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

Tender of heart seems to escape the thought of many these days. Driving into Dallas and back home yesterday more than proved that to me with the questionable driving skills and determination of many on the road.

Be aware of others around you. Be open to their body language as well as their words. They may contradict and it will take prayerful insight for you to know exactly where they are in their journey to respond in a manner that benefits them and lifts them into God's light.

Recognize and accept each person you meet carries a load with heartache. We all have our own agendas and problems. Be kind today. Be tender of heart and be forgiving as Christ forgave you.

Words of my Heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Stop by and check out a new sharing of Morning Glories from those that find joy in each day.  www.Hismorningglories.blogspot.com

Ephesians 4:32

English Standard Version (ESV)

³²  Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Paths Chosen, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Paths Chosen


Are you the type that wants to drive down those small roads to see where they go? Terry shakes his head, but takes off at my plea for a new adventure. 


We have discovered that is not always good, and sometimes it is just the opposite, you find things you would have missed in your lifetime.   

 Paths before us, clear cut or full of obstacles, are both new to us.  The 'obstacles' path may not have been used much before you and poses a bit more daring to take it, but in the same sense, the well worn path has been walked by others before you, but it is still totally new to you. No matter which path you take, your every footstep and action is decisive as you blaze your way on your personal journey.


God is with you which ever you choose. His presence may be the guiding force that pulls you to uncharted paths of discovery.  He will guide you where you are to be if you are listening and following Him. Walk with Him, not away from Him.



Each of us chooses our path. We share this world with many others. How you meet, greet and treat individuals in your journey reflects the light of Him in your word, thought and deed. 


Safe Travels this weekend.


Words of my Heart, Laurie
A Texas Artist Laurie Pace






"Finally, all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love for one another, a tender heart, and a humble mind." 1 Peter 3:8

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

Silence...


is a state of consciousness containing peace.  Turning away from the chaos churning in our lives.  No TV, no music, no other voices, no noise... simple silence and with it comes peace.

When was the last time you went there? Eyes closed or open, your heart knows the way with its steady beating. I always think of Skaitook Lake in Oklahoma just outside of Tulsa.  It was a long ago day and my first ride on Terry's English Dart catamaran.  It was not a gusting windy day but enough to sail gently. I laid on the trampoline flat and closed my eyes feeling the cool spray of water across me, feeling the gentle slapping of water on the bottom of the trampoline and the warmth of the sun.  No words were spoken...only the gentle silence of peace.


That is where I go when things are tough.  After 22 years, I can still put myself on that trampoline and feel it all over again. All thoughts vanish and concerns fall away. 


So no matter what happens in life... I can find my peaceful silent place in just seconds.




Words of my heart, Laurie
A Texas Artist Laurie Pace


"Let me hear what God the Lord will speak, for he will speak peace to his people." Psalm 85:3

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

Prosperity


"For to all those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance." Matthew 25:29


Prosperity does not translate only to money.

 Whatever you put your energy into will grow, so choose wisely what you focus your time on.  When you focus on lack of things that you do not have in life, lack grows larger with your mounting 'wants'.


Look to Him for limitless riches, wisdom and knowledge. 


Mighty trees
Beautiful flowers
Dear friends
Loving family
Stormy days
Sunlight streaming
Clouds racing





So much surrounds us and yet it does not seem to hold our attention. The 'Lacks' seem to build up the wants.  




Shift your focus to true prosperity in life.


Words of my Heart, Laurie
A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Joyfully, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Joyfully



Existing in life from day to day, working to live makes it hard in a way

To stop and take a breath, to look around and see the joy that can now be found.

Moving round you is His Spirit bright, waiting for you to walk in the light.


Lifting the burdens you shoulder through time, opening your vision to what you may find.

Joy is an awareness and creative expression, it's there to light your dark depression.

Giving to neighbors and friends in need, the planting starts with joyful seed.

The beauty of nature and music of life does not require a day of tense strife.

Recognize the Christ dwelling in you, and let your soul be joyful in all you do.


