Out of the Darkness, Words of my heart, Texas Artist Laurie Pace

So justice is far from us, and righteousness does not reach us. We look for light, but all is darkness; for brightness, but we walk in deep shadows. Like the blind we grope along the wall feeling our way like people without eyes.  At midday we stumble as if it were twilight; among the strong, we are like the dead

Isaiah 59: 9-10

It is so easy to get lost in yourself.  It is so easy to have situations define you. It is so easy to have darkness overtake you.  Even the strongest face trials and temptations. And the weak struggle through each day seeking the strength to even rise from their bed.

Each of us suffers and each of us are vulnerable to be pulled into the darkness of life.  That is why it is important to have a support group of friends or family that can shine a flashlight right back at you... or appear in your bedroom to throw open the drapes in the morning.   You are not alone.

Make that call to someone today that you know needs light in their lives.  Many friends are good at hiding the darkness...but you can make a difference so try.

Words of my heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Shoreline, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.”

Galatians 6:7-8

This is edge of the trees lining the shoreline. They are without leaves standing like soldiers rigid and straight blocking the view of the water. Beyond them I can still see the water and across to the far shore.  

Did you ever think about your vision in life?  I have written often about the constant 'stuff' we bring into our lives, but did you ever think about how all that stuff appears to block your way from what you think are the most beautiful things in sight?  What you want is aways just beyond where you are? 

In actuality, what you need is right in your hands. Nothing is blocking you from His love and His grace but yourself. What is this life is basically the next life.  The earthly things will not follow you.  His love and His grace will be your constant.

Words of my heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Wildest Dreams, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

It had been planted in good soil by abundant water so that it would produce branches, bear fruit and become a splendid vine.’ Ezekiel 17:8

Walking through the yard there are bare trees everywhere. Doing art I would prefer bare limbs and branches as I love the linear movement on the surface of my drawing or canvas.

God probably likes the bareness because he knows the blooms and leaves are yet to come.  As winter has brought the end to outward life on the trees and shrubs, spring will bring new life.  

In your life, prepare for the coming of spring and ready your heart and body for the changes of new things budding forth. In your wildest dreams, what would you do if you could begin something new?

Words of my heart, Laurie
A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

The Simple Life, Words of my heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Eat the food as you would a loaf of barley bread; bake it in the sight of the people, using human excrement for fuel.”  The Lord said, “In this way the people of Israel will eat defiled food among the nations where I will drive them.” Ezekiel 4:12-13

On our new diet I often miss baking.  Terry had a 'hankering' for chicken pot pie and chicken is really not often in our diet but in these winter months I have used it to make a few things. So this day was the day to jump away from ritual of plant based eating and we had homemade chicken pot pie. 

Using the rolling pin that was the rolling pin of a grandmother, I immediately felt a sense of comfort in preparing this meal.  Often missing the now adult kids, cooking for two brings simpler meals.  

I do believe that God wants us to live a simpler life. It is a life that you will grow comfortable in. Change is always hard and sometimes bitter sweet, but we must remain trusting in Him with every step through the constant change in our lives.  The simpler we live, the easier the change. 

Words of my heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

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A Change of Heart... Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed..

1 Corinthians 15:51

Change... 

With reflection, prayer, lists and more I have decided that I will only post my 'thoughts' once a week.  Life is happening around us and time is fleeting and my time at the computer seems to increase and my time with friends and family decreases. 

If you want, fill in this form for a private constant contact list and you will receive a once a week email with the Words of my Heart, or make sure you sign up for this email blog in the column to the right.  

Think of it this way... less mail!  We all have too much email pouring into our lives sucking out our time with each other.

The Closet of an Artist, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie pace

“Dominion and awe belong to God; he establishes order in the heights of heaven."  Job 25:2

The closet of an artist... yes everything is in order of colors.  Note I do not wear yellow well so the blues go to greens and the greens to orange and then reds and purples.  It is a visual thing with me. I could not find anything without order in my closet. With order comes a sense of security. 

