The Light of God, Words of my Heart, by a Texas Artist Laurie Pace

“Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.”  John 3:20-21

Yesterday was a welcome day of rain. All day slow rain.  I have not checked the rain gauge, but I am sure we saw at least an inch.  We have vegetables that were starting to turn in the refrigerator so I decided to make up a batch of veggie soup.  We feasted on it last night and will today as well.

The verse I included above speaks to all of us. None of us have lived our lives with out the action of doing something that was not in God's light, or thinking thoughts or saying things that should never be said.  When we participate in that kind of living and thinking, the light of God hurts our eyes. Sometimes it feels easier to stay in the dark going about life in our own bumbling way.  Returning to His light takes courage, but once you begin the journey, His grace surrounds and lifts you up. Everything we do and say, everything we think... God knows before the thought finishes in our mind and before our mouth opens to speak. 

Words of my Heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist Laurie Pace 

Sun sets on Summer, Words of my heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

“The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.”  1 Corinthians 2:14

The sun sets on the summer and fall days have arrived. 

I dislike Daylight Savings time.  God's time is the only time, not man's time.

Our country continues to try and control time with this notion of daylight savings from March through early November. 

We seem to be less and less on His time.  

Did you notice the switch back and forth gets harder the older you get?  

Are you on His time in your heart and home?  Do you have His Spirit? 

Words of my heart by Laurie

A Texas Artist Laurie Justus Pace

Show me your Ways, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Show me your ways, LORD, teach me your paths. Psalm 25:4

This is our dam.  This is the pathway across. The small pond and our house on one side and the other the wide open waters of the lake.

Our neighbor across the pond had to put up a chain with a sign marking private property.  Many people do not think twice about wandering around through all the woods and paths. The joy of the walk could be shared but sadly they leave trash everywhere... empty baby bottles, beer cans, cigarette butts, 

and general trash from food containers.  

Since the sign was put up, the pond has stayed clean of man's trash and the pathways clear for those that respect the beauty of His lands.  

Words of my heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Contentment and Prosperity, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

"If they obey and serve him, they will spend the rest of their days in prosperity and their years in contentment."  Job 36:11

We have a dam on our property. One side has our home and about two acres and the other side is the lake. I just shot this picture two mornings ago as Terry and I took an early morning walk with Paddy Dog.

How could you not be content with the peace of His Morning?

Words of my Heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist, Laurie Pace

Reflections of His Love, Words of my Heart, A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young— a place near your altar, LORD Almighty, my King and my God.   Psalm 84:3

So beautiful on the pond.  Every morning and evening we sit outside or walk our two acres over to Lake Cypress Springs and watch the ducks on the big lake... on one side or the dam and our pond and house on the other side.  

Reflections of Him. 

Reflections of His glory. 

Reflections of His creation and reflections of His love.

Words of my Heart, Laurie
A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

What's for Dinner? Words of my Heart, A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

      © Selah Ranch                                                                                                  http://selahranch.com

"For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves."

  Luke 22:27

This is one of those 'ahah' moments... we always immediately think of ourselves as 'special' as we enter and sit down waiting to see what wonderful food will appear. Our appetites are ready, our stomachs are growling in anticipation. 

We are not so 'special'.  

It begins with all those hands that grew the food, prepared the food and served the food.  As a mom I loved preparing meals and serving my family. I looked forward to seeing their joy when their favorite foods were placed before them.  It made the day worthy for preparing the meal. 

What are you serving this day?

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

Fall has arrived... Words of my heart, Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Listen! My beloved! Look! Here he comes, leaping across the mountains,

bounding over the hills. My beloved is like a gazelle or a young stag.

    Look! There he stands behind our wall, gazing through the windows,

    peering through the lattice.  My beloved spoke and said to me,

    “Arise, my darling, my beautiful one, come with me.

 See! The winter is past;  the rains are over and gone.

Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land.

The fig tree forms its early fruit; the blossoming vines spread their fragrance.

Arise, come, my darling; my beautiful one, come with me.”

Songs of Solomon 2:8-13

When I look back on our pictures as teenagers, I grin when I see the same cocky smile and gentle love in his eye that I remembered. Today that love has deepened with our journey over the years. Some past experiences have brought us high with joy and laughter, others plunging us into unknown territories where only our love brought us through with God's light and grace. Transition and change were much easier when we were younger.  I am so thankful to have him at my side.  The fall is here in our life's journey and winter still lies ahead. This season of our life is showering us in the bounty and beauty of fall.  I pray we meet all changes hand in hand where we can abide together in His grace caring for each other and enjoying the treasures of our family.  

