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

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

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

A Taste of Heaven. Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

"She Awake, north wind, and come, south wind! 

Blow on my garden, that its fragrance may spread everywhere. 

Let my beloved come into his garden and taste its choice fruits."  

Song of Solomon 4:16

Nothing is better when we have lunch than to sit down to a meal my husband has fixed of roasted vegetables.  Todays were so good I cannot wait to eat the leftovers.  

God is just as good with what He provides us from His Garden.  Keep your desires of the heart simple and they will all be met in bounty more than you could even imagine.  It is those picky eaters that have issues... especially those that will not even take a taste of Heaven.

Words of my Heart, Laurie
A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Words of my Heart, A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

The promise... the promise of a bloom with beauty and grace.

He gives us His promise of love, joy and peace.

I will listen to what God the Lord says; he promises peace to his people, his faithful servants— but let them not turn to folly.  Psalm 85:8

Words of my heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Joy of Rain, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

The joy of rain in the heat of summer. It brings out the best in the world around us... and in each of us.

You gave abundant showers, O God; you refreshed your weary inheritance. Psalm 68:9

Words of my Heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

100 Days of Joy

He is our light, salvation and our stronghold in our lives, Words of my heart, by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Our grandchildren seem to hold us in higher esteem than our children did at the same age.  I love grandchildren. You can love them and spoil them and even lovingly share your opinions and they still love you. In so many ways we are the stronghold in their little lives as they grow. Parents seem to be in such a major growth area in careers and the busy world that they live in daily and they have less time for their children then I did when mine were young. Times change.


The one unchanging Joy in our lives is the Lord is our light, our salvation and the stronghold in our lives.  We need not be afraid.





























The Lord is my light and my salvation — whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life -  of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1




Words of my heart, Laurie
A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Our Rock and our Fortress, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Our summer has already hit 100 two days in a row... and the joyful news is, it is 15 degrees cooler than last summer at this time.  The Lord is truly our rock and fortress through the heat of summer and the cold blasts of winter.

Words of my Heart, Laurie
A Texas Artist Laurie Pace





I love you, O Lord, my strength.The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised,
and I am saved from my enemies. Psalm 18:1-3

The Precious Gift of Grace, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

What is precious in your life right now?

Personal and precious are our gifts from the Father.  The Father is with us always through the times of darkness in life as well as at the moment you reach the summit's top.  Jesus promises us life  and the gift of having it filled with abundance.  Through His physical healing of the body came forgiveness and grace to the soul.  Perhaps today it is better to seek His Grace before we pray for divine healing. 

Words of my heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

For by grace you are saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, for it is the gift of God.
--Ephesians 2:8

Second Day of Joy, 100 Days of Joys and Psalms, Words of my heart by a Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Last night was a struggle after Terry turned out the light. It was eleven and we were both pretty tired from our day. Suddenly the squirrels broke loose in my head and sleep evaded me.  It was not just one squirrel and one scenario, there were at least 7 or 8 squirrels are vying for my attention. It was like a roller coaster ride and I was trying to hang on.


After talking to myself about 'getting it together' and 'putting these things away'... I was still laying there picking up the left over trash from the squirrels. No mind over matter was working, so I rolled over and quietly picked up my prayer beads next to the bed. 



I am not Catholic, so these are Anglican Prayer beads that I use in my own way.  Usually praying my way around the 33 beads and the cross, I fall asleep before the end, but last night I went around one full time doing my prayers and began the prayerful second trip praying for each person on my prayer list. As I was coming to the end of my supplications the peace that filled me was amazing.  I slid the beads under my pillow and fell into a restful sleep. 
It was Aunt Jo Pace Holley that shared with Terry and I, when we married years ago, on sleepless nights to pray for others. When you are concentrating on others, your "neediness" fades away.


He is the Provider, the Comforter, the Healer.  He is whatever we each need at any moment in the day. He is my Joy.


Thank you Aunt Jo.  Your Joy continues in our lives. *


"In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly. " Psalm 5:3

Words of my Heart, Laurie
A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

*  Jo Holley died many years ago.  She was a believer that touched and changed many lives in her close to 88 years on this earth.  She only lied one time that we know of and that was when she got her 'hairdresser license' at age 15. She was suppose to be 16.  She was featured many times in her last years because she was still doing hair for her clients. She would drive to their house and pick them up and bring them back to her salon on Grand Ave in Dallas. She would minister to them in so many ways before returning them to home.  She was the oldest practicing hairdresser with the most years in service of anyone known in the USA. David Letterman tried to convince her to do his show and she refused on moral issues.  She did her trade for 75 years serving and giving of herself daily.  She kept a log prayer book next to her bed where she would put a date, a name, a prayer request and every day twice a day she went through her list praying for others. When a prayer was answered, she dated it answered.  It was amazing to see God's trail of love and perfect joys as all prayers were answered in His time

What are the constants in your life? Words of my heart by A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

The constants in life are around us to uplift us and support us. They are a reminder every moment of the day and night that God is with us and He has provided a world filled with His creations to be a constant reminder of His presence and His love for us.

