Unfinished Heart, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Unfinished Heart


Younger years without fears
Strongly striking out the way that pulled
Attitude making the difference.
Only to realize I was fooled.

Taking hits from wrong decisions
Emotional devastation taking me apart
Backtracking from stepping off the path
Always finishing completely with heart.


Or was I?


Experience has chipped away from my heart
Slowly with little pieces bit by bit.
As I grew and found my way back to God
He helped restore the broken pieces where they fit.


My heart is whole again with His peace
that passeth all understanding for you and me.
It beats still as an unfinished heart but
With room to grow from God you see. 

He has much more for me to learn
as I wake each day in my earthly walk.
He has much more for me to do this day
As He shared in our early morning talk.


My unfinished heart yet beating strong 
Taking this day one step at a time
Knowing He walks with me ....
As I build up strength to make the climb.


Words of my Heart, Laurie


" Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker; 
for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care." Psalm 95:6-7

In the Silence is God, Words of my Heart by A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

In the Silence


Deep night... the sound of crickets and frogs outside the window.
Outside the drapes the brilliance of the stars lights up the forest where we live.

To feel His Greatness is to simple walk out under the starry skies and know He has put every star in the sky.  It is here you can see the presence of God and find perfect peace.   


When I am spiritually disconnected I immediately go outside.  Day or night.
It is in nature that all the pulling and stress are dispelled from my mind and body. An inner peace begins to warm through me as I breathe in slowly and expel out the tension inside. I have invited that tension to be part of my journey this day and it is up to me to let go of it. 


Being outside puts me in a direct connection with God. It is outside I feel His peace washing over me. 


How do you recharge your life when you are running low?  Take the time to find ways to bring that peace into your life every single day. As you speak and act you will reflect and share that peace with others.


Words of my Heart, Laurie


"Now, O my God, let your eyes be open and your ears attentive to prayer from this place." 2 Chronicles 6:40

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

Climbing

When you are at the base of a mountain and know you need to climb the mountain, it almost seems insurmontable, but looking up you cannot really judge how high the mountain is.  From where you stand in the valley below you see what is immediately around you, the rippling brooks in the stream at the foot of the mountain and that first knoll before where you will begin your climb.



The higher you go, the more you see, across the valley and over the nearby hills. When you reach the top of the mountain you can see for miles around you. There is a town in the distance,  a thick forest the other direction and a large lake to the far side of you.   If you had not climbed the mountain you would have never known what was beyond your valley. The world has opened before you.

Follow Jesus and living your life in God's light is the same.  When you first discover the joy and light of God, you have no idea what power and might is there for you. The more you 'climb' into your new life, the more you can see and experience. Every challenge, every hill, every problem you face in life has you climbing closer to God. From one day to the next. From one year to the next.  You are climbing deeper into God, deeper into the light filled with joy. It matters not what the climb is before you because He is with you.

If you are not ready for the climb... it is time to take my hand and begin the journey.

Words of my Heart, Laurie

"Get thee up into the high mountain." Isaiah 40:9

Take my Hand by Shawn McDonald, Favorites of my heart, A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Take my Hand by Shawn McDonald

Some incredible music with generations between, but the same connection to God. Take my hand, Father, take my Hand.  I cannot walk this alone without you. Take my hand.  

I found this beautiful song when I was looking for the one I posted yesterday and just had to share it too!

Favorites of my Heart, Laurie



Take my hand to the promise land
And on You I want to stand
'Cause I cannot do it all on my own
You're what I need and I need to be
Right by Your side 'cause I cannot hide
Lord, I know that I need You
Na na na na na na na na na, I need You
Na na na na na na na na na
Without You I'm so alone
I am weak but You are strong
You pick me up when I'm falling down
And I am crying
Out to You inside of my heart
I need You, Lord, oh so, for the part
I want You to have my life, Jesus
Take my hand to the promise land
And on You I want to stand
'Cause I cannot do it all on my own
You're what I need and I need to be
Right by Your side 'cause I cannot hide
Lord, I know that I need You
Na na na na na na na na na, I need You
Na na na na na na na na na
I fall to my knees
And I'm begging You, please, oh, Lord
Won't You change me
Make me new from the inside out
I want to shout out Your name
Take my hand to the promise land
And on You I want to stand
'Cause I cannot do it all on my own
You're what I need and I need to be
Right by Your side 'cause I cannot hide
Lord, I know that I need You
Na na na na na na na na na, I need You
Na na na na na na na na na

Take my Hand Precious Lord preformed by Selah, favorites of my Heart A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Take my Hand, Precious Lord  preformed by Selah.