God has watched over us with each passing year and we pray he will continue to as the days grow shorter and the beauty of winter surrounds us. 

Words of my Heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Songs of life, Words of my heart, By Texas Artist Laurie Pace

"A song. A psalm of David. My heart, O God, is steadfast; 

I will sing and make music with all my soul."  Psalm 108:1

Terry has his dad's guitar and has been learning to play it. We have videos of Ben playing guitar.  This month we are celebrating his life. He continued on to the Lord September 17, 2010. This video was shot in September of 2009.

So many lives were apart of who we are today.  Through the good and the bad, the tears and the laughter family remains as family.

Words of my heart, Laurie
A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

A Taste of Heaven. Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

"She Awake, north wind, and come, south wind! 

Blow on my garden, that its fragrance may spread everywhere. 

Let my beloved come into his garden and taste its choice fruits."  

Song of Solomon 4:16

Nothing is better when we have lunch than to sit down to a meal my husband has fixed of roasted vegetables.  Todays were so good I cannot wait to eat the leftovers.  

God is just as good with what He provides us from His Garden.  Keep your desires of the heart simple and they will all be met in bounty more than you could even imagine.  It is those picky eaters that have issues... especially those that will not even take a taste of Heaven.

Words of my Heart, Laurie
A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

How much more Valuable you are than Birds! Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

"Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!"

Luke 12:24

The last of the hummers left this week. This image is from last year. This year Terry had brewed natural water with sugar and no dyes in it. They loved it. We kept two feeders going refilling them twice a day.  

We were told when we moved here not to feed them past the middle of September or they would not migrate on to where they needed to go. So every year in mid September, Terry removes the feeders, cleans them and puts them away until May of the next year. 

What a treasure of beauty it is to be a part of the journey with these hummingbirds.  

God cares for us. We bumble along thinking of all we want and do not realize it is more about what we need.  He makes sure that happens.  We are His children and just as we would not starve our children or keep them without things they need, God does the same for us.

Words of my Heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist, Laurie Pace

The Lord is Witness to you in all ways, in thought and in deeds, Words of my Heart, Texas Artist Laurie Pace

"And about the matter you and I discussed—remember, the Lord is witness between you and me forever.”  l Samuel 20:23

Only the Father is full witness to who you are and what you do. He knows the contents of your heart, the hatred you have to some in your life, the love you have for others. He knows your thoughts before they form in your head. If you lean into Him and devote yourself to the Lord, the weight that drags you down will be lifted.

My mantra this month has been:

"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer."  Psalm 19:4

Whenever I begin to fall into a negative pattern I recite this mantra. I cannot hide from Him in anyway. I want to please Him because it is only through Him I find my peace and rest in His grace.

Words of my Heart, Laurie
A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Selfish Ambition vs Humility and Care, Words of my heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”   Philippians 2:3-4

Growing up under the guidance of my parents this was a constant. It was not easily learned as a youngster and even harder as I left for college, but with each passing year and my fathers words in my heart, I slowly realized the journey in life it what you do give to others in positive ways. Life is not an 'I' situation... life is more 'you', how can it be better for you.

Teachings that began over 2000 years ago, still a major part of the foundation of life.  Thank you Mom and Dad.

Words of my Heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Trusting the Journey, Words of my Heart, Texas Artist Laurie Pace

"The LORD your God has blessed you in all the work of your hands. He has watched over your journey through this vast wilderness. These forty years the LORD your God has been with you, and you have not lacked anything.”

Deuteronomy 2:7

A journey ahead.

Where are you bound?  

Only the Father knows and you must trust to take the journey He has ahead for you.  Can you climb into the boat not knowing the destination? Can you take off in these calm waters knowing they may turn rough ahead?

He will provide. You will lack for nothing.

Words of my Heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Happy Birthday to my oldest son...Justin. 

Blessings on the journey ahead.

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

"He had a dream in which he saw a stairway resting on the earth, with its top reaching to heaven, and the angels of God were ascending and 

descending on it."

Genesis 28:12

When we were young we had our lives before us. Years stretched endlessly full of potential and filled with our dreams and goals.  We felt invincible and took everything in stride without fear. Our dreams kept us moving forward.

I was blessed to do so much and see so much as a young woman.

