new gifts and new opportunities.  I would have never let go of those things, but you knew... you knew I could not move forward with all of it around me, pulling me down.  Those things were holding me back.   I am made new only in You.

Words of my heart,
Laurie

“This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.” 1 John 4:9NIV

Prosperity Among Us, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Prosperity

Good comes from God. Undeniable so, He is the source of all good.  His 'good' moves throughout mankind creating a constant flow of inspiration and creativity which encourages action.

Our good is always present despite our worry of finances and the challenge in our economy today.

Good is in you and in me.  Affirming it and moving forward in life to share good with others completes the circle... God is good. All the time.

In the midst of any circumstance we need only to  affirm our unity with Him to know He will fullfil our every need to prosper.  Our riches are not from our worldly goods...but from our divine Father.


Words of the heart,
Laurie

"And my God will fully satisfy every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19

Celebrating Life Words of the Heart by A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Celebrating Life

Do you have your list ready???

What is on your list to celebrate life?

Can you make a list of twenty things to do that you actually want to do?

It could be something as simple as sitting outside as the sun rises sipping a warm cup of tea or coffee.

 It might be curling up on the couch by a sunny window and immersing yourself in a good book.

Or it might be spending two hours at your favorite book store, including a cup of coffee or hot tea.

It might be holding a baby and smelling that sweet baby smell.






It could be painting with friends... and getting away from your every day life.

Or spending some time with someone you love paddling around the lake on a beautiful sunny day.



What are twenty things that bring you joy that you can celebrate life?  Make it easy. Keep it simple.  God graces us with so many choices in life, make the best of them and choose wisely.

Words of my Heart,
Laurie


“Do not those who plot evil go astray? But those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness.” Proverbs 14:22 NIV

Ash Wednesday, Words for the Heart

From our First United Methodist Church Mount Vernon Texas Email this morning:

"Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lent season.

Lent is a time when many Christians prepare for Easter

by observing a period of fasting, repentance, moderation and spiritual discipline.

FUMC Belvidere Site

Ash Wednesday emphasizes two themes: our sinfulness before God and our human mortality.

The service focuses on both themes,

helping us to realize that both have been triumphed through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The use of ashes as a sign of mortality and repentance has a long history in Jewish and Christian worship.

Historically, ashes signified purification and sorrow for sins.

The ash cross on the forehead is an outward sign of our sorrow and repentance for sins."

The image is from First United Methodist Church of Belvidere, Illinois.

Words for the heart, 

Laurie

“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” 1 John 4:18 NIV

Guidance to Give, Words of my Heart by A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Guidance to Give

Is it intuition or insight? Is it a feeling or is it knowledge?  How do we know when to take action in our lives and how do we know it is the right action?

With all the complicated thoughts racing through our heads, it seems impossible to let them go to clear out the clutter and let God's presence into your mind.  To be free of doubt or fear and to act in faith requires inspired direction from Him. And how are you inspired as we enter into the Lenten season?

 

Think not only of what to give up for Lent, but what to add for Lent.

1. Give up smoking      Get better health

2. Give up sweets         Get better health

3. Give up television    Get better relationships

OR

1. Add exercise      Get better health

2. Add more prayer time    Get more peace and balance in your life

3. Add more bible reading    Get a fuller life

Take it one step further... what can you give up or add that benefits others and not just yourself?

1. Reach out and help one person each day with a chore they face.

2. Take a meal each day to someone that might benefit from it.

3.  Pray for those that have harmed you and forgive them.

It is a win win situation... giving up to gain, adding to gain, and doing for others. Why not do it all? Jesus gave his life for all of us. What can we give in return to serve others in His name?


Words of my heart, Laurie

"Remember this, and take courage. Recall your rebellious acts. Remember the first events, because I am God, and there is no other, I am God, and there’s no one like me. From the beginning I revealed the end.  From long ago I told you things that had not yet happened, saying, “My plan will stand, and I’ll do everything I intended to do.” Isaiah 46:8-10

I AM FREE, Words of My Heart by A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

I Am Free

There is responsibility that comes from spiritual freedom. We have the free spirit to speak words that uplift or tear down. While positive words encourage positive growth in ourselves and in others, negative words, finger pointing and judgements only lead to destroy others.





We are free to think as we please and we have the power to control our thoughts. We have choice and with it spiritual freedom.




If something occurs where your freedom seems limited, time to look deeper. Nothing or no one can hold you in bondage. You are not controlled by others. You are only controlled by your own limited thinking. (remember those squirrels running in circles?)

