Please Tell that is not you laughing God... Words of my heart by Texas artist Laurie Justus Pace

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Psalm 23:1-3

So much change in our household and I continue to lean on the Lord and my dear husband. Was knocked off my feet the past few days with low potassium and magnesium levels causing many things, the worse is my heart arrhythmia returning. 

I felt so helpless and despaired quite a bit yesterday as Terry braved through his third day of packing and me not helping.  When I am like this only resting and drinking lots of carrot juice or coconut water helps and upping my supplements of Potassium and Magnesium.  Actually God helps the most.  He always KNOWS right where my mind is. He always knows I need to slow down and stop controlling things. He always knows what is best and all the things I am in despair about will work their way out. 

So as we continue preparing for the move I do believe we are all on the same page... no more moves.  Please tell me that is not you laughing God....

Words of my Heart, Laurie Pace

A Texas Artist

Bursting into Bloom, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

It will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy. The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon; they will see the glory of the Lord, the splendor of our God.  Isaiah 35:2


I noticed this morning the first bulbs out a few weeks ago were just about done blooming.   I know with the move to the new house I will be planting more bulbs to break the days of winter next February.  It is a sign of hope and new growth as spring has arrived in East Texas. 

Words of my Heart, Texas Artist - Laurie Pace

Laying in His Peace, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

  

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 

Jeremiah 29:11

We are turning the point of a year since my dad continued on to be with the Father.  So many things taught by my parents were joint, but the list making and the process of making decisions and weighing all aspects was definitely my Dad's strongest asset. 

We have all the pieces to put together our lives as God has in His plans for us, no different than this puzzle in progress.  Our lives are in progress.  Sometimes you pick up a piece and try it in place and it does not fit.  You release it and try another until you find the piece that fits right there. In doing puzzles it is common to sort out the like pieces in different places so if you are working on the sky, you go to the sky pieces, or working on a pink building, go to the pink building pieces. You don't waste time trying out sky on the pink building.

In life we know the difference between our choices as well and can sort them out. Our hearts are often leading us in places our brain would never go. That is when it is time to pray and open your heart to Him to light the way so your heart and head have to get out of the way.  It is very hard to let go because it is a common trait for all of us to want to control our lives.  

The Father knows what piece is ready for your life. Time to get out of the way and let Him lay in His piece... or is it His Peace.

Words of my heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

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

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

Hold my Hand, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

When we are feeling insecure we reach out for someone's hand in comfort. All of us are needy in life and we seek something to bring us comfort.  Often we seek the wrong things in life.  It is only the Father that can refresh us and restore our balance in life. 

In advent we realize this promise comes through the birth of Jesus who gives His life for us, for our sin and our salvation.  God promises to strengthen us and help us... He will uphold us in his hand.

Words of my heart, Laurie
A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Struggling along, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

They that hope in the LORD will renew their strength, they will soar on eagles’ wings; They will run and not grow weary, walk and not grow faint.
Isaiah 40:31

We often struggle over things in life. The struggle makes us weary but eventually we begin to see the end or the light to the struggle.  God is there. Our confidence soars as we see 'His light' and realize we are almost there. Our strength is renewed and we move forward now with more courage and energy than we had when we began.

Advent preparation is about this very feeling... the beauty that you know is there, you can see it with your eyes and your heart.  Despite everything else in your life, the joy of this season renews you daily.


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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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