Not sure what happens in our older days. The years are numbered and the vulnerability of what is ahead can sometimes appear daunting.

I came to a realization yesterday that this day is the only one that counts. What was is past and what will be is not mine to control. 

I am blessed in this age just as much as I was when I was young.

I can still reach out to 'catch' the bubbles floating over my head... and dream of what may but stay the course with God and truly know in my heart that He knows what is best for this day and for tomorrow. 

Words of my Heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Hay Baling, Words of my Heart, Texas Artist Laurie Pace

    Photo from FreeFoto.com  Hay Bales by Ian Britton

When the hay is removed and new growth appears

    and the grass from the hills is gathered in,

the lambs will provide you with clothing,

    and the goats with the price of a field.

Proverbs 27:25-26

New growth... even possible in the fall and the winter. Fall Gardens, fall winter rye grass.  Growth continues every single second with every breath of God. Are you open and ready to grow this fall?  Prepare your heart by removing the old and allowing the new to appear and strengthen. Find the gifts He has provided. Get rid of the things that hold you back and bog you down. Those are not just earthly things but emotional things as well.

Words of my Heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Nourishing and nurturing, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

"Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me and will watch over me on this journey I am taking and will give me food to eat and clothes to wear so that I return safely to my father’s household, then the Lord will be my God."

Genesis 28:19-21

Seems like the last two watermelons Terry has cut up for us to eat have been exceptionally sweet.  Every evening we sit nestled on the couch with a bowl of cut of watermelon between us and  a salt shaker on the table.  We do not use salt in our house very much, but watermelon is a must as it seems to make it even sweeter.  It is amazing how God has in His plan just the right fruits and vegetables we need year round. Cold watermelon filled with 'water' to nourish the body on these late Indian summer evenings.   

His plans always include our food and clothing and needs when we believe and rely on Him without question.  He will nurture and nourish us to be the best we can be at just the right time.

Words of my heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Sharing your food...Words of my heart, A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Is it not to share your food with the hungry

    and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—

when you see the naked, to clothe them,

    and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?

Isaiah 58:7

He wants us to share so much more in our lives. What have you given to those that are hungry, without clothes... or to your extended family that needs things?  

He does not want us to enable people; He does want us to provide for others from our heart giving of what we have and sharing the gifts and the bounty.

Patch Work Lives, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

“Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” Isaiah 46:4

Our lives are a patchwork of our experiences.  What squares are woven into your life?  No matter what is there... you have more 'squares' to add and with each and every one the Father is part of the fabric of your life.

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

Orchid in Bloom, God is at work, Words of my heart, Texas Artist Laurie Pace

     © G. O. D.  Laurie Justus Pace                                                          Graphics One Design 1998-2012



“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, 

neither are your ways my ways,” 

declares the Lord. 

“As the heavens are higher than the earth, 

so are my ways higher than your ways 

and my thoughts than your thoughts. " Isaiah 55:8-9

A second type of flower I grew up around was an orchid.  Admittedly I am not prepared to parent an orchid, but Mom gave me one at Easter and it is still blooming six months later.  My thoughts originally were more like, "I cannot do this, I will kill it!"  but it seems my Mother knew best and had more faith in me than I did. 

I am still confused at what to do with the stalk and will have to read up on things. This little one seems to love the window it lives in. This is the latest bloom. When it arrived there was a cluster of three flowers and they stayed almost three months. As they began to die off, this new bloom was born.  

Mom has provided the orchid in some special type container that basically keeps me from overwatering it I think.  Every morning when I arrive in the kitchen from the night, I take the left over water in my glass and water my orchid and my violets. 

His ways are indeed higher than our ways. His thoughts are far from our thoughts... our thoughts are buried in the life we struggle to live keeping up with extras we bring into our lives. God is never at the front of those thoughts.

I feel blessed to know my Father is on the job... and I remind myself daily of the many blessings and things I have to be thankful for.

Words of my Heart, Laurie
A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Mr and Mrs Honey Bunny, Nicknames of the heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

© G.O.D. Laurie Justus Pace                                          Graphics One Design 1998-2012

The man said, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman,’ for she was taken out of man.”  Genesis 2:23

Nicknames seem to be bestowed on us at any early age. My earliest recollection was the name Laurie Boo given to me by my Aunt Marie.  Sometimes it was shortened to just 'Boo'.  Not entirely sure why this was given to me, but I was honored to have it nonetheless.   Here almost sixty years later, my granddaughter is sometimes referred to as 'Boo' by her own mother. She was not really aware of my early life nickname but it tickled me pink (Lady L favorite color) to her her called Boo.  