Selah has done an incredible work with this old Gospel Song... I hope you enjoy it as much as I did! When I thought of coming home yesterday, I thought of God reaching out His hand to capture mine... and I began humming, Take my Hand, Precious Lord...

Favorites of my Heart, Laurie

Take my Hand

Take My Hand Precious Lord

Precious Lord, take my hand
Lead me on,
Let me stand
I'm tired, I am weak I am worn
Through the storm, through the night
Lead me on to the light
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home

When my way grows drear precious Lord linger near
When my life is almost gone
Hear my cry,
Hear my call
Hold my hand lest I fall
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home

When the darkness appears and the night draws near
And the day is past and gone
At the river I stand
Guide my feet,
Hold my hand
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home

Precious Lord, take my hand
Lead me on,
Let me stand
I am tired, I am weak, I am worn
Through the storm, through the night
Lead me on to the light
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home 

Coming Home, Words of the Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Coming Home

As we were driving home last night at ten pm from Dallas... cruising the freeway, ducking traffic... my mind lept back in time to our trip to New York in 2010. We were driving from Virginia through Tennessee trying to make it to Memphis. Terry's dad was very ill at the time and we were anxious to get home.



There always had been this sense of safeness in coming home. My mom was there at her house and Terry's dad at his place.  Home was not a place but it was the people. Ben is not with us as he died just before we made Dallas that trip.

Terry and I were on our way home... and yes the thought of sleeping in my own bed was huge, we were coming home to make church this morning.  Our joy was being with our church family and waiting to be fed by Jack's sermon this morning on the suffering of Jesus on the cross.

Coming Home... that should be something we all feel the comfort in with our prayers each day, coming home to God...to gather in His love and comfort. Spiritually we will be reunited with our loved ones there. Coming home is truly an expectation to embrace.  God awaits your call eager to hear from you.  Wasn't that what you parents always said?  Call us and let us know where you are.

God is no different. Give Him a call today.... He is waiting at home.


Words of my Heart, Laurie

Colossians 3:1-3  " Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.  Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God."

Flowing Waters, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Flowing Waters...

Nature surround us ... and lately with inches and inches of rain to a thirsty drought stricken wooded area.

The impact of spring and March showers brings fully budding trees, blossoming iris and tulips as well as green grass.

Each season brings with it part of the cycle of season of life.  It is all divinely ordained by God.



The same is true for your life, God has a plan for you. Seek His guidance and align your efforts with Him to be flowing in His stream of creative process.

Words of my Heart,
Laurie

"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven." Ecclesiastes 3:1

Gushing Waters, Words of the heart by a Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Gushing Waters...

Monday I picked up the book Renovation of the Heart by Dallas Willard from Pastor Jack at the church.  I had mentioned this book in a prior blog that it really looked good and had pretty high reviews.  On the way home in the truck I was already consuming it.

One of the things stuck in my mind from the book and the Bible is Jesus' words, "Those who drink of the water that I will give them will never again be thirsty. The water that I will give will become in them a spring of water gushing up to eternal life." John 4:14

Are you like 'gushing water'?  Are you alive with His Spirit and do you share it naturally and easily? He is filling you up...are you sharing the spirit in your life with others?

Words of the Heart,
Laurie


"Those who drink of the water that I will give them will never again be thirsty. The water that I will give will become in them a spring of water gushing up to eternal life." John 4:14

Trying? Trusting? Words of my Heart by A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Trying? Trusting?

If at first you don't succeed, try try again.

Words from childhood but part of the Justus' upbringing.  Reflecting on that there is a mellowing of thought.  You cannot try to follow God harder. You can try to try again...but it is not in the trying, but it is the trusting.

It does not take MORE work by you, it takes less work. Let go and Let God.  TRUST. You do not have to try try again, just trust. Trust in Him.

