The Narrow Road, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.  

Matthew 7:13-14

It is evident there is a message coming loudly this week. I pray before each blog that I do for guidance on the verse and the subject and my response and words.

Staying with the 'toos' in life and the busy bees...this certainly brings it back as a subject again this morning.  If you are on the broad road in life you are living broadly... participating in life broadly, eating broadly, involving yourself broadly in multiple areas of work, enjoyment and pleasure. You find it easy to explain things and rationalize things so you can continue in your lifestyle.

To be on the narrow road, is to keep your eyes on HIM.  There is only one way to God. It is not a broad path or wide road getting there... it is a narrow one that keeps you and I on the straight and narrow. The narrow road calls for self denial, strict obedience and watchfulness of the spirit. That broad road allows you to lumber along with all your baggage, and the narrow road wants you to leave it all behind.  

Keep your eyes on the Father.  

Navigation is necessary on this narrow road to avoid the twists and turns and dips. If you chose to be on the broad road it is easy going and there would be much company for you traveling on the same road.  The narrow road is less traveled but it is chosen because of the destination at the end of the road.  Where does the broad road lead to?

Words of my heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist Laurie Pace.

Busy Bees Words of my heart, Texas Artist Laurie Pace

 (Bee on Passion Flower)

At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. Titus 3:3

Was surprised to find this verse after writing about the 'toos' yesterday that seem to take over our lives.  This is the verse you read with peace knowing you gave it all up... the foolishness, the pleasures and the passions.  Before that you were a 'busy bee'.

This small bee knows what is needed for him to do his job. He certainly is not taking a swim in the pond or buzzing the dog to annoy him.  God wants us to live simply and to embrace a life of peace and love. What changes do we all need to make in the new year?

Words of my heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist, Laurie Pace

Too Many Toos... Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

The fruit of that righteousness will be peace; its effect will be quietness and confidence forever. Isaiah 32:17

Making do with what we have in our kitchen is always a challenge. This was a homemade apple pie in a healthy recipe without fats, diary or extra sugar. 

The way we live in America is quite the opposite. Instant gratification along with food loaded with fat and sugar is the norm. In our home we have chosen to change our diet and change what is in the cabinets and the refrigerator.  So when I choose a new recipe, I often have to adapt to what we have.

Life was simpler back 100 years ago.  Closets were non-existant or they were about the size of a small coat closet in the average size home today. When is too much too much?  Too much food, too many clothes, too many new cars, new homes, instantly new games and movies?  Can we slow things down to and at least try to reflect on the peacefulness (and quiet) that would invade our lives if we gave up so much of the "too's"?

Words of my Heart, Laurie 

A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Falling Leaves of Winter... Words of my heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

Colossians 3:17

We spent most of the weekend raking leaves.  We have over fifty trees on our lot and when you spend two days raking and when you get up on the third day you discover you have to start all over again.

I imagine God feels that way with each of us. How many times do we have to visit some situation before we finally get it?  I do not believe the leaves will stop falling until early Spring, but I do believe the Father has the patience to wait us out while we start over again each day trying to figure it out.

Words of my Heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Getting GLAD, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

But the Egyptians are mere mortals and not God; their horses are flesh and not spirit. When the LORD stretches out his hand, those who help will stumble, those who are helped will fall; all will perish together. Isaiah 31:3

Somewhere in all the psychology courses I took in college for teaching I learned that no one can truly hurt us but ourselves. I am of course referring to the verbal actions not physical actions. 

Our every day experiences occur and how we react to things affects how things appear to us internally. At any time we have the power inside of us to change how things are 'affecting' us.  

Hurt feelings rob us of joy; we can chose not to react or be hurt. My FIL Ben always said, "You can get GLAD just like you got SAD." 

Words of my Heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

The Grass Withers... Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

“All people are like grass and all their faithfulness is like the flowers of the field.  The grass withers and the flowers fall,  because the breath of the Lord blows on them.   Surely the people are grass.  The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.” Isaiah 40:6-8

Terry often says we are only caretakers of what we have in life. We really truly never own anything for eternity... it is only for our short lifetime.  

We all are guilty of collecting possessions. We seem to have the mentality of who has the most wins at the end.  No one wins.  Possession bring responsibilities and with responsibilities comes 'tired and weary' as you continue to make more money to buy more 'possessions'. 