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

"With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation." Isaiah 12:3

Life Softly Spoken, Words of my Heart by A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Life Softly Spoken


With over 30 years of teaching experience in both public and private schools and my own art studio, I have learned early on that speaking softly and saying less controls children the best. When you set the mood of your classroom, it always works best to keep it simple.  

The KISS method was one my husband told me was used by all the mechanics at American Airlines. They referred to the acronym as Keep It Simple Stupid...but I had to adjust that for the classroom to Keep It Simply Soft. My classrooms were home away from home for these children as they spent more time with me during their waking hours than they did with anyone else.  


I wanted that to be quality time with both respect and gentleness. I found that softly spoken word last night when Terry and I watched a series on Netflix. My heart was moved to the core of my soul in a scene from the upper room. 

It was a series called CLOSE TO JESUS, the stories of those he touched.  It includes Mary Magdalene, Joseph of Nazareth, Judas, and Thomas.  It is directed by Raffaele Mertes who has done quite a few movies including one on the Holy Family, The Apocalypse, and Esther: the Bible.  We watched the first one in the Close to Jesus series on Thomas.  The setting was just after the crucifixion. It started out sort of slow but within about ten minutes I was on the streets with Thomas as he sought to find the body of Jesus. By the end of the movie you realized Thomas ran in search of something that was right there in front of him. He was outspoken and direct and simply would not let go of what he saw or wanted to see. The other disciples and Mary Magdalene each had their own struggles.  The disciple that stood out the strongest was not the casting of Peter as the Rock, but the soft spoken highly convicted disciple John.  In the series his eyes seem to penetrate your soul as he softly repeats the words of the 'Master'. He never seem to have second thoughts or questions... he simply believed. He spoke from his heart in a place of love.


As you bring yourself to prayer with the Father and then to life today... keep at heart the KISS method, keep living from your heart, a place that is filled with pure love.  Keep your faith simple and steady as Jesus shares it. 


Words of my heart, Laurie
A Texas Artist Laurie Pace


“Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” Luke 2:49

Shared Moments of Friendship, Words of my Heart by A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Shared Moments

The treasured moments of friends is such a blessing.  I promised updated photos with Jan and Arlo from this weekend and you are are getting just that!  We spent a wonderful time with them catching up on old times and making new memories.  Lady L decided Arlo was her other Grandpa and of course with Jan being my 'sis' Lady L decided she was 'grandma' as well.  It has been two years since I sat face to face with Jan and I wanted to cry when they pulled in the driveway. I finally could look into her eyes and feel the warmth of her hug in person.

I found the following on the internet and there is a link to it at the end of the quote.

My Sister of the Heart. Jan and Laurie Spring 2012

"Trust is essential to true friendship. We all need someone with whom we can share our lives, thoughts, feelings, and frustrations. We need to be able to share our deepest secrets with someone, without worrying that those secrets will end up on the Internet the next day! Failing to be trustworthy with those intimate secrets can destroy a friendship in a hurry. Faithfulness and loyalty are key to true friendship. Without them, we often feel betrayed, left out, and lonely. In true friendship, there is no backbiting, no negative thoughts, no turning away. 

The 'Group' Spring 2012

True friendship requires certain accountability factors. Real friends encourage one another and forgive one another where there has been an offense. Genuine friendship supports during times of struggle. Friends are dependable. In true friendship, unconditional love develops. We love our friends no matter what and we always want the best for our friends."  This is shared from AllAboutGod.com 

Jan is all of this to me... she is indeed my sister of the heart. We met by chance in 1995 but for the life of me I cannot remember what brought us in contact. We were living in the small community of Trophy Club Texas.  We shared a common background and upbringing and instantly became friends.  I was pretty much a mess at that time with one in high school and two in college. I had left teaching and had just begun doing my art... on my time.  I think I blossomed from her kindness, trust, her love and her honesty as I began to find myself again as the kids left the nest.  I loved the day she allowed me to shoot photos of her granddaughter and herself at the local nursery so I would have things to paint.  She was my stability and light in some trying times.  We always found things to do and shared not only our lives, but our kitchens, our holidays and our families.  To this day I still make her Pennsylvania Dutch Mashed Potatoes and her Homemade Potato Soup.

