Joyful Answer, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Always there are questions racing through your mind about decisions unmade. Where do you go for answers?  The joyful answer is you go to HIM.  Call upon the Lord with you open heart and open mind and listen to what He tells you. You can hear that inner voice speaking and the gentleness of His grace. 

Words of my Heart, Laurie
A Texas Artist Laurie Pace





I call on you, my God, for you will answer me;  turn your ear to me and hear my prayer.  Psalm 17:6

A pinch of Crazy, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Moments of craziness truly bring wonderful endorphines to your mind and body. Acting crazy with friends can be a Joy! Another Day of celebrating life with JOY!

Words of my Heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing the Lord’s praise, for he has been good to me.  Psalm 13:5-6

Joyfully you can Always Turn to Him in Prayer in Times of Need, Words of my Heart, Texas Artist Laurie Pace

"I wanna go home."  Her tearful face and anxiety filled eyes are hard to miss.  
What brings you joy and comfort when you are in pain or afraid?


Go "home" to the Lord in Prayer.  He will listen to your cries. He is waiting to hear from you now.  Isn't that joyful to know? His arms are open and His heart is filled with compassion and love for you.

You hear, O LORD, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry,  Psalm 10:17




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

Joy Truck Escape Ramps for Humans...aka GOD, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Up the mountain we climbed... up ... up... up.  There were these strange little mini roads off to the side of the freeway in many spots as we climbed up and down. Terry said they were called  "Truck Escape Ramps".  

"The combination of heavy trucks and highway downgrades has long presented potentially dangerous conditions for truck drivers, other drivers on the road, and occupants of roadside property. The problem of runaway trucks generally results from brake failures which can arise for many different reasons. The inability of drivers to control vehicle speeds on downgrades is not only hazardous but it can also have costly consequences."

The joy in this is we have the same thing provided by God... when we cannot control our lives and things are hazardous... we always have Him.  When there is 'failure' in our lives... we always have Him.

O Lord, our Lord,

    how majestic is your name in all the earth!

You have set your glory above the heavens. Psalm 8:1

Words of my Heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Joy in Nature and God's Creatures, Words of my heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace, 100 Days of Joy

Joy is deer watching in our windows or yard. We live in a gated community and no one can bother these creatures.  We have only been here a bit over two years and are still amazed by their sudden appearance in our yard.  

But let all who take refuge in you be glad;

    let them ever sing for joy. 

Spread your protection over them,

    that those who love your name may rejoice in you. Psalm 5:11

Words of my heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist, Laurie Pace

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

Joy is my violets in bloom. My Mom keeps violets and orchids. Sometimes I struggle, but they seem to like where we are and they bloom consistently throughout the year.


Thank you Mom for the love and joy of flowering plants you instilled in me.

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1

Words of my heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist, Laurie Pace

Generous Bounty, Full of Joy, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Set your sites on Him... He sets His Glory in Heaven and Earth for each of us. How Majestic is His name. How beautiful is His creation. How generous is His bounty.

Words of my Heart, Laurie
A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!

You have set your glory in the heavens. Psalm 8:1

Giving Thanks, Joyful Giving, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Giving Thanks... make that a joy each day telling Him how grateful you are for your many blessings.

Words of my Heart, Laurie
A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

I will give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness; 

    I will sing the praises of the name of the Lord Most High. Psalm 7:17

Summer Gardens, Words of my Heart, Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Joy is a summer garden with tomatoes setting on the plantings... the beginning of fruits from Heaven.  Day 30 of 100 Days of Joys.

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

How blessed are the people who know the joyful sound!

         O LORD, they walk in the light of Your countenance. Psalm 89:15

Heavens of Joy, 100 Days of Joy, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

The Heavens fill the day with His Grace and Joy...Morning skies on Golden Pond. 


100 Days of Joy... Day 29.

Words of my heart, images from life, Laurie
A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

[Psalm 19] For the director of music. A psalm of David. The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. Psalm 19:1-2

Joyful Noise, Words of my Heart, Texas Artist Laurie Pace

One of my greatest joys is teaching guitar to teens. They are so eager to learn and become proficient. They actually practice on their own. That is a second joy for sure for the parents.

My son Larry shared something this last weekend with me. I will be using and reusing it often. It is not the WHAT you do that counts but the WHY you do it.
The joy of watching these boys grow with their music makes my heart burst with song and praise.

A Song of my Heart for Joy, Laurie
A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Sing to God, sing in praise of his name, extol him who rides on the clouds; rejoice before him—his name is the LORD. A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. Psalm 68:4-5

That Special Day, Memories of Joy from my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Do you still have yours?   


Mine is packed away. Maybe my grand-daughter will be tall and will want to wear it. This is my daughter several years ago with my mom as a wedding dress was found for her wedding.  Sheer joy as you plan for that special day of celebration.