Sunset in Mt Vernon near town.

 Look around today and breathe in the beauty… the sky, the clouds, the rain, the sun, the moon, the stars, the grass, the trees, the water, the flowers, the snow, the wind … the list seems endless…. Just as His love.

Words of my Heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Psalm 8

Lord, our Lord,
    how majestic is your name in all the earth!

You have set your glory 
    in the heavens. 
 Through the praise of children and infants
    you have established a stronghold against your enemies,
    to silence the foe and the avenger.
When I consider your heavens, 
    the work of your fingers, 
the moon and the stars, 
    which you have set in place,
 what is mankind that you are mindful of them,
    human beings that you care for them?

You have made them a little lower than the angels
    and crowned them with glory and honor. 
 You made them rulers over the works of your hands; 
    you put everything under their feet: 
 all flocks and herds, 
    and the animals of the wild, 
 the birds in the sky,
    and the fish in the sea, 
    all that swim the paths of the seas.

 Lord, our Lord,
    how majestic is your name in all the earth!

House of Cards, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

The best laid plans we have do not always work. As kids, those card houses never stood long either.

I borrowed the cards from another blog.
You may click them to visit it.

God will continue to work around us and sometimes we end up going places the wrong direction but it is needed to get back to Him. In other words, there are some experiences we are to have to learn who we are. Only then will we discover the direction for our lives.


In these wiser years I am beginning to be very hesitant on pushing ahead with any ideas before praying about it. 


Best to turn to Him before doing anything. You do not want to build another house of cards. God is needed for the foundation of everything we do.


Words of my heart, Laurie
A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Setting Them Free, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

 

Setting them free... Sunday was the day we traveled into Dallas to join family and friends in the celebration of those we had lost this year as they 'continued on'.

This continuation day is the day they died. Just like the caterpillar slowly transforms into the butterfly... just as we shed our earthly bodies and transform and continue on into the energy of Heaven to be with the Father.

We lost several family members this year. Lady L's grandmother Emily continued on last summer and my Dad left us in January of this year. The Presbyterian Faith Hospice of Dallas has the release of the butterflies every year for those that have transformed from this life. 

Words of my heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Isaiah 57:2
Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death.

Shared Moments of Friendship, Words of my Heart by A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Shared Moments

The treasured moments of friends is such a blessing.  I promised updated photos with Jan and Arlo from this weekend and you are are getting just that!  We spent a wonderful time with them catching up on old times and making new memories.  Lady L decided Arlo was her other Grandpa and of course with Jan being my 'sis' Lady L decided she was 'grandma' as well.  It has been two years since I sat face to face with Jan and I wanted to cry when they pulled in the driveway. I finally could look into her eyes and feel the warmth of her hug in person.

I found the following on the internet and there is a link to it at the end of the quote.

My Sister of the Heart. Jan and Laurie Spring 2012

"Trust is essential to true friendship. We all need someone with whom we can share our lives, thoughts, feelings, and frustrations. We need to be able to share our deepest secrets with someone, without worrying that those secrets will end up on the Internet the next day! Failing to be trustworthy with those intimate secrets can destroy a friendship in a hurry. Faithfulness and loyalty are key to true friendship. Without them, we often feel betrayed, left out, and lonely. In true friendship, there is no backbiting, no negative thoughts, no turning away. 

The 'Group' Spring 2012

True friendship requires certain accountability factors. Real friends encourage one another and forgive one another where there has been an offense. Genuine friendship supports during times of struggle. Friends are dependable. In true friendship, unconditional love develops. We love our friends no matter what and we always want the best for our friends."  This is shared from AllAboutGod.com 

Jan is all of this to me... she is indeed my sister of the heart. We met by chance in 1995 but for the life of me I cannot remember what brought us in contact. We were living in the small community of Trophy Club Texas.  We shared a common background and upbringing and instantly became friends.  I was pretty much a mess at that time with one in high school and two in college. I had left teaching and had just begun doing my art... on my time.  I think I blossomed from her kindness, trust, her love and her honesty as I began to find myself again as the kids left the nest.  I loved the day she allowed me to shoot photos of her granddaughter and herself at the local nursery so I would have things to paint.  She was my stability and light in some trying times.  We always found things to do and shared not only our lives, but our kitchens, our holidays and our families.  To this day I still make her Pennsylvania Dutch Mashed Potatoes and her Homemade Potato Soup.