Life is not about our possessions. Life is not about the physical here on earth. Life is about the giving... and to find the path to harmony and peace with the blessings of inner joy, you must find your way back to Him.  (Cleaning out 60 years of living from my FIL's house several years ago was an awakening. We truly do not need everything we have and most of what we buy.)

I challenge you this holiday season to do something unexpected for someone you do not even know. Have you ever left a large tip to an over worked waiter or waitress? Or quietly picked up someone's tab you do not even know but you could tell it would benefit them either by the surprise or the need?  If there is a family in need with this recession, think about groceries, toys for the kids and box somethings up and mail them without a return label.   Take extra groceries to a nearby food bank, or drop new toys off to a charity.  In your piles of possessions could you part with one of your most favorite passing it onto someone else?  

It is so much more fun when you let God take the full credit.  Talk about inner joy, it will make you giggle.

Words of my Heart, Laurie
A Texas Artist Laurie Pace 

Flowing Waters, Words of my Heart by 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," 1 Peter 1:24

I have been reading a book about life and retirement. One of my favorite parts is where the author is comparing life to a stream of water flowing down to the ocean. The water will continue its trek even if you try to divert it or build a dam, eventually it will flow around or over and seek its preset destination.

Life is pretty much the same way.  When you begin to think about worst possible outcomes you are disrupting the flow of what God has planned for you. As hard as it seems we need to bless the situations we are in and not think the negative thoughts that come so quickly in reaction to things. 

Keep your mind clear of negativity and the answer will come because God will provide them.

Words of my Heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist, Laurie Pace

Loosing control? Words of my heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

“Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.”  Psalm 119:18

Nothing better than watching the sun rise or the sun set.  In the mornings you are waking and greeting a new day and in the evenings you are putting that day to rest behind you.

We have no control over the sunrise or sunset.  In life we truly have no control over any situation.   We only have the ability to control our interior being... our thoughts and emotions which affect our actions and reactions.

May this weekend be a blessing to you. Stop and watch that sunset and remember to share time with God.  Thanks Him for your blessings and even thank Him for your challenges and all the situations that seem to weight you down.  Try a new perspective the next day of 'accepting' what is and giving thanks for it.

Words of my heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist, Laurie Pace

Speak through your Heart, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

In that day, in every place where there were a thousand vines worth a thousand silver shekels, there will be only briers and thorns. Isaiah 7:23

Have you ever been so determined to be truthful as you confront or speak to friends that you are brutally honest?  This ties into yesterday when you are looking into things do not always trust what you see, but trust your heart and what you feel.

This is ever so true when you are so brutally honest that you destroy a relationship instead of using your empathy and heart to choose gentle words to get your message across.

With the coming together of families this Thanksgiving, remember to see and speak with your heart.

Words of my heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Looking through your heart, Words of my heart, A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

“For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit.”

1 Peter 3:18

This is looking own our driveway to the street.  Some of the slower trees are just beginning to change with the cold weather the last few weeks. I am surprised this looked as green as it does as they are really rather bright yellow.

Things are often not as they may appear in life.  You may see things with your eyes, but are you looking with your heart?  

In my lifetime I have noted there are some people with the gift of feeling what others feel almost like a kinesthetic soul.  Many of us are capable of 'empathy' but often are still led more by appearances of a situation over the 'heart' of the matter.    

Are you looking at life with God through your heart?  Are you alive in the Spirit?

Words of my heart, Laurie
A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Escaping to Spring Forward, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

“Where have you come from?” David asked him. He answered, “I have escaped from the Israelite camp.” 2 Samuel 1:3

Is there something you are avoiding in life or even running from?  We all have something that keeps us looking back or we try hard to move further from it to leave it behind.

Funny thing is we really do not have to do any of that' escaping'.  Handing it over to God is a total release from the past. Asking for forgiveness and moving on to LET IT GO is the only way to spring forward. 

Do not let the past hold you captive.

Words of my heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Walk along the shore, Words of my heart, Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, like a bird from the snare of the fowler.  Proverbs 6:5

There is nothing like a walk along the shoreline at the lake and visiting our white ducks. We hear them jabbering every day and watch them from the dam, but walking on the waters edge makes it clear they are trusting.

How close do you walk with God? How trusting are you to relax in His presence and share your needs and concerns?