The years have been good to both of us as we have kept abreast despite the miles between Phoenix and Dallas. We are prayer partners as well and she will always be my sister.  I loved our short time together this weekend and sometimes wish she was just down the street again...but God keeps us knitted together and the miles are not so important.

My prayer for you is to celebrate again this day your dearest friends. Call them or email them and let them know why they are so special to you.  

Note to Nancy:  Get your hug from me when Jan gets home... thank you for the hug you sent me.

Words of my Heart, Laurie
A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

"Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." Hebrews 13:5

Golden Friends, Words of the Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Old Friends


This morning breaks with excitement for Terry and I. We are going to see our dearest friends Arlo and Jan today. They have traveled all the way from Arizona to Texas for a granddaughter's wedding and driven to the area for us to see them.

Make new friends, but keep the old,

some are silver and the others gold.

TP and I have lost twenty pounds since this picture in 2010.
This is Terry, Laurie, Jan and Arlo at our Lake.

Old friends are so dear as they have walked so much of your journey in life with you. Jan has seen me through many moves. Prayed me through many crisis and been there as my sister though the last 15 years of my life.  Our backgrounds are so similar and our beliefs are tightly placed in the light of God. 


Near and dear!  Tomorrow I hope to have some pictures to share of this gathering in 2012 and I do not want to wait until two years to see them again! Guess I have to fly to Phoenix now.


Take time to call that special friend today and share a moment of joy with them. Surprise them!


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


Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, for we have sworn friendship with each other in the name of the LORD, saying, ‘The LORD is witness between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants forever.’” Then David left, and Jonathan went back to the town. 1 Samuel 20:42

Monkey See Monkey Do... Words of the Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Monkey See Monkey Do


When Bampa and I are visiting Lady L, the two of them, Bampa and Lady L are like monkeys.  TP loves to take her out on her "Park".  That is what she calls her swing set, the Park. He does stuff and she is right behind him imitating everything.

She and Bampa are two of a kind when it comes to Monkey Business.  They are best friends always and the trust is that based on unconditional love. 



When a child trusts an adult in their life so simply... that is an opposite reminder of how we do not seem to trust God so simply. We still want to control everything.   








Terry will never let Lady L down. 


God will never let you down.


Words of the heart, Laurie
A Texas Artist, Laurie Pace

 "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

Proverbs 3: 5-6

Energy Words of the Heart by A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

ENERGY 
Saturday Tumbles


I cannot wait for this morning to arrive. We are going to watch Lady L play soccer. I also will have paints and canvas for her this afternoon and maybe another fabulous painting will emerge.

Remember what it is like to get up in the morning and be excited and full of energy for what is ahead in the day?  The pure joy of anticipation like a small child knowing something special is ahead?


Wrap your head around the idea that you are that child; that child of God. Meet this day with Praise for all that is in your life. Meet this day with open arms and heart to embrace what is ahead. If you are in the midst of illness or tragedy, know He is there with you. He never gives us more than we can bear, and He remains with us through it all. Find that little bit of 'morning glory' no matter how small it is. 


This is the day that the Lord hath made. Let us rejoice and be Glad in it!


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

"There, in the presence of the LORD your God, you and your families shall eat and shall rejoice in everything you have put your hand to, because the LORD your God has blessed you." Deuteronomy 12:7

Morning Glories Words of my Heart by A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Morning Glories


This morning when I settled in at my computer and began reading email...my google search that reports things on the interent with my name jumped in with this one this morning from FIRSTPACE.com


It is something that someone on YOUTUBE put together of my artwork, (Some pretty old) and Just Us May IP and Gary Murphy created by  Laurentziu Ro, from Romania.  Terry and I chuckled watching it and truly enjoyed the music.

God blesses us with "Morning Glories" all the time.  We miss many of them when we are off climbing mountain and slaying pretend dragons.  


With the Spring so beautiful and everything blooming, I walk daily taking in the natural beauty of where we live in East Texas.   