Words of my Heart,
Laurie

" Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones." Proverbs 3:5-8

LIfe is ART and YOU are the Artist. Words of my Heart A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Life is Art.
You are the Artist.

I tried to look up WHO said this...but could not find it...but I love it.  I have shared before that every painting I do has a multitude of layers from sketches, to acrylic brushing to more acrylic brushing and sketching and often to two or three layers of oil paint before I even begin to know the direction of the painting.

Is that not true about your life?  I am nearing sixty and I could not even begin to list the mistakes I have made in this lifetime and yet from those mistakes comes this person I am today.

What was yesterday is past, but what is today is vital. What you do in the next moment is a brushstroke on the canvas of today. You know what works and does not work. Why do you continue to beat yourself up and make the same mistakes over and over again?

God is sitting right beside you.  His Spirit is within you. Step back today and let His Spirit work through you. See what type of day comes by putting God first in everything you say and do. Your words...your actions, put HIM there first.

Words of my Heart,
Laurie

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23 NIV

The Jo in Joy, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

The Jo in Joy

You can feel her joy before Jo even walks into a room.  She brings a loving smile, a full laugh and always a positive outlook on everything in life.  I have been blessed with knowing her only two years and she still takes my breath away with her joyful nature and her enfolding love for God and for everyone she knows.

She and her husband Tony are celebrating their fiftieth wedding anniversary and this past weekend was filled with the complete joy of family and friends honoring this time in their lives.

Jo lives in my neighborhood here at the lake.  Her home, yard and life embrace their happiness and joy in life. They both celebrate the gifts provided and Jo shares some of that with our church choir.

Like all of us, they have faced many challenges in life with health and family. They stay the course with their faith and their positive attitude, always thinking of others first.

What made me write this to share it with you? I was walking last week on Friday and she and Tony whizzed by me in their van heading for the clubhouse. They were preparing for the party on Saturday.  Jo had the window down and a big smile splashed across her face singing out a joyful good morning to me.  What a blessed way to start my day.

We all need more Jo's in our lives... and I am blessed to have one as my neighbor. God is good and Jo is joyful sharing that in life. Thank you God, and thank you Jo.... Joy... it is all from God.

Words of my heart,
Laurie

"Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises!" Psalm 98:4

Is Something Holding you Back? Words of my Heart by A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Is something holding you back?

Have you figured out in life there always seems to be something holding you back from things?  Not sure if it is fear or feeling inadequate...but negativity often crawls through your mind when you are confronting new challenges or changes.

There is door before you. Will you open it?  Are you leaving somewhere or going somewhere? When you do open it are you facing bondage to something or freedom from something? Technically different doors require different approaches to open them.   A simple turn of a handle opens most doors, but often some heavier doors require a key and some are simply a push door requiring nothing but a slight push of your hand or shoulder.

Decisions in life, life changes, life challenges are like those doors. Some require more effort than others to get the door open. Willingness will open those push doors, while the locked doors may require prayer and persistance.

What doors are in your life right now? Some doors are opening up for a new beginning while others signal an end to a time in life. Know which ever you are facing, God is will walk through it with you, He will even enter before and extend His light to guide you.

Words of my Heart,
Laurie

"Look, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut." Revelation 3:8

What to Build this Day? Words of the Heart by A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

What to Build this Day?

We are each blessed with gifts for our journey. Sometimes these gifts change and we may not be prepared to accept new ones or say goodbye to old ones.

You are the artisan of your life. As Moses built the tabernacle, he was assured by God that the workers helping him were gifted with their abilities to know what to do. Moses was not a savvy contractor, but God was.  Each person working was filled with the Spirit of God. Upon completion the Tabernacle was filled with the Spirit of God.

Planting a Tree for my Dad

God has given you this day the tools you need to create and accomplish whatever you set your mind to, or if you are listening to Him, where ever He guides you.  If you are not happy at this point in your life, what changes are open to you to consider? Have you prayed about it?

Always honor what has been provided in creating you for who you are. You cannot be something you were not created to be. You have indwelling divine energy that will lead you to fulfillment of dreams, maybe even the accomplishment of something you never dreamed about doing.

Pray with me this day ...Good Morning God, This is your day, I am your child, please show me the way.