This was a journey of faith for our family as our only daughter got married.  


Just a week before the wedding, she was so depressed and scared, I drove to pick her up at her apartment. She flew out of the car when we got home and crawled into our bed...Terry's and mine.  She pulled the covers over her head and she was not coming out.


Terry was pretty puzzled when he got home from work and found her sleeping in our bed.  Papa Bear was displaced!  Eventually she made it to the guest room and after a few visits with the pastor she was ready to walk down the aisle to her future with God at her side.  


Let your wife be a fountain of blessing for you. Rejoice in the wife of your youth.  She is a loving doe, a graceful deer. Let her breasts satisfy you always. May you always be captivated by her love. Proverbs 5:18-19




Memories of Joy of my Heart, Laurie
A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

The Joys of Memories, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Remembering the joys of past years and memories that keep us smiling. Our grandson Jonathan is about 5 in this picture and he is turning 15 this summer.

Victoria, Emma and Jonathan 

If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” Luke 11:13


My mom once recently said to me that it is the memories of earlier years that fill her thoughts and keep her heart full. With my Dad's transition into Alzheimers and then his passing this year, Mom has gone through another door with God at her side. 


Throughout our lives we continue to pass from different times and places in life. Just knowing He is there with me, gives me the strength to know what is before me can be endured.  In the moments of trial and despair I cling to His love knowing I am apart of His family and He as my Father will protect me just as my earthly father did when he was alive.


Thoughts from my heart, Laurie
Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Joys in coffee.. wonders of the heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Meditate over that wonderful cup of coffee.

I could not pass up using the art of one of our fabulous artists on Cfai.co. I have loved this painting since she entered it in the art challenge a few months ago.

On this Father's Day I will remember with deepest love my own father that has passed on to join our Heavenly Father.  Coffee is something associated with him from an early age for me. Coffee in the morning and coffee at night after dinner and just before the ten o'clock news.  From my upstairs bedroom I could hear him rustling in the morning getting in the paper and starting his coffee. The aroma filled the house a long with the noise of the coffee pot.  In the evening it was the smell of more coffee and the television and with that, the deep sense of security that he was home and we were all safe in his care.

We are all safe in HIS care.  Our Heavenly Father loves us so dearly and has such wonderful things for all of us in our lives. Have your up of 'Joe' this morning and meditate on that and the verse below.

Thank you Carol Peterson for the loan of this wonderful painting!



Cup of Jo By Carol Peterson on CFAI.co
www.cfai.co/carolpeterson


Words of my heart, Laurie

Teach us to number our days, 
    that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12

Finding Joy, Words of my Heart, Laurie Pace

Do a good deed today and help someone else find JOY.

Words of my heart, Laurie
A Texas Artist Laurie Pace



May the favor^[a] of the Lord our God rest on us;
    establish the work of our hands for us—
    yes, establish the work of our hands. Psalm 90:17

Another Joy... Words of my heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Hit the pause button...

Have you ever noticed how busy your life is and even once you are home in front of the talking box.. you flip around from channel to channel?

Try hitting the pause button on your TV remote for a full ten minutes and listen to the quiet.

Words of my heart, Laurie
A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

If only we knew the power of your anger!
    Your wrath is as great as the fear that is your due. 
¹² Teach us to number our days, 
    that we may gain a heart of wisdom.  Psalm 90:11-12

Blooming Roses a Joy, Words of my heart, Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Another Joy...Blooming Roses

Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, 
    that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. 
¹⁵ Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us,
    for as many years as we have seen trouble.
¹⁶ May your deeds be shown to your servants,
    your splendor to their children.  Psalm 90:14-16


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

Coming Home, another Joy, Words of my heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Another joy....

Home Sweet Home... bed sweet bed.  Nothing like sleeping in your own bed at night!

Traveling and visiting people and places is always exciting but the best part to us of a trip is coming home...   the windows over look water and a deck with a swing and many large trees.  Frogs croak us to sleep at night and birds wake us in the morning.

Must be what Heaven is like... coming home to rest... and knowing you are safe in the Father's Arms.

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

By day the Lord directs his love, 
    at night his song is with me—
    a prayer to the God of my life.  Psalm 42:8

Stop to smell the Roses, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist, Laurie Pace

Praising Him daily can be easy when you stop to smell the roses.

Words of my Heart, Laurie
A Texas Artist Laurie Pace



I will praise the Lord all my life;
    I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.  Psalms 146:2

Joy of Music, Words of my Heart, Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Music is in all of us. A foot moving to the beat.. a hand tapping to a tune on the steering wheel of the car... it surrounds us and flows through us.

 

My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you--I, whom you have redeemed. Psalm 71:23

The Joy of Music, Words of my Heart, By Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Such a simple joy is listening to Lady L at age 2 playing my piano. Her Bampa on the floor next to her with his WRR T-shirt on. We love classical music at our house. If you look carefully you will see my harp, several guitars and the piano. Lady L loves them all.






