Be His Today...Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Let the Lord enter; he is the king of glory. 

Psalm 24:1-2

I have often heard many pregnant women feel like their body has been 'taken' over by the little one growing inside. I loved being pregnant and glowed the entire time (three times) never even thinking about it, just being excited and thankful.  We have another grand-baby due to arrive in the early spring and watching my daughter-in-law change with her first pregnancy has been like watching a flower bloom. 

So when I was reading about Mary becoming the 'temple of God's Word' carrying Jesus the Son of God, I begin to realize the fullness of her commitment and trust in our Father. As an unmarried woman, to agree to carry and nurture this child conceived by the Holy Spirit, she was leaving herself wide open to many horrendous bad 'endings' to life as she knew it. 

Could you seriously put yourself in God's hands KNOWING you would be placing yourself in a tenuous situation that would most assuredly bring condemnation to you and your family?  I do not believe he is asking anything near as serious as Mary took on... so try this day to place your day, just this one day to begin with, in God's hands. Be His today. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Songs of Solomon 2:8-13

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

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

Words of my Heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

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

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

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

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

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

Words of my heart, Laurie
A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

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

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

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

My mantra this month has been:

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

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

Words of my Heart, Laurie
A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

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

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

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

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

Words of my Heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

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

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

descending on it."

Genesis 28:12

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

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

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

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

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

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

Words of my Heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

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

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



“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, 

neither are your ways my ways,” 

declares the Lord. 

“As the heavens are higher than the earth, 

so are my ways higher than your ways 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Words of my Heart, Laurie
A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

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

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

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

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

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

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

God knows who we are. He needs no reminders. 

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

He is my Heavenly Father.  

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

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

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

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

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

Words of my Heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist, Laurie Pace

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

What does God have to do to Earn your trust? Words of my heart, Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Earning the Trust.  What does God have to do to earn yours?

Guard my life, for I am faithful to you; save your servant who trusts in you. Psalms 86:2

Words of my heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

What webs we weave, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

The webs we weave ... every day. Words said, actions done ... none can be taken back. We weave the web around ourselves of our words and actions. We are caught in our own webs. 


The joy is the Lord will forgive your words and deeds and through Him you may find the simplicity of life and love.

I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. Psalm 34:1

Words of my Heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Unfailing Love and Joy, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

When was the last time you did something that was fun that you wanted to do just for yourself?  God wants you to have the desires of your heart. He longs for a relationship with you. That is the desire of His heart. Do you have a relationship with Him? Take two for that relationship and He is waiting to hear from you.   Your JOY awaits.

Words of my Heart, Laurie
A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Let your face shine on your servant;

    save me in your unfailing love. Psalm 31:16

The Joy of Youth spreads through Old Age, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

The joy of youth leaves memories of good times. As we age and grow we look back fondly at those times feeling the sense of belonging and freedom. When you are young you are not usually strapped with responsibilities of bill paying, making decisions for whole households, dealing with health issues for yourself and parents... you live for the day. Youth has a certain innocence with it and the freedom of joy to experience life.  


Many wrong decisions are made. They are necessary for growth, knowledge and wisdom. How awesome is He to give us the joy of life... not just in our youth but in our old age as well.

Words of my heart, Laurie
A Texas Artist Laurie Pace



Remember, Lord, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old.  Do not remember the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you, Lord, are good. Psalm 25:6-7

Joyful Answer, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Always there are questions racing through your mind about decisions unmade. Where do you go for answers?  The joyful answer is you go to HIM.  Call upon the Lord with you open heart and open mind and listen to what He tells you. You can hear that inner voice speaking and the gentleness of His grace. 

Words of my Heart, Laurie
A Texas Artist Laurie Pace





I call on you, my God, for you will answer me;  turn your ear to me and hear my prayer.  Psalm 17:6