Words of my Heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Gifting of love, Words of my Heart, Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, 5 to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.  Titus 2:4-5

This time of year we are deep into making special things for presents for those we love.  My scissors have been with me for 35 years through many sewing projects... not as long as God has been with me, but they are a definite part of my life.  So is the yellow tape measure has seen its years as well.... but from these old 'friends' many presents of love have been made. 

God continues to fill our lives with many presents of His love.

Words of my heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Attitude Adjustments, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

“He is not a mere mortal like me that I might answer him that we might confront each other in court. If only there were someone to mediate between us, someone to bring us together, someone to remove God’s rod from me, so that his terror would frighten me no more.  Job 9:32-34

Sometimes in every marriage there are bumpy roads and words said that can hurt. My mom and dad always told us when we got married never go to bed not speaking.  When teaching I always called it the Attitude Adjustment. I had a sunhat decorated by my students and if someone was having a bad day... they were given the 'attitude adjustment hat'.  With little colorful furry balls handing and swirling around you there was NO way you could not giggle and smile.

Our 'time out' or 'attitude adjustment' place is the family swing (weather permitting) where we can sit in silence or just hold hands, or even speak our heart without worry of retaliation and more hurt. When we speak on the swing... the other person is committed to listen and not respond for at least five minutes.  

We all need to take a 'time out' for an 'attitude adjustment' in life.  Drop all of the complaints and pity parties and look for the good that surrounds you.

Words of my heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Lapis Blue Skies the doorway to heaven, Words of my Heart, Texas Artist Laurie Pace

 Moses and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and the seventy elders of Israel went up and saw the God of Israel. Under his feet was something like a pavement made of lapis lazuli, as bright blue as the sky. But God did not raise his hand against these leaders of the Israelites; they saw God, and they ate and drank. Exodus 24: 9-11

The best part of fall and winter is the intense blue of the sky after a cold front moves through. This is the sky this morning... and the few leaves left on my maple after the storms last weekend.  When I gaze up to the 'lapis' blue sky I feel I am at God's door and nothing stands between us... 

The intensity of color and clarity make it totally clear to this artists that this is the door to heaven. No color in any tube can match this beauty.

Words of my heart, Laurie 

A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Enlightening Pinecones, Thoughts from my heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

The light of the body is the eye: if therefore your eye be single, your whole body shall be full of light.   --Matthew 6:22

"Throughout the span of recorded human history, Pinecones have served as a symbolic representation of Human Enlightenment, the Third Eye and the Pineal Gland.  Our “Pine”al Gland, shaped like (and named after) the Pinecone, is at the geometric center of our brain and is intimately linked to our body's perception of light. The Pineal modulates our wake-sleep patterns and circadian rhythms, remains uniquely isolated from the blood-brain barrier system, and receives a higher percentage of blood flow than any other area of the body save the kidneys.

It is considered by many to be our biological Third Eye, the "Seat of the Soul," the “Epicenter of Enlightenment” -- and its sacred symbol throughout history, in cultures around the world, has been the Pinecone." From Cones and Stones

I was reading about Pinecones before I started this blog and there are several biblical references to the Pinecone through the green pine tree in the bible.  This particular site also mentioned the placement of the Pinecone in Egyptian history as well as with the  Masonic Lodges and the Masons.

The site is worth visiting just for the information and as an artist I absolutely was drawn to a better understanding of the history of the pinecone in art.


This final verse from Hosea, seems to more directly address the connection between spirituality and the Pinecone/Pine Tree:

O Ephraim, what more have I to do with idols? 

I will answer him and care for him.

I am like a green pine tree; 

your fruitfulness comes from me. 

--Hosea 14:8

Thoughts shared from my heart, Laurie
A Texas Artist, Laurie Pace

God is my Passion and my Constant, Words of my heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Let us go early to the vineyards to see if the vines have budded, if their blossoms have opened, and if the pomegranates are in bloom— there I will give you my love.  Song of Solomon 7:12

I always thought my roses and my zinnias were my staple each year with my Texas Lantana...but after having this passion vine planted this summer in honor of my FIL Ben Pace, I love having this blooming all summer and now fall. The caterpillars were suppose to come munch it all away and they neglected to show up... my good as the blooms continue even through through the cold.

Reminds me that I think I know what is my 'staple' each day and I really do not if I am not thinking it is GOD.  God is the only constant... the only staple. Everything else changes minute by minute.  