And Jesus said, "Come to the water, stand by My side,

I know you are thirsty, you won't be denied;

I felt ev'ry teardrop when in darkness you cried,

And I strove to remind you that for those tears I died."

My tears have fallen as I was lost racing those squirrels, but no longer will I be held in bondage by others. 

God has more for me to do in life. 

Words of my heart, 

Laurie

"Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom."  2 Corinthians 3:17

Heart to Heart, My Valentine Rose Words of my Heart by A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Heart to Heart

There is no place beyond God's love.  It is so easy to ignore or forget the fact that His grace is bestowed on to all of us unconditionally without any request on our part.  Unlike the need we have to please others to be included in their 'grace' or circle....God does not require that of us.  We do not have to do anything to be worthy of His grace, we must only open our heart to Him to feel it.  God is always eager for us to come to Him.

Earthly relationships seem to be filled with the need to please or seek the acceptance of others. God keeps it all free... heart to heart. There are no agendas required, no obstacle course to run, nothing to prove or do to win His acceptance.  He loves you heart to heart just as you are.

Terry made my Valentines Day pretty special yesterday.  It was a long stress filled weekend in Dallas with family; dinner out with friends last night soothed away the worries. Gathered at our Valentine's table were Sheriff Paul and Vicki (our high school friends), the Mayor and his lovely wife, and our "western dance instructor" the lake Sheriff JR and his wife Kelly.  It was laughter, stories, wine, love and friendship along with a spectacular dinner.  I had chicken but everyone else had prime rib cooked various degrees. Chocolate covered strawberries finished it all off.

Each woman at the table was given a beautiful single red rose.  Heart to Heart.

When others try to steal your joy, keep your eyes focused on His love... He is with you Heart to Heart.
Thank you God, for your gift of grace and your unending love.  I remain in your loving care.

Words of my heart, Laurie

"Grace be with all of you." Hebrews 13:25





 

Saying Goodbye, Words of my Heart by A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Saying Goodbye


Saying goodbye to yesterday opens a new day for new things to happen in your life. Saying goodbye is not closing a door, but opening a new adventure in another direction.

No matter what has happened in the past we are all enabled to begin again today. Let go of what was including your negativity. That is no way to live, only a way to die young. A fresh start comes with hope and newness. You are one with the Creator God as you being. With His divine love you can be filled with only the best. 




You can be on your way today... are you ready to say goodbye?


Words of my heart, Laurie


"So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation; everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!" 2 Corinthians 5:17

A Peace, Words of my Heart by A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

A Peace that passeth all Understanding...

As I woke this morning I heard the silence around me. There was a stillness in the room. A peace.

The past weeks have been filled with family, plans, life and death. Thoughts tumbling through and fragments and phrases of past conversations. For once this morning things were not competing in my head to be recognized.

I found a stillness that contained a pure peace.  I decided to try and hold this peace through out the day. Not sure how far I will get, but I will try.  I need to learn to release those controlling thoughts. The quiet power of this peace will bring me the ability to make this day with out worry.  I have much ahead this day and God alone will guide me through the things that must be done.  The rest can wait for another day.

Words of my Heart, Laurie

"For God alone my soul waits in silence, for my hope is from him." Psalm 62:5

Resolution, Words of my Heart by A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Resolution

Reading is a passion with me. Author Laura Frantz  knows I take it all pretty serious and am really picky about what I read and the style of writing.  She and Liz Curtis Higgs are two of my favorites as well as Lauraine Snelling.
A good book takes you from a beginning through the crises and learning period and finally to a resolution.

From Laura's Blog Jan 27, 2012

Predicting an ending is not possible when you are reading a well written book, or if you are living your life.  BUT no matter what is happening, there will be a resolution. Both Laura and Liz write deeply knitting into their storyline the basic fabric of soul of their characters...their weaknesses, their inner hidden darkness at times. But they bring you through their stories with a yearning to keep reading and not put the book down.

Life is that way.  We are eager to press on, sometimes too fast.  Affirming divine order is the only way to maintain peace through the journey as you keep your mind centered on God.  He is the source of peace, abundance and healing.  Trusting in His Divine order is truly all you can do as life unfolds around you. Keep your eyes on Him.  Each day is a step closer to Him and to your highest good.

I celebrate this day the life of someone very dear to me. He has found his resolution and 'continued' on to the Lord's House.

Words of my heart, Laurie

"Righteousness will go before him, and will make a path for his steps."

One Person at a Time, Perfect Harmony, Words of my Heart by A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

One Person at a Time... perfect Harmony

Must be the week of old camp songs.  Harmony, love and life. How does it all work in the world we live in?  One person at a time.