Words of my heart, Laurie

"I have put wisdom in the hearts of all who are gifted artisans." Exodus 31:6

Pure Being Surrounds You, Words of my Heart, By A Texas Artist Laurie

Pure Being

You are not alone. You are never alone.

Can you hold this in your mind and feel the true comfort of it?  It comes with the ray of sunshine falling on your face, or the cool of evening passing over your shoulders. It comes with the song of birds and the rush of winds through the trees.

It comes in music, books and in touch...the touch of a feather or the touch of water.  His assurance surrounds you when you take the time to listen and feel His presence.

God's loving presence surrounds all of us. When you are so busy you tend to miss it. So draw a slow deep breath and close your eyes... can you hear him? Can you feel His love?  As you release your breath, let go of your sorrows and your worries. Feel His arms wrapped around you holding you close.


You are not alone. You are never alone.

Words of my heart, Laurie

"Yet I am not alone because the Father is with me."  John 16:32

Focus on what you have in life... words of my heart by A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Focus on what you have in life...

We seem to be a society of "gotta have it" or "need a".  Our brain seems overwhelmed with what we do not have that we truly believe we need and we become obsessed with it until we 'get it'.

Retrain your thought patterns and stop them when you drift into the 'gotta have it' realm, you will find a peace beyond belief.  Take a deep breath in and slowly let it out. With each breath express thanks with love for the things you already have in your life.  Give gratitude to the Father for these things. Keep breathing in and out. Praise Him and know that many opportunities are ahead for you in His plan.

Instead of allowing apprehension into your life with worry, allow appreciation to fill you with enthusiasm.  Use the simple mantra, "Thank you Lord" through out the day as if sharing it with everyone...and the response back will be overwhelming from the Lord.  "You are welcome my child."

Words of my heart, Laurie

"Bless the Lord, O my Soul, and all that is within me." Psalm 103:1

Praying for Others, Words of my Heart, Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Praying for others.

Circumstances in life happen. They happen to all of us. Sharing a prayerful life that includes the needs of others.  We have to look beyond the temporary that surrounds us and focus on God's perfection... God's perfection for each of us.

The power is among us and as we gather together that power is multiplied. This is the presence of Christ.  Honoring His presence in others and lifting them up.

No matter where you are today or what you are doing... stand in line and pray for others. At the next red light, pray for others. Every moment offers the opportunity to bless others and pray for them.

You are enfolded in love...

Words of my Heart, Laurie

"I pray that... Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love." Ephesians 3:16, 17

Renovation, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Renovation

I was browsing through Amazon and came across the title of a book called Renovation of the Heart by Dallas Willard. The reviews were very strong for the book and there were 65 of them.  Seems like it was written to help you through exactly what it says...renovation of your heart as you find what is truly in line with where you should be with God.

Our home today.

Terry and I have had our fill of renovating houses. We did it for awhile flipping a few houses and making some money ahead, but then we lost on the last one because of the drop in the housing market. It was a pretty hard hit for us.  It came just as we were thinking of retiring but with the plunge in the economy we consulted a higher power, called our CPA and took the loss to try and keep the loss from being even worse.

Definition for renovation:

Web definitions:

the act of improving by renewing and restoring; "they are pursuing a general program of renovation to the entire property";... wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn

Breakfast Room at our Lake House

Taking that last contemporary home and doing all that work that was a huge journey. It was a home designed and built by a student of Frank Lloyd Wright.  We really tried to renew and restore it to what is was in 1959 and put a lot of hard labor and dollars into.   We went two months without gas and had to rewire the entire house.



Thankfully living there was a joy and a time in our lives we will celebrate and remember, but the selling was a total demolition of our retirement plans. Yet, was it part of His Plan?

How often do we have to renovate 'ourselves' to get where we are renewed and restored?  I found this one blog by Rick Warren called  Renovation Begins with Demolition. It is a short but solid read.

During this time of Lent, you may have to go through a type of demolition of who you are and how you think and then slowly begin your renovation with the Carpenter, the Son of God.  He will help you rebuild so you will be renewed and restored.

Words of my heart, Laurie

"For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."  Hebrews 4:12 



Post Note: Our CPA held us to two years and not renovations at our lake house... I have exactly two weeks left to hit that two year mark...but for some reason it is no longer important. When you are at home in yourself, the things around you are not as urgent to change.  Peace in the heart brings a smile. So did golden yellow paint in the kitchen. see picture above.