The Lord blesses us all and sing out in song to praise Him... even out of the shower works!


100 Days of Joy


Words of my heart, Laurie
A Texas Artist Laurie Pace






Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music; Psalm 98:4

Path of Life, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

When Morgan was a junior in high school we talked about paths in life. Talk was more like Sesame Street though, thinking about choices and what comes with those choices.   We always have a choice of direction in what we do. God allows that.

I have observed that when we are so busy in our own world, we no longer can hear Him speaking to us and we often take the wrong path. He has one for us... we just need to get 'ourselves' out of the way to find it.


Here is to your journey this day my friends... may it be filled with joy on His path specially chosen for you.


Words of my heart, Laurie
A Texas Artist Laurie Pace




You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.  Psalm 16:11

A Simple Smile, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Your head is pounding as you roll over and glance at the alarm clock. Why didn't you hear it?

You jump from the bed debating if you should skip your shower and decisively begin to pull on your clothes.  You race out into the living room just in time for your nose and smelling abilities to catch up with your foot as you slide across the wood floor in a 'present' the dog left for you because he did not get outside in time.

Cleaning that up put you back another five minutes as you hurriedly back out of the driveway and head to the meeting you are late for.  Your mind is spinning frantically putting together the information you need to present and hoping you remembered the disc you burned last night to show as the presentation.

That is when you saw the red lights blinking in the rear view window.  Five minutes later you pull away with a ticket laying on the seat next to you, and you are pretty beat down.  Time for a conversation with God. Better late than never.  You cannot fix anything that happened. It is behind you. You have to get yourself composed again and refocus on something bigger than the meeting you are late for.

From Lori's Reflections Sharing a smile.

Parking the car, you take a deep breath and gather your things heading into the building. A young child meets you at the door looking up into your face flashing you a huge smile.

The entire morning of chaos is suddenly melted away by the gift from God of those trusting eyes and the engaging smile.

Share a smile today with someone. It could be a life changing moment for them.

Words of my Heart, Laurie
A Texas Artist Laurie Pace


Unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.  O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me. Yea, let none that wait on thee be ashamed: let them be ashamed which transgress without cause. Show me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths. Psalm 25:1-4

Another Day of Joy...Cuter than a Cupcake, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

From a young age we are constantly trying to gain acceptance and approval.  This seems to shadow us through our lifetime.  It is part of our "ego" that develops at a young age. 

Pure joy is found the moment you accept yourself.  


Allow yourself to be comfortable in who you are as God created you. You can begin today to live a full life without the complications of needing 'approval from others'.  


God created you and you are truly wonderful just as you are right now.  With your heart and mind focused on Him, you are ready to live and serve.


Lord, thank you for the joy of "life" and the opportunity to serve you. May I be accepting of the gifts you have given to me at this time in my life and may I use them to serve you and to help others. 


Words of my Heart, Laurie
A Texas Artist Laurie Pace


 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14

Pull me from the Deep Waters, Joys of my heart, by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

The joy of taking hold of something with completion is a satisfying feeling.  How often does God rescue us by pulling us out of the 'high waters'? 


I cannot help but wonder if He feels that joy or if we would hear his long sigh?

If you have friends or neighbors or see someone struggling, this is the day to take hold and pull them up from the deep waters. Give of yourself to save someone else this day.


Joys from my heart, Laurie
A Texas Artist Laurie Pace




He reached down from on high and took hold of me;

    he drew me out of deep waters.  Psalms 18:16

Sweet Spirit is falling... Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Church is always good with Jack on Sundays.  I need to give you links to his sermons on the FUMC site. This past Sunday's sermon will not be up until midweek, but it is good. Click here for the link.

Jack entitled his sermon 'Who me?' and as always everything he shares sends my brain off into several directions and Terry has to endure the journey as I think things out and research and dig deeper for my own thoughts inspired by others.  So today I am focusing on the "Sweet Spirit fall upon us." The Joy of this happening...

January in Texas 2011

My Mother always used the phrase, "when the Spirit moves me." It must be close because if the Sweet Spirit falls upon you.. you are going to be motivated or directed to go into action of some sort. It can be a quiet 'falling' like the soft snow in early winter, or it could be like the Texas spring hail storm... with a bit more force in the delivery and a defined fall out. 

It just might depend on how well you are listening or communicating and how hard God has to get your attention. 

April in Texas 2011

Often when it happens in the Texas storm route, it is more like, "Why me?"  Warning is to stop what you are doing and listen to the Father. He has something for you and you are too busy to see it in front of you. We never want to do things that are not on our agenda... and it seems to fall back to 'when the spirit moves me.' 