That walk is calling me now!  As I go I will be counting my 'Morning Glories".  God is good. We are all truly blessed. What are your 'glories' this day?


Words of my Heart, Laurie


"But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made aline."  1 Corinthians 15:20-22

Letters from Home Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Letters from Home


Received a letter from home yesterday... no not a postcard from Him, but one of those big white and green envelopes from my Mother. 

Inside was a note from her and some copies of things she discovered that my Dad had saved over his lifetime. Writings and articles that truly meant enough for him to cut out and save in a folder. 






There were not many, but what was in there was powerful.


"Imitate your way to success, researcher says"....  written by Maury M Breecher.
I had to google the name to see who it was. The article was from 27 years ago. I did find a website for him and for the author of the book he was reviewing. 

"Winners are made, not born and you can learn to be one."  Breecher was reviewing the author Dr Chalres Garfield  and his work, Peak Performance, published in 1985.  Quoting Garfield, "You can put more success in your life and learn to be a winner by adopting characteristics of success exhibited by top performers. These characteristics aren't innate. They weren't born with them. Top performers had to learn about and develop these traits. You can too.''


I distinctly remember conversations from the past with my Dad.  Habits do not start over night. You have to make yourself do something over and over before it becomes instilled as a habit. 

Same is true with everything in life. The hard things you fear, the bad habits you want to break, the diet and lifestyle change you crave, learning to play an instrument, exercising, the relationship you need to build with someone special, even your relationship with God. 


Dad always said you had to start somewhere. It would not feel like it was part of you until you did it over and over again... until it became part of you. 




Set those goals ahead for the things you need to concentrate on. You will find yourself dragging your feet, but you must see it through.. and change will come. There was an old slogan called "Fake it till you make it." It is along the same thought.   I will enjoy reading the things Mom shared with us...they are from the heart.


Words of my heart, Laurie


"If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved." Romans 10:9-10

Subscribe? Words of my Heart by A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Subscribe


Working with CFAI.co has been a tremendous learning experience. Discovering new things to do on the internet and marketing ideas is a constant thing when you are representing over 500 artists. It is full time around the clock. ( Unless partner Diane Whitehead gets a hold of me... weekends are suppose to be with family.)

This week I have begun putting together the new June Issue of Visual Language Magazine for CFAI.co.  Our first issue out caught the attention of 85,000 readers. Can you believe that? Our second issue is at 46,000 I believe and still climbing.  We are hoping to continue with the magazine and eventually have people subscribe to it. It is free right now.

I have to take a step back during my working day that is always bent toward this creation and think of where my thoughts should be centered and where I should be 'subscribing to'.  The word of God has constant learning experiences woven through out the many pages. Discovering new things in passages you have read over your lifetime still surprises me.   Dwelling in His Word should be a constant thing and realizing He 'represents' all of us. He constantly has us foremost in His grace.  We can be there with Him too if we reorder our lives. 


What do you subscribe to first in your life? Has your subscription run out to Him? He is ready for you to renew right now... His perfect plan awaits you.


Words of my heart, Laurie

Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me.--John 14:1

Where do you rest? Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Where do you rest?


We were up at three this morning.  Terry's tummy was not smiling.  When I dropped peppermint oil on his tummy and turned on his heating pad, he was swiftly snoring away.

I laid there and rearranged pillows trying to get comfortable after being awakened so abruptly. I kept those squirrels in my head at bay... and my mind begin to lay things at the cross again. Anything that trickled into my head trying to steal my peace was purposely left at the foot of that cross.


Suddenly a mantra popped in my head and I was repeating it to myself to remember to use it in my blog... and I must have fallen asleep to the sound,

"Lay it at the foot of the cross, Giving it up is not a loss.

Jesus will bear the pain; safe in God's arms you will remain." LPace

Each of us has our way of finding rest. At times we struggle.  Until we can release ourselves from the struggle we remain in circular motion unable to find rest.

Rest in Him this day.

Words of my heart, Laurie

"He makes me lie down in green pastures;..he restores my soul." Psalm 23:2, 3

Taking a Stand, Words of my Heart by A Texas Artist Laurie Pace.

