Jumping Conclusions, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”  Romans 12:1

It is so easy to jump to conclusions in life when things are happening that often create that instinct to react and control things. Most of the time we take the negative path in thinking which clouds up our mind and we cannot really see the answer we are seeking.  We create what we think should be. 

Why is it easier to think of the worse outcome than it is to expect the best?  Bless those 'happenings in your life' instead of being negative and giving up. Don't overwork the problem.

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

Grass Withers and Flowers Fall, Words of my Heart, A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

“For, “All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord endures forever.” And this is the word that was preached to you.” 

1 Peter 1:24-25

Oliver Wendell Holmes said, "The mode in which the inevitable comes to pass is through effort."  God's pure love for us puts Him in our lives every moment. His orchestration of the universe and our lives is no different that the seasons with the grass and flowers.  He does not leave us at anytime day or night,  and He loves us enough to give us free will so that we may become stronger through our mistakes and our growing wisdom.

Words of my Heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist, Laurie Pace

The Salt and Pepper of Life, Words of my heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

You make 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

Fall is creeping in and the leaves are turning... the golds and reds are salting and peppering across the piney greens.  It is a glorious time to walk and enjoy God's beauty surrounding us.  We have much to celebrate and give thanks for.

Words of my Heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist, Laurie Pace

Strength in Numbers Praying, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Yet give attention to your servant’s prayer and his plea for mercy, LORD my God. Hear the cry and the prayer that your servant is 

praying in your presence this day.

1 Kings 8:28

Strength and power in numbers... strength in gathering together to pray and the laying on of hands for those in need.  The power of belief and treasure of church family and friends binding the need and bringing it to God for healing and mercy. 

Great Aunt Jo taught us to list our prayer requests and then pray ceaselessly for however long it takes. When a prayer request is answered, we date it next to the request.  God works 24/7 and it shows in our prayer request book.

Words of my heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist, Laurie Pace

How do we turn so corrupt? Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

I had planted you like a choice vine of sound and reliable stock. How then did you turn against me into a corrupt, wild vine?

Jeremiah 2:21

Life tends to weather us all as we journey through making each day. Some 'weathering' is self inflicted and others are the result of those around us we allow in our lives.  The beat down we often experience is not part of God's plan for us, but it seems to be where we force ourselves to be.

He wants each of us to be sound and safe and connected to Him, to ourselves and to our family and friends.  How did we ever get to be so badly beaten and abused in our lifetime where we turn from Him in shame, and continue our self destructing ways?

Words of my heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist, Laurie Pace

Bring it all to the Table... the altar, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Then to the place the LORD your God will choose as a dwelling for his Name—there you are to bring everything I command you: your burnt offerings and sacrifices, your tithes and special gifts, and all the choice possessions 

you have vowed to the LORD.

Deuteronomy 12:7

Are you living your life bringing it all before Him?  Your tithes, your gifts, your serving... all the choice possession you have because of Him?

For this artist that is paint paint paint, and some more paint, then some canvas and a palette knife.  Every painting that comes from my heart is begun with a prayer to release all my worries before working and to allow His spirit to work through me on this composition. If I do not clear my mind, too much 'stuff' gets in the way before I can create. 

How can we live with so much stuff in our way?

Are you giving as you need to be giving to live the way you need to be living?

Words of my heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist, Laurie Pace

Separated Light from Darkness, Shared Thoughts from my Heart, Texas Artist Laurie Pace

God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness.

Genesis 1:4

A good friend sent me a writing from one of her favorite sites and it created a lengthy discussion between Terry and I. Reflecting on the principles in art and composition light requires an opposite to make it appear strong in the composition. Perhaps that is true in life for each of us. The shadows of our lives plays an important part in the effects of the lights in our lives. One cannot exist without the other.

"At first glance, a shadow appears to be something that conceals light. However, according to the teachings of Torah, everything G‑d created was for His glory. This must apply to the shadow equally as to the light. Indeed, properly executed and skillfully placed, a shadow can actually enhance and highlight the effects of the light . . . From this, we can derive an important lesson whenever we encounter dark times . . . we should use the negative in a positive way, so that every spiritual “shadow” should come to be recognized as a “setting” that connects us to our Creator."

Shared thoughts from my heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist, Laurie Pace

Taking refuge in Pink, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

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

Well, Lady L's mother allowed her to take life a step further. 

Pink brings this child such joy.  Wisely her parents allow her the freedom of one wall of her color choice in her room.  Surrounding herself with something joyful means she  gives back 100 fold with her laughter and her love as she is influenced by the pink in her room.