My Dad used to say call me what you want but make sure you call me for dinner.  I can smile just hearing that from years past.   Our earthly fathers are given many nicknames... Dad, Daddy, Father, Papa, Pop, ... and I am sure he had many nicknames for me that I might not have known!  

Terry calls me the 'honorable mrs honey bunny' and I call him mr honey bunny of course. We have other nicknames too but this one has stuck to the point I have picked up a few reminders.

God knows who we are. He needs no reminders. 

He needs no nick names or names. I am His daughter. 

He is my Heavenly Father.  

Brought from home... Thoughts from my Heart, Texas Artist Laurie Pace

     © G.O.D. Laurie Justus Pace                                                            Graphics One Design 1998-2012

“What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.”  2 Timothy 1: 13-14

I grew up with violets grown by my mother. I can never even remember a time in my life that violets were not in my home.   So much of what was part of home growing up filtered its way into my own home including the faith and love of Christ Jesus and the teachings from the Bible.   

What is part of your life that you brought from home?

Words of my Heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist, Laurie Pace

100,100,100,100,100 and counting WHEN? Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

"But let endurance and steadfastness and patience have full play and do a thorough work, so that you may be perfectly and fully developed, lacking in nothing."  James 1:4


Somehow it was forgotten that we are in September. Still fighting this battle in my brain,  I remain amazed at the forecast for the week. This is more days of 100 than we saw in August for sure.  Seems like a bad joke or a bad dream as we wait to wake to a morning temperature in the sixties. 

In His time and in His plan it all remains. The control we seem to think we have over our lives simply does not exist. We have learned with our current lifestyles that we can want and need it now and expect it to be there.  When it does not happen the thought of "Why God? When?" 

Time to remember to trust God instead of focusing on ourselves. Do you feel tired and worn out? Does your body ache and your mind race at night when you finally climb into bed to try and sleep?  Sounds like you are missing out on the 'peace' He offers.  By not trusting God your worried mind wears you out.
If you actually knew what was ahead would it truly be easier? 

How much of your life is spent being impatient, frustrated and maybe even disappointed because you just did not know what to do or what was to happen? Personally I dislike this lesson. I have not totally grasp it as of late the worry has seeped into my existence. Worry of tomorrow and what is ahead and how we should prepare and what we should do.

He wants me and you to leave things alone. Realize with me that we do NOT need to know everything. Terry reminds me that worry is a sin and I am definitely guilty. Part of that 'mother' thing. 

You can prove that you trust God when you can set aside the 'worry' from your life. That brings to mind the need to have patience and allow God to reveal things as you need to know them. Keep is simple, keep your eyes on the Lord and your heart and life in His hands.

Words of my heart, Laurie
A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Butterflies are free... Words of my Heart, Texas Artist Laurie Pace

     © G.O.D.  Laurie Justus Pace                                                  Graphics One Design

Yesterday felt all day like it should have been September first.  Today is September first. The forecast is for 100 degree weather coming up over this holiday weekend into next week.  Where is fall? Indian Summer is here before summer even began to fade.  We did not see 100 degrees in August hardly at all, so God, what is with this sudden heat wave?

A librarian wrote me from a high school in Roanoke, Virginia inquiring about one of my books.  They were dedicating a special book to the library in memory of a small life that God only graced the world with for two days.  I was so honored to have my work chosen for this commemorative book dedication.  Tears came with the thoughts. Memories of my grandson Grant that we lost five years ago at age eleven.  Additional tears for his other grandmother that we lost a year ago suddenly without warning. Tears for my father-in-law and his passing two years ago this September and the fresh rawness of missing my own father who passed away in January of this year. 

It does not seem to matter how long a life has been here with us, the simple part of conception begins the process and immediately lives and families are affected. At birth the joy of seeing a new baby is woven into the fabric of the community.  The longer the life, the greater the joy spreads over the years. When it is a short life, it leaves you wondering in the years to come, what if... what would they be... how would they look? We seem to forever see them as they were.  They have been set free with Him.

Everything has a ripple effect on our lives throughout the years. No matter how small the touch... it was made.


“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. Today, if only you would hear his voice,” Psalm 95:6-7

Words from my heart, Laurie
A Texas Artist Laurie Pace