Taking a Stand


Humans tend to be passionate people. Our youngest son leads the pack when it comes to passionately standing up for something or someone. Our causes vary depending on what directly affects our way of life or our personal rights. Our reactions are fueled by others around us.

There is much in the media about the Zimmerman case and the protests surrounding the death of a young black teenager in Florida. Protests that have raised anger and marches across our country; yet the two white men that planned a pre-dawn trip around Tulsa shooting five black people - killing three, the media's reaction was on a smaller scale so our passion responded differently. The shooting in Tulsa resulted only in: TULSA, Oklahoma - Wednesday, "a group of black residents plans to protest outside the Tulsa County Courthouse. They are upset that the two white men accused of shooting five black people could post bond - and get out of jail."


This is but a recent example of how passion ignites and carries through the populous. The lives of those innocent victims in Tulsa are not less than the death of the teenager in Florida. Both are horrific happenings. Bottom line, the media has the most control over us influencing our views on everything. 

Why am I writing about this?  It's about taking a stand in your life to clean it up.


What has the most control and influence over you right now?  


What is controlling your life? Is it the world, your friends, your habits and possessions, or is it the Lord? 


What would the media have written about Jesus before His crucifixion? Would you have stood up for Christ or been part of the crowd pushing to watch Him die? Would there have been a follow up story?   It is up to you today to be that follow up story. To take a stand for Him. He gave His life for your sins and mine. This is an ongoing story still developing today. 


How passionate are you?


Words of my heart, Laurie


"Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures," 1 Corinthians 15:1 3-4

Rest with Him Words of my Heart by a Texas Artist Laurie Pace

REST


Every day we confront the need to make decisions.  Simple decisions as well as life changing ones. 


Every morning take the time before you rise from bed to give this day to the Lord and for all the worries that are piling in your mind, the schedules and the wants... put those at the foot of the cross. 

As an artist I have begun to do visuals with my prayers of what the foot of the cross has beneath it. Broken cups, broken hearts, torn clothing, baby dolls missing an arm, teddy bears without one eye. Each symbolizing something that has caused a fear or worry to manifest itself within.  Put those things at the foot of that cross. 


Affirm your faith in God. Release everything else. The joy is in the release of getting yourself and your controlling thoughts out of the way. God cannot guide you if He is constantly tripping over your baggage. 


We are so blessed. Lean back into Him this day and trust He will take care of you.


Words of my Heart, Laurie


"Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." Matthew 6:10

By His Wounds...Words of my Heart by A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

"By His wounds you have been healed."


Healing takes place on many levels in life: Physical, spiritual and psychological.


Relationships exist on many levels in life: Physical, spiritual and psychological.

There exists you on the outside. The "you" we all see and think we know. The "you" that you allow us to know.  We only seem to share parts of who we are with others. At levels deeper within ourselves there are things we do not even admit to ourselves, nevertheless share those things with others. We would be vulnerable to hurt on every level.




God knows all these things and He exists for us on all levels. He knows your thoughts before you even are consciously aware of them. He knows when you are afraid but hiding it from others. He knows when you are lying and trying to cover it up. He knows the deepest desires of your heart and He has taken on the pain of your deepest hurts in life. 


Whatever is deep inside of you churning or resurfacing causing pain in your life, it is time to hand it to the Lord.


Words of my heart, Laurie


“He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”1 Peter 2:24

Refocus... where are you? Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Refocusing in Life


As you look at your life and what you are doing, often you find yourself wondering if you are heading the right direction. Things are going decently well yet something does not feel in balance. 

We are blessed with opportunities and gifts from the Father and offered opportunities every single day, but still things may not be as they should be.  Maybe some small changes are in order. Trying something new might bring back the order you are missing. 


Start with how you think about things and view them.  Can you climb out of the box you are in and look at everything from a different perspective?  God will support you spiritually if you are including Him on your evaluations.  He will be there with you no matter what you choose to change or do.


Words of my heart, Laurie


"You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:6-8

Treasures of the heart? Words of the heart by A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

What is a treasure that you hold dear?

What holds promise and possibilities beyond your comprehension?