Open your heart and your life back to serving in His name. Listen to what God is telling your heart. Listen to that inner voice that you can hear quietly in your mind. (Not the loud voice that rationalizes everything... the quiet one.) Think of the relief of a hot shower as pulsing water covers your body and you let go of tension and worry.  Same with the Sweet Spirit falling upon you.  Allow it to wash over you as that shower does... pushing out of your mind the things that fog it up and create the worry.  Now, what can you be doing to help someone else out of their state of tension or worry? 

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

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.  Matthew 25:36-36   

But you will love reading the full parable of the sheep and the goats. Click here. 

The Precious Gift of Grace, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

What is precious in your life right now?

Personal and precious are our gifts from the Father.  The Father is with us always through the times of darkness in life as well as at the moment you reach the summit's top.  Jesus promises us life  and the gift of having it filled with abundance.  Through His physical healing of the body came forgiveness and grace to the soul.  Perhaps today it is better to seek His Grace before we pray for divine healing. 

Words of my heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

For by grace you are saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, for it is the gift of God.
--Ephesians 2:8

Creativity, Words to share from my Heart, Texas Artist Laurie Pace

I have a visitor in my studio this weekend... Beth is here from Tulsa to paint with me and it has been a delightful blessing.  God is marvelous the way He knits our lives together with so many strands of colorful thread.

This morning before she arrives, Terry and I went on a long walk and the temperature was at 65 degrees outside. We took our favorite path along the lake. I spent most of the walk meditating with the Father and thanking Him for the beauty and glory surrounding us. My heart is prepared for this day and I am fortified to meet what comes my way.

Enjoy your weekend to the fullest and count your blessings.

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

Please read below... my Mom phoned with this from Daily Word this morning.

From Daily Word:
WITH GOD, I CO-CREATE A WORLD OF LOVE AND ABUNDANCE.
Creative energy is an integral part of me. Because I am made in the image and likeness of God, I am a unique expression of creative energy. I have within me all I need to be creative.

I color the canvas of my life with my thoughts and words. I create a life vibrant with love as I give praise and thanks. I paint from the infinite palette of God as I tap into divine inspiration. Whether I make a loaf of bread or a work of art, it is my unique creation.

Whatever my gifts, I am an outlet for God’s divine ideas to flow into the world. Through the smallest act of kindness or the grandest gift, I contribute to a world of divine love and abundance.

For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life.—Ephesians 2:10

He Makes No Mistakes. Praise from my heart by A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

I was reading in the 18th chapter of Psalms when the verses I included at the bottom struck a chord of familiarity as well as comfort.  I think perhaps this was something from a past message I heard that took root in my heart.


Googling it I came across this poem from another blog. The writer did not know where it came from.  Further investigation found a young man that put it to music. I hope you enjoy both the poem and the youtube song. Evidently from comments on Youtube the song was written by a man when his wife died. 

My Father's way may twist and turn;

My heart may throb and ache;

But in my soul, I'm glad I know

He maketh no mistake.

My cherished plans may go astray

My hope may fade away/

But still I'll trust my Lord to lead

For He doth know the way.

Tho' night be dark and it may seem

That day will never break;

I'll pin my faith, my all in Him

He maketh no mistake.

There's so much now I cannot see,

My eyesight's far to dim.

But come what may, I'll simply trust

And leave it all with Him.

For by and by the mist wil lift

And plain it all He'll make

Thro' all the way , tho' dark to me

He made not one mistake.

And from His book ... with praise from my heart, Laurie




As for God, his way is perfect: 
    The Lord’s word is flawless; 
    he shields all who take refuge in him.
³¹ For who is God besides the Lord? 
    And who is the Rock except our God?
³² It is God who arms me with strength 
    and keeps my way secure. 
³³ He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; 
    he causes me to stand on the heights. 
³⁴ He trains my hands for battle; 
    my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
³⁵ You make your saving help my shield,
    and your right hand sustains me;
    your help has made me great.
³⁶ You provide a broad path for my feet,
    so that my ankles do not give way. Psalm 18:30-36

The Dark, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Lightening and thunder have awakened us nightly with the storms moving through Texas.  We welcome the rain after the year of drought and wish it would stay.  

When I spoke with Stacey this morning she shared a story about Lady L from last night's storms.  The thunder was beginning to role and the lights at their house flickered.  The tenacious three year old ran to her mom...."Jesus protect me from the dark?"
Stacey reassured her and that seemed to do the trick. 




With the next bolt of lightening and again flickering of lights, Lady L looked up at her mom and said, "Jesus protects Jordan from the dark too."


Jordan is her buddy across the street. In her innocent mind Jesus protects us all and she accepts it without question. Can you?


Words of my heart, Laurie
A Texas Artist Laurie Pace


Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4




If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me
    and the light become night around me,”
   even the darkness will not be dark to you;
    the night will shine like the day,
    for darkness is as light to you.  Psalm 139:11-13