If you can accept and appreciate the constant order God brings to our world through the seasons, the growth cycles, our bodies... on and on... He is keeping things in working order. Constant. If we can open our hearts and eyes to appreciate this order and let go of all the disorder we weave into our lives, we would be filled with both security and relief not having to worry about anything.  Did you realize we are suppose to live with that faith in our daily lives?  You are not suppose to worry, to control things, to plan your every waking moment.  If you want to control something give more time to Him in prayer. Dedicate a communication time to not only pray but to stop and listen for Him.

May His peace fill your life from this day forward.  I  am going to take a few days break from this blog... see you shortly.

Words of my heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Blessed are those that Wait upon the Lord, Words of my Heart, Texas Artist Laurie Pace

You said, ‘No, we will flee on horses.’  Therefore you will flee!

You said, ‘We will ride off on swift horses." Therefore your pursuers will be swift! A thousand will flee at the threat of one at the threat of five you will all flee away, till you are left  like a flagstaff on a mountaintop, like a banner on a hill.” Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion.  For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who

wait for him! Isaiah 30:16-18

We fly both our Texas Flag as well as our American Flag.  Our home is marked by the patriotic colors and display. Inside our home you are greeted at the door with crosses, stained glass paintings, watercolors representing the Holy Spirit and bible verses hanging on the walls. Yet, I would love to find a metal sculpture for the front yard of a cross with vines on it... I may have to take up another area in art and create it myself, or have Terry get busy with his welding equipment. The cross would be a simple reminder to all who pass our home that His presence is part of our lives and that He too is a part of their life. He is our protector.

Words of my heart, Laurie
A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

It is there, just look up... Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

“But ask the animals, and they will teach you,  or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you.  Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this?  In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.  Does not the ear test words as the tongue tastes food?
 Is not wisdom found among the aged?   Does not long life bring understanding?
Job 12:7-12

I do believe with all my heart when it looks so bleak, God has something ready and we just have to open our hearts and turn around to find it.

Words of my heart, Laurie
A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

The Path Least Taken, 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

Weighing out all the important aspects of a decision are relative to making a sound choice. Choosing your path may not be the path most traveled, as that is often the easy choice, instant gratification path that many take because they believe it to be easy.  We never know what is around the corner so chose wisely.

Words of my Heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Tiny Bubbles, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord,

Ephesian 5:19

The wonderment of bubbles.

The joy of simplicity. 

Just add breath... and watch the colors and bubbles rise with the air currents.

Breathe deeply this day... empower your lungs to fill with God's breath ten times in a row... taking in air slowly... then breathing out the negative thoughts, breathing out the 'what ifs'. Allow only His breath to fill your needs.

Words of my heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist Laurei pace

Over Come by Rising Waters... Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,  Acts 2:46

This is the back of our home on Golden Pond in the snow.  Our fountain was overcome by the rising water in the pond and is barely gurgling...but it struggled on through the past few weeks as the pond has leveled out again.

God with nature brings seasons into our lives. Our homes are where we dwell connecting to God giving thanks for all He provides.  Even in times that the water rises and we seem to be struggling... if we relax and remember He is in charge, the water begins to recede and we find ourselves cleaned of the old and ready to take on the new, infused with light, grace and energy from the Father.

The snow covered the lands around us... washing away the dark damp of autumn and bringing in the new year with His light and grace. May this season of winter open to new beginnings and new journeys in 2013.

Words of my Heart, Laurie
A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Put Together by Light, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Psalm 51:10

Light and life are woven together both in scripture and here on earth. Plants cannot growth without light. As God created plants, He had to create that photosynthesis we all studied in high school and college.  It translates "Put together by Light".  If you remember your text book teachings, it is the chlorophyll in the plants that uses the light energy from the sun to make a simple sugar from the CO2 and water. This gives off oxygen for us to breathe. Our life support system was intricately put together by God.  Our breathing is dependent on plants... our life support system all created by God... divinely for us to live. 

God provides exactly what we need each day... along with all the oxygen we can breath... are you making good use of it in your life?