What is the most wonderful thing you have?

Each day begins and offers to you endless possibilities.

Anything can happen this day.

Things you might expect and many things you would not even be ready for.

Lay at the cross this day your limitations and expectations.

Be open to His surprises and His direction. Open your heart to appreciate your life as it unfolds, the good, the bad, and the ugly.

The Father will handle it all.  Be ready with an open heart and an open mind. Trust in the Father, this day holds great promise.

Words of the heart, Laurie

"O Lord of hosts, happy is everyone who trusts in you." Psalm 84:12

Where do we Go from Here? Words of my heart by A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Where do we go from here?


Stacey was here with Lady L for Easter dinner and our family gathering.  Everyone had left and we were loading the latest and greatest slide show of Lady L  painting and we were just talking.

She had been thinking about how every one makes a list of change, new life at the end of the year as New Years rolls across.  She had decided maybe it was more appropriate to do it now.  


I agreed with her. I told her now was the time to put it all at the foot of the cross. BUT you have to leave it there... you cannot pick it back up.  If you do you have to put it down again.


Stacey really has a positive outlook on this. I trust she will begin again this day.  What are you waiting for? Where do you go from here? 


Words of the heart, by Laurie 


"For if, while we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!" Romans 5:10 

He has Risen, Words of my Heart by A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

He has Risen

"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
Galatians 2:20

The Pain of Yesterday from A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

The Pain of Yesterday


I lay in my bed wanting the day before to have been a bad dream.  The sun has not broken the horizon yet... and I lay here wide awake remembering. Yesterday was full of fear, anger, death and hope.


There had been a meeting of the elders and scribes in the predawn hours.  Peter really did deny knowing Jesus.  


But I am just as guilty as I stood in the shadows and watched it all happen. Many witnesses were called but no one could seem to agree on the same thing.  Peter denied knowing him three times.  It was not just once, but three times.  Peter how could you do that?

I stood hidden and frozen in place watching the entire thing play out before me like a bad dream.  But it was not a bad dream. 


As Peter heard the crow of the rooster he dropped his head in shame, only to slowly look up into His eyes.  Jesus was not even mad.  Our Lord stood quietly meeting Peter's eyes.  There was no anger or malice... only pure understanding as a connection was made between their hearts and souls.  Jealously rose like bile in my throat as I wished He could look at me with such love. 


How could Jesus even look at Peter? He betrayed Him.

ANGER.

"Tell us if you are the Messiah, Son of God!"  The voice of the high priest screeched angrily at Jesus. The scribes and elders wanted to justify putting Jesus to death, but even with Peter's denial, they did not have enough witnesses to to testify against him.  


Jesus looked up directly into the eyes of the high priest and answered him, "I am, and you will see me, the Son of Man, sitting at God's right hand and coming back on the clouds of heaven." 


The scorching voice of the high priest gleefully shouted to the crowds, "You have just heard His blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? What is your verdict?" They all shouted, "He deserves death!" Then they spat in Jesus' face and started beating Him. I close my eyes in pain wanting to jump into the fray, but knowing I could not save Him. I was but one man in the crowd of a hundred angry men.

Peter began to weep and turned from the chaos. I caught him quickly as he passed by me and held him in my arms as he wept.  "What should we do now?"

Roman law would not allow this death sentence to be carried out that morning, and the crowds seem determined to drag him before Pilate, the Roman Governor. Peter and I hurried to follow them as they forced Jesus through the streets. The sun was just breaking the horizon on this Friday morning,  the Passover celebration was this day.


By the time we arrived at Pilate's the crowd had already swollen to more than 250 men.  Peter and I stood back away from the mob and watched Pilate's face from a distance. He scanned the crowds before him knowing at the Passover Feast he could pardon and release one criminal.  He nervously bit at his lower lip realizing there truly was not evidence to convict Jesus.  The roar of the crowd voiced the need to release another prisoner, Barabbas.  


I heard Peter breathing hard next to me and I clinched my hands tightly. Was there any hope?  Pilate walked away from the crowds, head bent in deliberation.