Words of my Heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Do not stop Praying, Words of my Heart, A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

“For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,” Colossians 1:9

Oh my friends, would it not be wonderful to wake each morning without worry or concerns that you would be empowered by wisdom and understanding for everything you face?  

Why can we not understand that we are able to ask God to fill us with His will through prayer and meditation?

Whatever is heavy on your heart this day, please know that God will fill you with the wisdom you seek, you simply must ask and believe He will show you the direction. If you heart and mind are not open you will miss it. Faith my friend is needed.

Words of my heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Daily Walks with Him, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

““Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.”  Isaiah 1:18

Our daily walks are stretching to be two miles each day. The weather is about as perfect as one could order up with the nights in the high forties or low fifties and the days pushing slightly close to 70.  It eases the memory of the hot summers with temperatures pushing over 110 degrees. Just about gone are the mosquitoes and the threat of West Nile Virus. With every step my mind clears of stress and chaos as I connect closer to Him. 

With every season change comes new challenges and new joys. May you find your days filled with God's light allowing Him to lead, guide, guard and direct your ways. 

Words of my Heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist, Laurie Pace

The Caissons go Rolling Along, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

"Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9)

On this Veterans Day I have to share a remembrance of my dad who served in the Army during the Korean war.  Terry and I attended a Veteran's Day Banquet on Friday night this past week.  It is an annual banquet by the Republican Woman of Northeast Texas where they honor a living veteran in the area for their service.  

The company was fabulous being surrounded by men and women that have served in our great military; in addition Michael Lee US Navy Pilot (retired) as the speaker and the honorary Naval Senior Chief, Clinton Marshall Evetts.   Their stories warmed our hearts but it was the music that was my un-doing. 

 A group performed a medley of songs from the armed forces. This happened to be the exact medley I use to sing with my dad throughout the years of his Alzheimers.  Music never left him as the words and melodies of songs stayed strong in his soul and mind.  Everyone was invited to sing along and I did with gusto remembering my dad with each tune until they hit the army song and then it was all over.  The tears spilled over and down my checks and my throat choked on the words.   

The Lord my God is with me wherever I go... and the love and guidance of my own earthly father fill my heart alongside my heavenly Father's love and grace. 

I can still hear you singing with me....

I really miss you Dad.

"Over hill, over dale As we hit the dusty trail,

And those caissons go rolling along.
In and out, hear them shout, Counter march and right about,
And those caissons go rolling along.

Then it's hi! hi! hee! In the field artillery,
Shout out your numbers loud and strong, For where e'er you go,
You will always know That those caissons go rolling along. "

Words of my heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Promises to come, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. Scripture does not say “and to seeds,” meaning many people, but “and to your seed,” meaning one person, who is Christ.  Galatians 3:16

My Christmas Cactus are blooming already. Usually they begin putting out early buds in December. I believe the cold nights we have had have encouraged them to bloom early.  They are a promise to me reminding me daily of the special joy of celebrating the birth of Christ Jesus.  Every year I know they will bloom at this same time approaching the holiday season. 

God has given us His promises throughout the bible. 

Shared from Bible.ca

1. 

He has promised to supply every need we have. The Bible says: "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus". That's Phillipians 4:19. Now notice, God has obligated Himself only to the extent of our needs. That would include food, clothing, shelter, companionship, love, and salvation thru Jesus Christ. It would not include the multiplicity of luxuries that we have come to think of as needs.

2. God has promised that His grace is sufficient for us. (II Corinthians 12:9). in fact, He has made provision for our salvation by His grace through faith. Read Ephesians 2:8. It is through an obedient faith that we have access into the grace of God according to Romans 5:2.

3. God has promised that His children will not be overtaken with temptation. Instead, He assures us that a way of escape will be provided. This promise is recorded in I Corinthians 10:13. Jude wrote: "Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present your faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy" (Jude v 24). Darius, King of the Medes, said to Daniel, "Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee" (Daniel 6:16). He did deliver Daniel from the den of lions.

4. God has promised us victory over death. He first resurrected Jesus by way of assuring our resurrection. Peter said: "This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we are all witnesses" (Acts 2:32). Paul wrote to the Corinthians: "For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures" (I Corinthians 15:3,4). Later on he adds: "but thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" (I Corinthians 15:57).