Forgiveness, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Forgiveness

The sharp pain of betrayal and the hidden hurt weigh heavily on heart,

Blessed are the merciful for they will be shown mercy from the start.

 Peter asks, “Lord how often shall my Brother sin and I forgive?”

Jesus answers Peter, “Seven times seventy” or as long as you shall live.

When you pray to the Father while holding things against some one,

You must forgive him first, before the Father forgives what you have done.

“Do not judge, least you be judged, do not condemn and you’ll not be condemned.

Forgive and you will be forgiven"; all the anger will dissipate from where it stemmed.

If the hurt and pain stay inside your heart, it will harden day by day

You simply must let go of all that pain for it to go away.

Just as you forgive all those that wronged you and hurt you through the years,

May God grant you grace in their eyes, for their forgiveness of you to appear.

Release anyone who has injured you in the past and stop the slander and the pain,

Show mercy through the eyes of grace so your prayer is not in vain.

As Jesus ask His Father for forgiveness for those that accused and crucified Him too,

He prayed on the cross as he died, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

L Pace March 11, 2012

I sit here in reflection... that often we cannot forgive ourselves for things in our past. Stop condemning yourself and embrace the goodness that has been in you since conception. You are made in God's image. God is good and so are you.


Make a conscious choice to forgive yourself today. Then think of people that you might have hurt or injured and ask for their forgiveness.  Then think of those that have hurt you and look to them through the same gentle eyes that Jesus saw Peter, through the eyes of grace.


Life is a learning experience and often situations arise that are tough, but each offers a time for you to learn and grow both in Spirit and in life.


Words of the heart, Laurie


"Forgive, act, and render to all whose hearts you know, according to all their ways." 1 Kings 8:39

Rainy Days, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Rainy Days

After almost a full year of drought... it is AWESOME Lord to have rainy days and several in a row.  So Terry and I had a Rainy Day Meal and worked on it together. It is one of those you eat on for several days.

Menu:
Homemade Chicken Sweet Potato Soup with Mesa and Chili Peppers
Homemade Russian Rye Bread

Rainy Days are days I feel like God has tucked us in to rest.  We stayed off the computers because of lightening and storms and stayed and worked together in the kitchen.

Makes it cosy and you feel safe at home... In His Hands, showered by His Love.


Words from my Heart, Laurie

"Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit." James 5:18

Through Eyes of Grace Possessed, Words of my Heart by A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

I wrote a short verse of the stone earlier this week. Pastor Jack wanted more...and this is what come from his gently prodding.  God seems to prod us in the same manner.... Thank you Jack for believing.

Grace Possessed

Weeping tears wash dust from rock but not from hearts of gray

Silent thoughts scream with echoes of memories past, blocking light of day

As mounting high out of reach piling beyond the limits of my mind.

Can I climb the pile to the highest point to see what I might find?

Only through the giving of His grace can I clean my heart of hurt.

Only then will I see through grace the cleansing of the dirt.

A single stone to remind me of the light that falls across my face

A single stone to hold that promise of His grace.

No matter what the past has brought to life before this coming day

Releasing pain that builds inside my soul will be the only way

To withstand the elements of life and the storms of times to be

I lift my hands with open heart for His grace to come to me.

Oh rock of grace, beneath me stand to open heart and reaching hands.

To grasp the truth beyond the turn and see a soul begin to learn

The magnitudes of grace both far and near avoid the pain that comes from fear.

The pain of trust misplaced, or things un-seemed, to find through Him all things redeemed.

Redeemed through blood… His light I face… compassion now I must embrace

Sealed through Spirit and fully blessed, now I live through eyes of grace possessed.

L Pace 

March 5th 2012  In Memory of Benjamin Franklin Pace on the anniversary of his birthday  1926-2010

Words of my heart, Laurie

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, The Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God." 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

For the Beauty of the Earth, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

For the Beauty of the Earth

With spring arriving so early this year our trees are budding out already.  Terry moved my wood swing yesterday and I promise upcoming pictures when it stops raining. Pictures I do have are of my parents home for over 40 years.