HOPE?

 Suddenly Pilate turned and faced the crowds. His arms were crossed and his eyebrows were knitted tightly together. " Which do you want me to release, Barabbas or Jesus?"


Deafening the crowd roared, "Barabbas, release Barabbas."  The cries pierced my ears. I wanted to turn and run right then hearing their chants, but Peter stayed my arm. "We must remain with Him."


"Then what should I do with Jesus?" asked Pilate.

"CRUCIFY HIM."

The screams were so loud it was frightening. Peter and I could not see what was happening as the Roman Soldiers crowded around Jesus.  The sounds were that of animals fighting and clawing at their prey.  We pushed our way forward to see our Lord beaten to the ground. His clothes had been ripped from Him and He was covered a scarlet red garment. Someone had shoved a twisted thorn crown upon his head and blood ran down his beaten swollen face. In His had was a reed. 


I would have known Him anywhere...those eyes found mine and I could not turn away. 

They were filled with LOVE.

Suddenly a large wooden cross was drug and dropped at His feet.


"Get up" yelled a soldier beating him in the head with a club. Another grabbed the reed in his hand and lashed Him with it.  I desperately watched Him struggle to His feet and fall again.  Leaving Peter I pushed my way through the crowd and again His eyes met mine.  

LOVE.

Another man was grabbed by the crowds as he passed by. He was told to help Jesus stand and aid Him bearing the cross over the long walk to the hill. I inquired later to find out his name was Simon of Cyrene.  Simon was visiting for Passover Feast and he was forced to help Jesus. It was if the soldiers and the crowd suddenly did not want to be guilty of pushing Jesus and sending Him to death.   They had done that already and they pulled a passerby in to do "the dirty job" carrying Jesus' cross. Along the way the jeering crowds fell to their knees, "All Hail the King of the Jews".  Peter and I raced to find the other disciples.  


We made it to the hillside and watched Him grimace as they nailed him to the cross.  Jesus' Mother was there as well as his aunt and Mary Magdelene.  Jesus called to her, "Woman here is your son, " nodding toward me, "Here is your mother."  My heart was full as I knew I was to care for the mother of my Lord.

TRUST.

 My eyes never left Him as they raised His cross between two other men.  Someone seem to offer Jesus something to drink, but He refused. I found out later it was wine and vinegar.  The taunts became crueler was the time passed.  "Save yourself if you are truly the Son of God." "He saved others, but he cannot save himself." "Let God save him."  They even threw out dice seeing who could win his clothes. Even one of the criminals lashed out at Him. A soldier pierced His side with a spear and blood and water poured out of the wound. 

PAIN and HUMILIATION.

The other criminal said to Jesus, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”



Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.”


LOVE.

It was close to noon I am guessing when things truly took another turn.  The sun literally disappeared. I have never in all my days seen this happen. It turned black... and the ground began to shake and rumble.  Many of the crowd left not knowing what was happening but we stayed... and the sun stayed dark for hours. 

 “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” Jesus moaned from the cross.



A short time later we heard Jesus call out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last.

DEATH.

 A nearby Centurion had watched it all with us. “Surely this was a righteous man.”  Many in the crowd cried as they went away... but we all stood there waiting and watching from a distance. 

The Entombment by Jacopo Carucci, known as Pontormo

After that I brought Mary home and settled her safely within.  I knew Joseph of Arimathea, a fellow disciple, was going before Pilate to obtain permission to take Jesus' body.  Nicodemus was with him.  Peter told me the two men wrapped his body in spices and strips of linen in accordance with customs. Nearby was a garden with an empty tomb and it was there they were going to leave His body.

CONFUSION.

Lord, what do I do this day? You are gone.  Your mother is here safe in my home and I will protect her with my life. Where do we go from here? 

HOPE.


Words of heart with readings from Matthew, Luke and John.

Laurie

Reflections, Words of my heart by a Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Reflections


When things happen in life they seem to make a permanent mark in our memories. We remember every single detail down to the temperature outside and maybe even what we were wearing.