5.God has promised that all things work together for good to those who love and serve Him faithfully (Romans 8:28). It may be difficult for us to see and understand how this is accomplished at times, but God has promised it, and He will deliver.

6.God has promised that those who believe in Jesus and are baptized for the forgiveness of sins will be saved. (Read Mark 16:16 and Acts 2:38).

7.God has promised His people eternal life (John 10:27,28). In closing, let me appeal to you to live so that the promises of God will be yours.

Dormant Times, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

“But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.””  Joshua 24:15

This verse seemed appropriate following the elections. I truly try not to focus on the political turmoil our nation is in, and I did not hide the fact I was not pleased with either choice on the ballot this week.  Terry and I stay focused on the Father and pray constantly for the leaders of this nation and the people of our nation as well as the world, our troops and life on this planet. 

What truly amazes me is four years without a budget... what will the next four years bring? This is not fiscal responsibility overall pointed at both parties. We could not run our household on the "rob Peter to pay Paul" mentality.  Social Security has been drained to pay for other things and now medicare is being tinkered with. Our family would be on the street if we were not fiscally responsible.  I truly believe this responsibility starts in the home, the community and spreads to the state and the nation. 

This is one of my last yellow roses as the freezing temperatures have reached us at night and my roses will go dormant. I pray our nation does not go 'dormant' for the next four years.

The Passion Vine, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

I heard and my heart pounded, my lips quivered at the sound;

decay crept into my bones, and my legs trembled.

Yet I will wait patiently for the day of calamity

    to come on the nation invading us.

 Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines,

though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food,

though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls,

 yet I will rejoice in the Lord,  I will be joyful in God my Savior.

Habakkuk 3:16-18

We have a beautiful passion vine that took off in all directions across our chain link fence.  The fence is NOT my favorite part of our home and for the past three years I have lobbied to take it down or replace it with the black iron fence. Meanwhile this purple blooming passion vine planted to celebrate the life of Ben Pace... has taken off winding its way through every part of the fence and profusely blooming.  

The caterpillars are suppose to arrive and much all the leaves gone and then they turn into butterflies and fly off into the new world. It did not happen. The freezes will slowly remove the blooms and eventually this vine will die back for the winter. Maybe next year it will bear blooms again that will attract some caterpillars.   We were hoping to watch a full flock of young butterflies fly off from our back fence. Meanwhile we continue to rejoice in the Lord and all He provides.

Words of my heart, Laurie
A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Empty Pots, Words of my Heart, giving and receiving by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken.

Matthew 12:36

I found this empty pot sitting on the deck caught between shadows and light. It reminds me of how we are living right now... we are all between shadows and light often pulled one way or the other by persuasion from others, or our own ego stepping out to control us.  

Empty thoughts, empty words, empty promises; we all have experienced both the giving and receiving of these. So when I saw the pot sitting there empty it was clear to me it would be another way to clear my mind of the many 'empty' needed thoughts that cloud it up each day.  I need to envision dropping them into this empty pot outside on the deck. Why keep those things laying around complicating  your life?

Throw it to the empty pot and walk away from it.

Words of my heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

When the water sweep over you...Words of my heart, Texas Artist Laurie Pace

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.

Isaiah 43:2

We walked down to the big lake to the sound of geese and ducks.  I love seeing them paddle around in the glistening waters... reminds me of God's promise.  He is with me through the waters that seem to overwhelm me as they sweep over me. My trust is in Him to protect us through all times.

Words of my Heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist, Laurie Pace

If it dies, it produces many seeds...Words of my heart, Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.  John 12:24

The zinnias are winding down outside... and I captured this shot of one that has turned to seed.  If you grow them, you can take the head of the zinnia and save the petal like seeds to plant more next year.  

If it dies..it produces many seeds.... Christ died for us and look where His word and light have spread.  Are you doing your part in planting the seed?

Zinnias are my favorite flower from my grandmother's garden in St Louis on her farm. There was a bed of flowers in the center of the driveway. When I wandered through them as a child they seem to tower over me... I love them still today and she planted this love in my life and heart.

Words of my heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Will you Wither or will you Grow? Words of my Heart, Laurie Pace

So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.  1 Corinthians 3:7

Brilliant contrast of colors with this deep red and green annual under my crepe myrtle tree. Reminds me of the upcoming holidays and Christmas but this plant only has a few more weeks to bring joy to our vision before it withers from the cold.