Words of my heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Whiter than Snow... Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, 

and I will be whiter than snow.  Psalm 51:7

In the beginning in Genesis, God said, "Let there be light,".  He infused it into creation. In John the first chapter it says, "All things were made by Him, in Him was life, and the life was the light of men."  Jesus is the light of the world.  His birth brought God's light before men on their earthly level.  Jesus would live purely in our world, and although he would expose sin, he was never contaminated by it. 

His light reaches to each of us... and we only need turn from the darkness in repentance to face God's light before us.  God will sustain us and the light of His truth will destroy the dark of sin.  

Create in me a pure heart, O God,

    and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

¹¹ 

Do not cast me from your presence

    or take your Holy Spirit from me.

¹² 

Restore to me the joy of your salvation

    and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

 Psalm 57:10-12

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

Skies of Lapis Blue, Words of my Heart by 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

What you have in Texas after the cold fronts blow through are skies of blue that are often more brilliant than what lies below them. 

In our lives we live through waves of 'fronts' that blow through our lives. Some leave destruction in their path and others blow through to bring a balance to the environment around us, washing away things we do not need. We cannot fight what comes our way; we can simply hold to our God and know He stands with us. Once we are through the worst of the storm, the light of heaven will come with His peace and blue skies will be above us. 

Words of my Heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

The Palm Tree in Snow, Words of my heart, Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Then the LORD said to Moses, “Leave this place, you and the people you brought up out of Egypt, and go up to the land I promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, saying, ‘I will give it to your descendants.’ Exodus 33:1

I worried about the palm tree when I saw it weighted with the snow this month.  Why someone had planted it on this hillside has always been a puzzle to me.  I know in Dallas people will plant them by their pools to have that tropical feeling, but why on a pond in the country next to the lake filled with fisherman and boaters?

In the 'tale' of this home and land, one of the owners felt moved to plant this palm tree, so Terry and I have nurtured it through the droughts and snows. Terry went and gently knocked the snow off the long leaves and slowly it regained it shape.

We need to be 'planted' in the right place and we need the nurturing of those around us to be the best we can be.  

Words of my heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Do you know God's Requirements? Words of my heart, Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Even the stork in the sky knows her appointed seasons, and the dove, the swift and the thrush observe the time of their migration. But my people do not know the requirements of the LORD.  Jeremiah 8:7

Do you know the requirements of the Lord?  They are so simple and yet we make it so hard in our lives.  Love the Lord your God with all your heart.  Love your neighbor as yourself.  Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. 

I am sure we all have our favorites...but the basis remains the same. God is first and all the 'yeah but' or 'don't forget' or 'what about' does not matter. God is first. We tend to complicate our lives way too much. Live your life simply with Him.  Stay focused on Him. Live in Him. Love Him. He will make straight your path in life. He will provide exactly what you need.

Words of my heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

A Journey with Others, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy.”  Acts 14:17

He was pecking his way through the snow and ice to the seed. Such a beauty in this winter wonderland.  He trusted the Father to provide... and my loving husband did his job of filling the feeder before we left for Christmas at our daughters home. Driving back the next day filled us with such joy... and both of us smiling seeing the red cardinals gathered at the feeder.  

It is time to gather in the new year with other believers that can support you in your journey.  We lift each other up in prayer and provide for each other nourishment from both the Bible as well as from our experiences and our kitchens.  

Words of my heart, Laurie
A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

What comes in Between? Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.  Daniel 2:21

When I took this shot of the end of the pond it was pretty intriguing as it pulled the contrast of fall and winter in one picture...slowly blending the two beautiful seasons together.  Even the chairs on the dock are covered in snow...but the land next to the deck is filled with brown and gold leaves and no snow. 

Fall or Winter.  What comes in between? Right and wrong... what comes in between? Sin or no sin...does anything come in between?   Humans, myself included, are very talented in rationalizing everything making that grey area always seem possible.  Is it possible?  You have to take a stance in life and it is not possible to walk on both sides.  Where with your wisdom are you standing? 