Remember the old Coca Cola song?



I am NOT promoting soft drinks. We have never kept them in the house except for company, but this commercial awakened the power of the sixties and seventies of make love not war.  My children sang this song. My Mother sang this song. I did not know anyone that did not know the song... 


The true essence is the gathering of people (here for coke) but in harmony...living lives in harmony.  One person passes it on to the next and then there are two. The two each pass it on and then there are four. Exponentially it spreads through a community with joy and and harmony lighting the way.  No one is left in the dark. No one can be disconnected from the power... as it comes from one person to the next. No one will be skipped.  


We are all members of one family...we all live here on earth and we must learn to unite in harmony.


Words of my heart, Laurie


"You shall also love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt." Deuteronomy 10:19

Healing, Words of my Heart by A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Healing

We all become wounded warriors in life. Life happens and it is not always pretty and joyful emotionally or physically.   Only the power of Christ can bring healing and perfection back to us.  We cannot allow our wounds to define who we are.

Healing is a conscious process.  We have to believe in our own wholeness and completeness with God.  We must rid ourselves of negative thoughts that drain our energy.  We have to learn to be acceptive of ourselves as God created us.

This song means much to my mom.  She had mentioned it several times over the past month. She and I have performed it, but I was always backup and harmonizer not the main singer. My mom has a gift with her voice.  I am more of the camp side singer with the girl scouts or with the church youth group. Not a performer.
This song is a Christian Folk Song by Marsha Stevens. I did not have the music only the memory and the words... so it may not be as she performed it.  I have not played my guitar in almost a year, so sore fingers and via my laptop with limited video abilities....

On this special day in my mom's life, I want to sing this for her and let her know how much Terry and I love her.   Healing is happening right now... Jesus said "Come to the water, stand by my side...I know you are thirsty, you won't be denied...I felt every tear drop when in darkness you cried, and I strove to remind you, That for those tears I died."

Words of my Heart, Laurie

No Worry... just Faith, Words of my Heart by A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

No Worry... Faith


A Time for Everything
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance,  a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,  a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.

Nowhere in here do you see a time for worry.  We each have a purpose in life and some of us have not discovered it. The journey to finding it is not always easy and it begins with a first step.  God will light the way. It is time.


Words of my Heart, Laurie


"You see that faith was active along with his works." James 2:22

Live with Joy, Words of my Heart by A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Live with Joy

Sometimes you simply have to write things down to accept them.
Seeing it written on paper makes everything seem more official. I think that is why my Dad always had us making lists.

Write it down...

I LIVE IN JOY.

You have the ability to do this. You do not have to wait for something or someone to change... YOU CHANGE.  You live in joy.  Choose to be joyful right now as you read this.

Now that you have written the words down... read it out loud. Read it again.

I live in Joy.  Are you smiling yet?

Just speaking it out begins to lift your smile and your mood. Give the joy to others today. The more you give out, the more joy you will have inside of you.
Feel the joy of God, share the joy of God.

Choose to live in Joy.

Words of my heart, Laurie

"Be Glad in the Lord and Rejoice." Psalm 32:11

"I wanna piece"... Words of my heart from a Texas Artist Laurie Pace

"I wanna piece..."

Seems like that is the norm now.. give me... I want some. 
What we do not grasp is the more we stock up on the pieces the less peace we truly have.

When you see rain falling outside the window with the roll of thunder in the distance, you begin to realize there is more than just you and your world. There is a connection with Him. The rain cleans the air and saturates the ground; it provides water for animals and our lakes and for us.  Each single drop of that rain has a purpose.


God's spirit is at work... balancing out nature, feeding the needs of our environment.  It provides a sense of comfort and completion and that gentle rain will bring a peace to your heart.


Time to walk away from all of it and realign your thoughts to conversations with Him. Let go of all the pieces. That is the only way to His peace and a peace of soul and mind for you. 


Words of my heart, Laurie

"Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in all ways. The Lord be with all of you." 2 Thessalonians 3:16

Taking the First Steps, Words of my heart, by a Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Taking the First Steps

We were watching a documentary on Netflix called BUCK and it was about a horse trainer.  The demonstration of how to lead a horse that is not wanting to budge was  a good lesson in how to deal with others in your life.  If you have been trying to train a horse and you firmly grab the lead rope and pull to get them to move that is definitely wrong.  Buck encouraged grasping the rope and gently taking up slack NOT trying to move them. It has to be their idea.

Artist Debbie Lincoln

Seems true with people.  We are jerked around all the time by others and we jerk others around.  What comes from gentleness is trust and positive response. Gentleness will establish a trust and that trust will build confidence between the horse and the trainer.  Works with people to. Once confidence is there, you can encourage steps past it into the unknown.