That is true about people we know in our lives... We are all planted and watered but without God we cannot grow.  Without God we wither and dry up and become brittle in our heart and soul. 

Words of my Heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist, Laurie Pace

Promises Spoken, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. Scripture does not say “and to seeds,” meaning many people, but “and to your seed,” meaning one person, who is Christ.  Galatians 3:16

As fall has arrived and our nights are cooling off to the mid forties and low fifties, much of our plant life and trees are beginning their journey to dropping leaves and seeds.  This is a branch off my crepe myrtle tree against the gorgeous blue sky. 

The sky is a promise of His greatness and His love behind the dried blooms of the crepe myrtle.  Even so next spring this tree will blossom full of bright green leaves and boughs of intense pink flowers.  All life and death are part of the cycle as we return home to our Lord. The sky above us as we walk this earth and the heavens surround us as we continue on our spiritual journey with Christ.

Words of my heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist, Laurie Pace

ON Golden Pond, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

One day Ruth’s mother-in-law Naomi said to her, “My daughter, I must find a home for you, where you will be well provided for. Ruth 3:1

Much in our conversation is about our home.  We have saved up some money to take down the fenced area that Paddy roams in and want to re-fence an area for him and open up the backyard. Terry still wants to work on the retaining wall and reclaim some of the lost land that has filtered slowly into Golden Pond. Do we spend the money or wait....wait upon the Lord?

In our latest 'news' we have learned American Airlines is generously allowing us to now pay $925 a month more for our health insurance which we ALREADY paid for over the past 23 years by prepaying it for early retirement. We have discovered that bankruptcy means the company takes everything including your personal money paid in for things. We would have not retired most likely had we known what we do today,  as we still have many years left until age 65 and medicare. 

So our prayers are for direction as this changes the 'wind' in our lives to be blowing against us. It is through the trials we must strengthen our trust in Him to guide, guard and protect us. 

So many right now are dealing with the destruction on the east coast. NY city is where TEXAS based American Airlines decided to go 'bankrupt' so they would have the protection of distance and time from the scene of the crime you might say.  There was to be another hearing yesterday in the NY Bankruptcy court on our retiree health insurance and I would definitely believe God is having the final word and that meeting never took place.  

Whatever is confronting you in life, know you are not alone. We have each other to pray together and uphold through the difficult times.  With the mass destruction from Hurricane Sandy, there are millions of families displaced, many injured and many worn and weary. Our prayers surround and uplift them all.

I give thanks for our home... on Golden Pond.

Words of my heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

A little bit of soft serve please? Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.”   1 Peter 5:8-9

It has become a tough journey in our home as we begin month four of plant based diet. Occasional chicken and tuna hits our life once  a week, but the rest of the time we are plant based and no dairy.  It has so many pros about it. Losing weight, lower cholesterol, feeling better, no bloating, no TUMS needed, more energy, wearing your 'smaller' clothes etc   The cons are missing Blue Bell ice cream or Braum's soft serve yogurt  or Terry would add a pulled pork barbecue sandwich.  

Yesterday we must have been stressed. We went to grab lunch at 4:30 at Pete's in Mt Pleasant.  I ordered my normal salad and a chicken on rye sandwich with BBQ sauce on the side. I only eat half the sandwich.  I could see the look in Terry's eyes go wild searching the menu.  This has been much harder on him than me.   He settled on something surprising... one slice of Supreme pizza and a Squealer Sandwich.  They call it squealer because it is pork. He picked it up and attacked it. I reminded him twice to slow down and enjoy it. If he was going to jump off the wagon he needed to do it without breaking his legs.  

He was doing well until about ten last night... and then again at two early this morning... he groaned at me around seven and said, "NEVER AGAIN" ... 

Yep... the devil prowls around roaring through our lives constantly tempting us.  This applies to food when you are doing a life style change. How do you walk away from 60 years of eating beef, pork, cheese, eggs and milk? Terry has gone from a 38 waist in his jeans back to a 34.  He has lost 20 pounds. He feels really really good, but his mind remembers the taste and feel of those fatty foods...but after he indulges the guilt is huge and the payback not pleasant.

Same for life my friends. With the freedom God gave man comes responsibility and wise choices.  

Words of my heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist Laurie Pace