Words of my heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist, Laurie Pace

Make Way... Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Sing for joy, you heavens, for the LORD has done this; shout aloud, you earth beneath. Burst into song, you mountains, you forests and all your trees, for the LORD has redeemed Jacob, he displays his glory in Israel. Isaiah 44:23

It is a new year... make way for new life.  Shout for Joy.  Shout out loud. Let the newness burst from you and feel the power of Him... yes make way for new life.

A new year is the perfect time to stop and let go of the old. Lay it at the foot of the cross. You cannot change people. You cannot change many situations. YOU CAN CHANGE how you react to everything in life.  Invite the Lord your God to be on your team... Make way for positive growth... make way for new life.

Words of my heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Battle Scars Beneath the Light, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance. Titus 2  2:2

Standing on the deck outside I see how high the snow is piled. The white softness contrasts to the hard old wood of the deck and railing. The wood is old, worn and cracked, but with the tall white pile of snow, you do not see or notice the worn wood.

I compare this to us in life. We are all seasoned and worn by the time we are in our twenties. From there on the wrinkles may be deeper and we have more 'battle scars' from life, but when you are covered in the light of God, that is all people see. It is the joy of your smile and the light in your eyes.  They no longer see the wrinkles and miles surrounding those eyes or lips or the many battle scars that made you who you are today.

Words of my heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist Laurie Pace 

Pure White of Heaven, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,”  Titus 2:11-12

As I look out into the snow... I see the pure white of heaven surrounding me in shades of white and light grey.  The polar opposite of the dark trees standing starkly out in the white of snow reminds me of the pureness of Jesus next to mankind. 

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

Blooming from my heart, Words from Texas Artist 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

The only thing blooming right now for me are my Dianthys. I know I blew that spelling... but this tiny blooms seem to go year round except for July and August.   We can count on God year round... come rain or come shine, He is nurturing you to grow. Did you plant something new and special in your life? Add something new and give up something else in the process. 

Blooming from my heart, Laurie Pace

A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Making Things Grow by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.   1 Corinthians 3:6

Speak with the Father... Believe.

His rain falls to bring life to the barren ground.

His sun shines to bring growth to the seeds.

His warmth will fill the days in the next few months and from it will come the tiny flowers breaking through the snow and the frost. Focus on the Father.

He will bring what you need for you and for what you are nurturing.

Words of my heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Planting time in January? Words of my heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds can perch in its shade.” Mark 4:32

The new year brings a time to life of beginning again. Sometimes I felt like the slate was wiped clean and I could take a deep breath in January and make changes...positive changes.

What new things can you plant in your life to grow this year and become a large part of your community?

Words of my heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Making that list and checking it twice... Words of my heart, Texas Artist Laurie Pace

And you are heirs of the prophets and of the covenant God made with your fathers. He said to Abraham, ‘Through your offspring all peoples on earth will be blessed.’ Acts 3:25

I cannot believe it is 2013... and once again I have to train my hand to write it without my brain interfering. It will be a year this month since my Dad continued on to be with the Lord.  My parents were both big into making that list and checking it twice for new year resolutions.  As I age and think about a new year my priorities are changing. It truly is more about serving and helping others in this life journey.  My Dad did that in his life, his family and his work.

From he and my Mom came three pretty level headed children...now adults with their own children and some grandchildren sprinkled here and there. 

I have so much to be thankful for in this new year and over the next week I will begin putting the finishing touches on that list.

Give in abundance. Live in abundance. Pray in abundance. God provides all you and I need.

Words of my heart, Laurie 

A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Gifts in the New Year by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

““Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them. He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago),”

Luke 1:68-70

The new year has begun... are you ready to walk through the door and great the new year? Our vision is limited to just the glimpse of what is in front of us. He has so much more in store for each of us.  Not the same for me as He does for you.  Use those gifts this year... don't let them out of your sight.  He has specifically chosen them for you.

Write down today the gifts you think you need... refer back to the list each month and see what He brings to you. 

Words of my heart, Laurie
A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Happy New Year. From Texas Artist Laurie Pace

“Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise.”

Happy New Year.... May your new year be filled

with God's grace and love, accompanied by joy and laughter.