The Hymn, For the Beauty of the Earth" was one of my Dad's favorite to sing when I would play it on the piano for him.  The gusto in which he sang rings clearly in my heart as I sit and see the beauty bursting forth around me.

The earth enriches our lives and we are to be good stewards of the lands around us. The earth has supported our needs for centuries and we in turn must nurture the earth with love and support to care for what we have.

The energy of the Spirit is alive around us. Be aware of the splendor. Take a break and look around as things are coming to life.

Words of my heart, 

Laurie

"Then God said, "Let the earth put forth vegetation; plants yielding see, and fruit trees of every kind...." and it was so." Genesis 1:11

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

Surrender

Darkness and difficulties cloud the day.

Often they cloud your entire life.

In the face of any challenge you do not have to be alone. There is hope even in the toughest time. It is when we are at the lowest point that we are the most open and unguarded... a time to hear and learn.  Our defenses are totally crumbled.  We are now reachable.  We are now teachable.

As we make our way from that dark pit of difficulty, back to the light, we appreciate new understanding about ourselves and situations in this life's journey. This gives us the strength to step out and go on.

His suffering was agony at its deepest. His rising was love and joy at its purest.

His sacrifice was for you and me.

Surrender to Him. Be enfolded in the peace that extends beyond all understanding.  Be still and surrender, know He is there.

Words of my Heart,
Laurie Pace

"Then Jesus crying with a loud voice, said, "Father, into your hands I commend my spirit." Having said this, he breathed his last." Luke 23:46

The Linen Cloth, Words from my Heart by A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

The Linen Cloth   by Laurie Justus Pace

The linen cloth tied round his waist
to catch the filth from my journey's haste,
He knelt before me basin at his side -
Water mixed with tears as he knew what I would hide.

His assurance softly spoken that I was a part of Him
Though through the battle growing in my mind the light seemed very dim.
The candle's glow softly outlined the crown of his bent dark head,
as His hands gently washed my feet I thought of what He said.


"Unless I wash you, you have no part with me"
So calmly spoken in my ear but more for open eyes to see.
He knew I would betray Him and He knew I was not clean,
yet here He was before me and His words did not demean.

"Do you know why I have done this for each of you this night?
For you to do for others with humility forthright."
"You will be blessed if you commit yourself to serve,
my Word is through life and giving and not just things observed."

It was not long after I saw him with His body packed with spice
Linen cloths tied round him I knew He had paid the price.
The price of for all my hidden deeds
the height and depth of all my needs...
They all were laid to rest in His death upon the cross
My Teacher and my Master I cannot allow the loss.


"Do you know why I have done this for each of you this night?
For you to do for others with humility forthright."
"You will be blessed if you commit yourself to serve,
my Word is through life and giving and not just things observed."  Lpace 3/7/2012

Words of my heart,
Laurie

" Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him." John 13:16

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

The Rock

Jack phoned yesterday when Terry and I were out walking. He had seen the blog and called to catch up.  I asked him where exactly he was going with the rock as he had ended up his sermon yesterday and Terry and I both somehow missed his last tie in.

He said it was referring to Jesus knowing Peter would be the "Rock" the church was built upon.      

Jesus knew that, as well as he knew Peter would betray him. That "look" was a look of love THROUGH the eyes of grace,  when he caught Peter's eye after the betrayal.

Jack wanted us to be reminded of the 'rock' that Peter was. Highly respected among the disciples, no one believed  he believed he would ever betray Jesus.


Jesus knew it would happen.

For me it completes a circle. Reading in Matthew at the end of this post,  when Peter was told by Jesus that he was the rock and foundation of the church, it continues through the last supper and through the painful betrayal and on through the beginnings of the church.  

Most likely Peter was in pain torn as to what to do in the situation and somehow decided it was better to not be identified as a disciple.  He simply continued to deny a relationship with Jesus. Then the cock crowed and Peter looked up in surprise to see Jesus' eyes on him.   They were not eyes of anger but as Jack put it, they were "the eyes of grace, forgiving Peter as it happened, knowing it was part of God's plan for him to betray Jesus.

Jesus' words to Simon Peter, "Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers."  Luke 22:31-32


My rock is still my 'rock of grace' and translating it back  it is "Peter of Grace"

There is a wonderful article on Wikipedia... please read it.