The years have been good to both of us as we have kept abreast despite the miles between Phoenix and Dallas. We are prayer partners as well and she will always be my sister.  I loved our short time together this weekend and sometimes wish she was just down the street again...but God keeps us knitted together and the miles are not so important.

My prayer for you is to celebrate again this day your dearest friends. Call them or email them and let them know why they are so special to you.  

Note to Nancy:  Get your hug from me when Jan gets home... thank you for the hug you sent me.

Words of my Heart, Laurie
A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

"Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." Hebrews 13:5

Treasures of the heart? Words of the heart by A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

What is a treasure that you hold dear?

What holds promise and possibilities beyond your comprehension?

What is the most wonderful thing you have?

Each day begins and offers to you endless possibilities.

Anything can happen this day.

Things you might expect and many things you would not even be ready for.

Lay at the cross this day your limitations and expectations.

Be open to His surprises and His direction. Open your heart to appreciate your life as it unfolds, the good, the bad, and the ugly.

The Father will handle it all.  Be ready with an open heart and an open mind. Trust in the Father, this day holds great promise.

Words of the heart, Laurie

"O Lord of hosts, happy is everyone who trusts in you." Psalm 84:12

Unfinished Heart, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Unfinished Heart


Younger years without fears
Strongly striking out the way that pulled
Attitude making the difference.
Only to realize I was fooled.

Taking hits from wrong decisions
Emotional devastation taking me apart
Backtracking from stepping off the path
Always finishing completely with heart.


Or was I?


Experience has chipped away from my heart
Slowly with little pieces bit by bit.
As I grew and found my way back to God
He helped restore the broken pieces where they fit.


My heart is whole again with His peace
that passeth all understanding for you and me.
It beats still as an unfinished heart but
With room to grow from God you see. 

He has much more for me to learn
as I wake each day in my earthly walk.
He has much more for me to do this day
As He shared in our early morning talk.


My unfinished heart yet beating strong 
Taking this day one step at a time
Knowing He walks with me ....
As I build up strength to make the climb.


Words of my Heart, Laurie


" 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." Psalm 95:6-7

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

The Jo in Joy

You can feel her joy before Jo even walks into a room.  She brings a loving smile, a full laugh and always a positive outlook on everything in life.  I have been blessed with knowing her only two years and she still takes my breath away with her joyful nature and her enfolding love for God and for everyone she knows.

She and her husband Tony are celebrating their fiftieth wedding anniversary and this past weekend was filled with the complete joy of family and friends honoring this time in their lives.

Jo lives in my neighborhood here at the lake.  Her home, yard and life embrace their happiness and joy in life. They both celebrate the gifts provided and Jo shares some of that with our church choir.

Like all of us, they have faced many challenges in life with health and family. They stay the course with their faith and their positive attitude, always thinking of others first.

What made me write this to share it with you? I was walking last week on Friday and she and Tony whizzed by me in their van heading for the clubhouse. They were preparing for the party on Saturday.  Jo had the window down and a big smile splashed across her face singing out a joyful good morning to me.  What a blessed way to start my day.

We all need more Jo's in our lives... and I am blessed to have one as my neighbor. God is good and Jo is joyful sharing that in life. Thank you God, and thank you Jo.... Joy... it is all from God.

Words of my heart,
Laurie

"Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises!" Psalm 98:4

Is Something Holding you Back? Words of my Heart by A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Is something holding you back?

Have you figured out in life there always seems to be something holding you back from things?  Not sure if it is fear or feeling inadequate...but negativity often crawls through your mind when you are confronting new challenges or changes.

There is door before you. Will you open it?  Are you leaving somewhere or going somewhere? When you do open it are you facing bondage to something or freedom from something? Technically different doors require different approaches to open them.   A simple turn of a handle opens most doors, but often some heavier doors require a key and some are simply a push door requiring nothing but a slight push of your hand or shoulder.

Decisions in life, life changes, life challenges are like those doors. Some require more effort than others to get the door open. Willingness will open those push doors, while the locked doors may require prayer and persistance.

What doors are in your life right now? Some doors are opening up for a new beginning while others signal an end to a time in life. Know which ever you are facing, God is will walk through it with you, He will even enter before and extend His light to guide you.

Words of my Heart,
Laurie

"Look, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut." Revelation 3:8