It is those memories that comes back to us for 'reflection' through different times in our lives. The good and the bad memories. Then to reflect on this very Friday back in 33 A.D. is something more than remarkable. 

Reading through the gospels and their versions of this day evokes a deep sense of sorrow and pain for me. Despite it all Jesus never gave in.  His last words were "Father into your hands I commit my spirit." 


If your life has been filled with sorrow and pain. If you are carry burden and weight that keeps you from feeling joyful... it is time to speak these words from your heart and really mean it enough to place it all at the base of the cross.


Father into your hands I commit my spirit and my life. Jesus gave His life for us and our sins. He will bear the pain that you are trying to carry right now. 


Give it up to the cross. 


Words of my Heart, Laurie 




 Acts 2:20  The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord.

Late Supper, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

It was a Late Supper

Scared Destinations

I remember it like it was yesterday. It was a cool twilight and a long climb up the stone stairs. I was pretty hungry and eager to see Jesus that night. We were meeting Him in the upper room at Mary's house.  Mary's son is John Mark. Actually it was in the same room we celebrated Pentecost almost two months later.  That room carries vivid memories for each of us.





It was just before the Passover Festival. 


I think He knew the time was coming for Him to leave all of us. We were all gathered around the table eating at Mary's; Jesus ate quietly, as He already knew that Simon would betray Him and He was deep in thought praying to His Father. He knew so much more, more than we could possibly understand in one evening. 

Fountains

Curiously I watched Him bow His head as a trivial discussion grew louder between the others.  He rose from the table and all eyes watched Him remove His outer shift. The room grew quiet as He picked up a linen cloth from the side table and wrapped it around His waist.


All eyes watched as He slowly poured water into a deep basin on the side table. The single sound of that water filling that basin stays with me to this day as it echoed in the stilled room.



He knelt before Simon Peter first.


“Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”


 Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”


 “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.”


  Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.”


“Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “wash not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!”


Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.”  For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean.

 When he had finished washing everyone's feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place at the table. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them.  “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.  I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.  Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them."  John 13:6-17


He told us then He was not talking about all of us... we were His chosen disciples. He assured us this was all part of THE PLAN. God's plan.


He was visibly troubled as He continued, “Very truly I tell you, one of you is going to betray me.”  John 13:21


My breath caught in my throat and there was not a sound in the room. We were at a loss not knowing exactly what He meant. I looked around the table at each man wondering who it was He spoke of. Which one of us would betray Him?  There was no way. We were all devoted to Him. We loved Him.  I leaned back into Jesus as He now sat next to me. Simon Peter turned and looked at me and commanded, "Ask Him which one He means."


I spoke up in a clear voice tilting my head in His direction, “Lord, who is it?”


Jesus answered, “It is the one to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish.” 

Coins at a Dig in Jerusalem

Then, dipping the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. " John 13:24-27


Simon accepted the bread but his eyes seemed locked in a battle with Jesus. "As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him." 


   So Jesus told him, “What you are about to do, do quickly.” John 13:17-28 


We were stunned as we watched Judas abruptly get up from the table, his chair crashing backwards to the floor. He left the room descending the stairs into the dark night. He was the keeper of our funds, and he left with our coins. Perhaps Jesus sent him out for more food.


"When he was gone, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man is glorified and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will glorify the Son in himself, and will glorify him at once. My children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and just as I told the Jews, so I tell you now: Where I am going, you cannot come."


“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”


 Simon Peter asked him, “Lord, where are you going?”


   Jesus replied, “Where I am going, you cannot follow now, but you will follow later.”


 Peter asked, “Lord, why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.”

December Rooster

Then Jesus answered, “Will you really lay down your life for me? Very truly I tell you, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times!"  John 13: 32-38


We were all amazed by the words He spoke. It almost seemed like a puzzle, yet it was a message from God to each of us.  The confusion of watching Judas leave earlier in the evening was compounded by the announcement that Peter would deny Jesus.  At that time I truly believed Jesus had to be wrong. There was no way Peter would do that. He was closer to Jesus then the rest of us.


Words from my Heart, Laurie

John tells the rest of the story of what happened that night the best. John 14:1-31