Words of my heart, Laurie

Matthew 16:13-20   "When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”  “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”

Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven.  And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.  I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”  Then he ordered his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah."

Stones of the Heart, Words of my Heart by A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Stones of the Heart

Weeping tears 

wash the dirt from rock

but not from my heart.

Silent thoughts scream

with echoes of memories past

piling beyond the limits of 

my mind.

Can I climb the pile to the

highest point to

see through eyes of grace?

Only through the giving of grace

can I clean my 

heart of hurt.

This morning he gave me a single stone

To always remind me 

The rock of grace withstands

The elements of life.  lpace

Thank you  for my 'rock' Pastor Jack Wallace, First United Methodist Church, Mount Vernon, Texas.

Jack had a large basket of stones for each member to take one before entering the sanctuary.  Being the hard core artist, I had to hand select and try out each 'rock' before I chose the one I wanted... I called it my "Worry Stone" because somewhere in my past an older relative told me to carry a worry stone in my pocket and every time I began to worry, to take the stone out and begin rubbing it with my thumb.   

So I took my hand selected stone into the service where again life changing things always seem to happen. 

When I left later,  this was now my Rock of Grace.  

Words of my heart, Laurie

"Peter replied, 'Man, I don't know what you're talking about!" Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed.  The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter.  Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: "Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times."  Luke 22: 60-61

Pastor Jack reminded us that the Lord turned and looked straight at Peter through the eyes of grace.

Read more: http://lauriepace.blogspot.com/#ixzz1oFy4D5eL

Celebrate the Light, Words of my heart, by A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Celebrate the Light

There is light even in the darkest of night. There is light in each of us, even in our darkest moments. We are made from God's love and light. It is woven into our very being.  


Thinking of old Testament stories as the Israelites broke their bondage from Egypt, they followed the light into freedom.  The light came through Moses to them from God.


Be aware of the light inside of you... God's light. Your life is unfolding as He wants it to unfold. Even the missteps will lead you somewhere and you need to be certain God is right there beside you. Continue to learn and grow and be open to new thoughts and ideas. Share your light with others and be a blessing this day.


Words of my heart,
Laurie


"I will cause your name to be celebrated in all generations." Psalm 45:17

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

Surrender

sur·ren·der  (s-rndr)

v. sur·ren·dered, sur·ren·der·ing, sur·ren·ders

v.tr.

1. To relinquish possession or control of to another because of demand or compulsion.

2. To give up in favor of another.

3. To give up or give back (something that has been granted): surrender a contractual right.

4. To give up or abandon: surrender all hope.

5. To give over or resign (oneself) to something, as to an emotion: surrendered himself to grief.

6. Law To restore (an estate, for example), especially to give up (a lease) before expiration of the term.

When you say the word it sounds almost romantic or it sounds like wartime. Quite a contrast in thought. How can giving up be a positive thing? How can abandoning something be a good thing? How can relinquishing control make things work?

How do you surrender to God? Can you give up your heart with out your body and soul? Yielding one with out the others is impossible. We cannot separate ourselves.  To relinquish power to Him has to be totally all of you all of the time. Not part of your some of the time. 


When I was reading and studying on this I read the story of a man and a woman getting married and the man saying, "Sweetheart, I want to marry you, but I can only give you half of my heart."  She looks at him and asks, "Why only half?"  He replies," The other half is for my old girlfriends, whom I still visit through out the week."  What woman in her right mind would marry him?  

God does not fail you or ever stop loving you and He certainly loves you with all of His heart, grace, love and joy.  Yet most people who claim to love Him have other loves in their life. Could be a job, a hobby, could be anything that draws you away from spending time with Him and surrendering your all to Him. What are you holding back?


In this season of Lent it is time to reflect the word surrender and instead of giving up things for Lent, give yourself up to God.  You are not 'whole' until you do. You are living half-heartedly.


Words of my heart, Laurie

Job 11: 13-19 


"Surrender your heart to God, turn to him in prayer, and give up your sins--even those you do in secret.  Then you won't be ashamed; you will be confident and fearless. Your troubles will go away like water beneath a bridge, and your darkest night will be brighter than noon. You will rest safe and secure, filled with hope and emptied of worry. You will sleep without fear and be greatly respected."