What fills your life and your home? Is your house cluttered with 'stuff' piling up?  Are there broken things that need to be mended that you have been trying to get around to for the past few years?  

Nothing feels better than clean sheets on the bed. Nothing smells better than almond oil on the furniture in the house. Nothing is calmer than a room swept and things neatly put away. Work is behind you and giving thanks and being joyful is so much easier. 

Do not just open the window for fresh air in your life, but open your life to God's fresh grace... everything in life will begin to balance out. Surround yourself with Him and joyfulness will fill your life.

Words of my heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist, Laurie Pace

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

“A person finds joy in giving an apt reply— and how good is a timely word!”

Proverbs 15:23

She is all girl. Lady L's favorite color is pink, can you tell?  Her mother phoned yesterday and said Lady L did not want to wear jeans to school, she wanted to wear a 'beautiful dress'.   We all tend to dress in a certain style and speak in a certain way that is unique to us. What influences that?

Lady L chooses to be joyful from the inside out and let the beauty of her spirit come through.  What are you wearing today? Is it just comfy clothes, or did you dress with 'spirit'?  How can you adjust your attitude this day to give 'joy' with your actions and words?

Words of my heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist, Laurie Pace

Who goes ahead of you? Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Who went ahead of you on your journey, in fire by night and in a cloud by day, to search out places for you to camp and to show you the way you should go.

Deuteronomy 1:33

He has the plans for all of us. He knows what we think before the thought forms in our head. He knows what simple needs we have and what completed desires and wants that crowd our minds and lives.

He will show you where to go.

He will provide for you on the way.

Words of my heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist, Laurie Pace

Great Grandfather's wedding, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.

Psalm 143:8

I think from the date on the picture this is my great grandfather August Wilhelms at his wedding in Illinois across the river from St Louis in 1900. They had two daughters, Lorena and Hilda. Lorena was my grandmother on my Dad's side.  I started putting together an album or photo book of wedding pictures from our family.  I was surprised when I found this in an envelope from my father's only living sibling, my Aunt Ruth in Florida.   

I hope future days allows me to trace some of my ancestors back as my second major in college was history. August Wilhelms in the photo above bears a strong resemblance to  my brother Kirk and my sons, Justin and Morgan. That is what I love seeing, the connection between the generations and the families.

Words of my heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

The LIfe of a Dog, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

“Yes it is, Lord,” she said. “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.”  Matthew 15:27

This is Lilly. She is our grand-dog with the prettiest eyes.  Her immediate family is expecting a new baby boy early next year and Lilly's life will change as her family grows bigger with more love.  All part of that change and transition that appears in our lives.

Lilly lives her life day by day knowing Justin and Tara will provide for her every need. She has no thoughts to changes in life, or even to danger until it rares it head and alerts her. To live your life with such relaxed contentment would be pure grace.  

He provides that grace, but we seem to bury ourselves into busyness. 

Words of my heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Journey, New Growth, 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

Genesis 28:20

When I chose this image I was thinking of spent blooms dying off and new blooms popping out. Some are just tiny and others beginning to open.

Lord, I am ready to bloom again, to use the gifts you have blessed me with to give to others along the journey. You provide for me all I need and even some of what I want.  It is mine now to give back to those the 

same grace you give to me.

Words of my heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Opposites, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

He made the moon to mark the seasons,
    and the sun knows when to go down. Psalms 104:19

As the days of fall bring cooler temperatures, we know we will see the end to the blooming of our Texas Lantana bushes. Their appearance in early spring brings life back to our yard and the colors stay only until the first freeze.

Predictions say our freeze will be early this year. We came close the first week of October, but usually it is by mid November.

What awesome colors the beauty of contrasting hues from the color wheel. Like fire and ice, night and day, summer and winter, red and green. Opposites.

Words of my Heart, Laurie
A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Decisions, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

The lot is cast into the lap,

    but its every decision is from the Lord.

Proverbs 16:33

There are these times in life that we can not stay in one place forever. 

Artist Dr. Mary Jo Zorad  wrote me once that life is constant change and transition. Often we see ourselves here and we have to make a decision on direction.  Every decision is from the Lord. He will be there with you through the transitions and the change bringing you to the place you belong.

Words of my Heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Conforming to change, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”  Romans 12:2

I am not sure that I have tons of people that keep up with our life.  This fall has brought its challenges to each of us and weighed us with decisions  that affect others with a domino type result.  But when I think of dominoes I think of falling down... not getting up and I pray that our decisions will create the effect of getting up and finding change that calls to new ideas and new ways to serve Him.