God encourages us in many ways to go forward.  He does not jerk at us... He patiently waits for us 'to get it' and move forward.  We are the worse in dwelling in the mire we are in and often afraid to go forward.

Be it  a new job, a new painting, a new relationship, ... it is all the same. You can do it if you set your heart on it. God will provide everything you need as you take on new challenges in life.  Claim this abundance.

Words of my Heart, Laurie

"God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance." 2 Corinthians 9:8

The Heart of it All, Words of my Heart by A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

The Heart of it All

"We are  committed to caring for individuals touched by life limiting illnesses, grief and loss. Our hope for our patients and families is that as we apply our training, experiences and compassion, we are able to relieve their physical, emotional and spiritual pain.  Our patients and families have the assurance that they are being served by one of the oldest and most respected hospice programs in Northeast Texas."   Cypress Basin Hospice

Last night we attended the annual charity hospice ball for the second year.  Mark Scirto was the emcee again this year and he is quite a special person. Good food, good friends, good dancing, good auctions and a good cause.

 The time we have between this life and the next I like to think of preparation to the day of continuation. Hospice walks with families through out this entire journey.

Many people do not realize Hospice serves more than the last few months or days before death. Hospice is available to families from early on.   They set up weekly visits to monitor patients and as the decline sets in, Hospice ups their services to provide all the needed things to make the situation both livable and comfortable right to the end. No suffering is needed. Pain does not have to be part of this transition. Hospice meets the needs for the patient as well as the family. 

Hospice has played a part in our lives often, with Terry's brother, his mom, his dad and now with my dad. I encourage you all to donate and give to your local hospice knowing you gift a peace to many families.

Words of my heart, Laurie


"For the director of music. Of David the servant of the LORD. He sang to the LORD the words of this song when the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. He said: I love you, LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” Psalm 18:1-2 NIV

Are you Read to Go? Words of my Heart by A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Are you Ready to Go?

Time is passing faster each day, each month, each year. Sometimes it feels like life is unfolding faster than you can live it.

You have gifts and talents and life experiences that can help others. You can change lives for the better. You are meant to be right now as you are, but allow His gifts to unfold in you and create a life based in divine power. You are full of potential.

Your destiny is yours to choose and to create. Do you like the path you are on right now? Reach out to God for that "go power".

Words of my heart,
Laurie

"But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble." Psalm 59:16 NIV

Sharing the Gifts, climbing OUT of the Box, Words of my Heart by A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Sharing the gifts...

On Monday night I attended a Girl Scout meeting. I had not been to one of those since I was Stacey's girl scout leader many years ago.

It was my honor to work with these  incredible young scouts with a project and a sharing of my work and history.  With me came paints, canvas, brushes and a story about a box.

We talked about doing things backwards.
We talked about closing ourselves into a box and how we could not see anything altho we could still hear things.
We talked about gifts from God.
We talked about donuts and donut holes. (Positive and negative space)

Main idea was to paint the canvas with lots of color...and while it was drying I told them about myself and my art.  Then we came back to the semi dry canvas with color.  We blocked out the table background and then blocked out the vase and area for flowers. It was successful because they all had fun. Pretty sure at least 75% of them 'got it'.

Enjoy the side show... and don't forget to share your gifts.

Words of my heart, Laurie

Realize you have to climb out of your box... you cannot possibly know what God has for you if you are stuck living in your box.

"But it is as scripture says: What no eye has seen and no ear has heard, what the mind of man cannot visualize; all that God has prepared for those who love him." 1 Corinthians 2:9

Changing the World One Heart at a Time, Words of my Heart by A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Changing the World One Heart at a Time

"Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one think of changing himself."
Leo Tolstoy


Change must begin in the heart and blossom out in your being and then to your family and then to the world.  The world cannot change with out our own change of heart.

Terry found this yesterday on Youtube and I want to share it. It should be called
"Only the Unloved Hate"
(You can click the first ad off.)

"Song: Window by The Album Leaf 

One of the most inspirational speeches in recorded history was given by a silent comedian by the name of Charlie Chaplin. If you like what you see please share the video any way you can to pass the message on."
Abstract Art Samples by ScottDraves.com and ElectricSheep.org 


Words of my heart, Laurie

"Listen, Israel: Yahweh our God is the one, the only Yahweh. You must love Yahweh your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength… Yahweh your God is the one you must fear, him alone 
you must serve, his is the name by which you must swear.” 


Deuteronomy 6:4-5, 13 New Jerusalem Bible