These cone flowers were taken at Ann's house last year in the fall. I have painted my fair share of cone flowers in the paste. I feel my days of painting growing less as I want to spend more time with family and living life. I almost feel like painting has consumed so much of my life the past ten years that I am ready to embrace a change. I want to travel more and see more. I want to use my camera and then come home and paint when I am ready to paint.

Be ready in life to 'rise' to the change and know it is inevitable. Finding contentment with the challenges and changes creating transitions is often hard, but if God is in your heart and life, He remains your constant, your contentment and your peace.

Words of my heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

The Work of their Hands, Sharing of my heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

No longer will they build houses and others live in them, or plant and others eat. For as the days of a tree, so will be the days of my people; my chosen ones will long enjoy the work of their hands.  Isaiah 65:2

Sharing of my heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Captivating things in life, Words of my Heart, By Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Do not lust in your heart after her beauty or let her captivate you with her eyes.
Proverbs 6:25

With the internet and all the multi media happenings we are bombarded with not only up to date news and happenings, but with STUFF.  
Seems like the more we see that others have, or things advertised, it tempts us to desire it, to want it in our lives.  It is never a need that captivates us, it is only the wants or desires for the things we think we need.

This little guy is a 'beauty' that lives under our deck and the Lord provides for all of his needs. We have insects and bugs for him to feast on 24/7 and he is not captivated by objects and people luring him into wanting things.

How do we live more simply?

Words of my heart, Laurie
A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

The Animals will teach you, Words of my Heart, Texas Artist Laurie Pace

"But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds of the air, and they will tell you;  Job 12:7

From Job... and I love the reference I found that rephrased it for simple reading. If you have followed the story of Job, God and Satan are playing a game of chess with Job's life.  God believes Job will stay the course of faith and Satan believes he can bring calamity into Job's life and cause Job to curse God and turn away.  Job's friends come to comfort him after he has lost his home, his children, his family, and all of his belongings. You know how it is when your friends jump in with their advice to guide you. It is always not the best advice.

From Clark's Commentary:

"Why tell ye me that the Almighty hath brought this calamity upon me? Every thing in nature, the beasts of the field, the fowls of the heaven, every inhabitant of earth and sea, and every thing that befalls them, are the work of his hands; and every thing feels and acknowledges him to be the universal Creator and Controller. It is the common doctrine of all nature; but to apply it as ye would apply it to me, and to assert that I am suffering from being guilty of hypocrisy, is equally impertinent. He ordains every thing in wisdom as well as in power; but why events happen as they happen, why good and evil are promiscuously scattered throughout nature or human life, ye are as ignorant of as myself."

Thoughts of my heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Trusting in the Lord, Words of my Heart, Texas Artist Laurie Pace

“Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD himself, is the Rock eternal.”  Isaiah 26:4

Cooler weather is here for two days... and then back to the normal Texas late fall heat. Meanwhile I am going to be outside enjoying it! 

I know the deer running across the dam this morning are definitely relying on Him for every need without the worried thoughts or stress. 

May you believe with this simplicity that He will provide.

Blessings to you, Laurie

A Texas Artist, Laurie Pace

The Master Gardener, Words of my Heart, by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

“This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,"  Matthew 6:9

I have written often about using the word ACTS to pray by.  Adoration, Confessions, Thanksgiving and Supplication.  Stormie Omartian shares in her book "The Power of a Praying Woman" on page 32, thirty good names to call your God.  Her list is in my heart when I pray and depending on the time and place I call to Him often as Healer, Redeemer, Everlasting Father, Mediator and many others.  (Only the Creator, Master Gardener could grow a tree this size. It was dead for two years before we took it down this spring. )

1. Healer (Psalm 103:3)

2. Redeemer (Isaiah 59:20)

3. Deliverer (Psalm 70:5)

4. My Stronghold (Psalm 43:2)

5. Refuge (Joel 3:16)

6. Friend (John 15:15)

7. The Righteous One (I John 2:1)

8. Restorer (Psalm 23:3)

9. Everlasting Father (Isaiah 9:6)

10. Love (I John 4:16)

11. Mediator (I Timothy 2:5-6)

12. Good (Nahum 1:7)

13. Bread of Life (John 6:35)

14. Hiding Place (Psalm 32:7)

15. Everlasting Light (Isaiah 60:20)

16. Strong Tower (Proverbs 18:10)

17. Resting Place (Jeremiah 50:6)

18. Spirit of Truth (John 16:13)

19. Shelter from the Storm (Isaiah 25:4)

20. Eternal Life (I John 5:20)

21. The Lord Who Provides (Gen. 22:14)

22. Lord of Peace (2 Thess. 3:16)

23. Living Water (John 4:10)

24. My Shield (Psalm 144:2)

25. Husband (Isaiah 54:5)

26. Helper (Hebrews 13:6)

27. Wonderful Counselor (Isaiah 9:6)

28. The Lord Who Heals (Exodus 15:26)

29. Hope (Psalm 71:5)

30. God Who Gives Endurance (Romans 15:5)

Sharing my thoughts and the Words of Stormie Omartian, Laurie

A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Just a Closer Walk with Thee, Words of my heart, Texas Artist Laurie Pace

“[Praise to God for a Living Hope] Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,”

1 Peter 1:3

Focus on Him. Focus on the light. 

"Lord, draw me into a closer walk with you." 

Everything we chase in our lives usually leaves us worn out or distant from true joy.  Distress seems to be a biproduct of our race. Discontentment deepens as we strive for more and want to accumulate more.  From that may evolve hopelessness and dispair. 

Is that where you want to be?

You do not even have to 'chase' after God.  He is right there ready for you to join Him for not only this lifetime but in heaven hereafter. Choosing Him will bring comfort in times of sorrow and illness. It will provide light and grace in times of darkness and need.  He will continue to fill you with more of His love as your relationship deepens and you will find all your needs meet as well as the true desires of the heart. 

Words of my Heart, Laurie
A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Safety in Him, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

“Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD 

is kept safe.”  Proverbs 29:25

When I was out in the backyard snapping images of beautiful orange butterflies on my orange and red lantana, I was afraid of startling them and missing any shots of their journey.

My fear was unnecessary as I kept a steady distance moving slowly and the click of the camera did not seem to phase them. I did not want anything from them, I only wanted to share the beauty I saw before me.

So true in our lives....God does not set out to 'snare' us or entrap us, but our fellowman often has other ideas. Trusting in God to provide the path and provide what you need overpowers the plans of the people in your life. While man plans, God provides all we need. 

Our trust should be in Him alone. 

Words of my Heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

When People Insult You, Words of my heart, Texas Artist Laurie Pace

““Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”  Matthew 5:22-12

My Father always spoke about integrity. 

My Mother always spoke of loving and finding 

good in everyone you meet in life.  

Combining all the many teachings together, I have learned the simplicity of "Sticks and Stones may break my bones but words will never harm me."    

Dad said 'Always take the higher ground' and do not lower yourself to the level of response that is not respectful or in love or part of how God would want you to respond.  Often we are faced with constant digs by friends or family that find fault with everything you do or say.  The fault does not lie in you. Somewhere deep inside of them rages something you cannot see. It pushes them to want to see others hurt like they hurt.  The hard part is letting it go and forgiving. Then placing their hurtful words at the foot of the cross, finding that good you know is inside of them as a child of God, and praying for them in love, blessing them with God's grace that they may find comfort and joy where they are.  

Stand with God and rejoice in His faithfulness for each of us.

Words of my Heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

The Day of Christ by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,” Philippians 1:9-10

As I reread this verse several times yesterday reflecting on the weight of each word and each phrase I settled on "Be pure and blameless for the day of Christ."

My first leaning was to talk about that of 'depth of insight', but in reality I think most of us realize the meaning behind 'insight' with God and His far reaching knowledge that supersedes anything we could begin to dwell on.  So coming back to 'Your love' being 'pure and blameless for the day of Christ'... I began my search to see exactly what was the 'day of Christ' that Paul was referring to.

With searching I found there is a difference between the Day of Christ and the Day of the Lord. Read more here.

This chart is from the article that is linked above

Day of Christ	Day of the Lord
Is for believers (Body of Christ)	Is for rejectors of Christ
Is a day of blessing and reward	Is a day of judgment
Is a heavenly hope	Is earthly despair
Is eagerly anticipated	Is feared and dreaded

The entire blog article is pretty good and deserves a few moments to read and consider the difference from the writings.

But my greatest joy in my reading research came from the blog on DesiringGod.org  with this blog writing by John Piper

"God's faithfulness is experienced in his continually awakening in us the grace to keep believing. He keeps us.  And he does it by giving us the passion to treasure him and pursue holiness." John Piper

To have the simple faith not to worry about each thing that crushes our minds and keeps us spun into tight webs is hard.  Giving it up God is hard. But He is ever faithful you and I will get there as we grow in our faith and our ability to let it all go and rest in Him.   If you were able to let it all go, would your day not be blessed and rewarded with rest and peace?  Would you not eagerly anticipate each day without the pressure and the worry?  If you are a believer, there is a 'heavenly hope' that you will one day release it all to Him to be pure and blameless on the day of Christ.  John Piper believes surrounding yourself with other believers will not only encourage you, but will allow them to pray for you as you embrace your journey in faith. 

Words of my heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist Laurie Pace