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 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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Preparing for the new year...Words of my heart, Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Blessed are those that fear the Lord and walk in his ways.  Psalm 128

As we close out this year we think of preparations in our life for the new year coming.  Ben Pace was always smiling greeting each new day. It did not take a new year to roll around.  Whistling, dancing, sharing jokes, playing his harmonica... it was always about sharing and giving to others.

I want to take this joy with me as I remember the legacy he left to us...

to live each day to the fullest and to remember that you could get glad just like you got mad.

Words of my heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Peace shall surround us... Joy will fill us. Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

May his name endure forever; may it continue as long as the sun. Then all nations will be blessed through him, and they will call him blessed  

Psalm 72:17

Peace and Joy... God saves each of us. Jesus comes to teach each of us. From our advent journey through our last breath, may we praise His name and call Him Blessed. 

His son came to us to walk this earthly mess as a human among us. Still today he comes to us through advent offering us this new journey in our lives. 

Words of my heart, Laurie
A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

In moments of weakness... Words of my Heart, Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Strengthen the hands that are feeble, 

make firm the knees that are weak,

Say to those whose hearts are frightened:

Be strong, fear not! Here is your God,

He comes with vindication; With divine recompense He comes to save you.  

Isaiah 35: 3-4

The promise made to us is incredible. Just visualize waiting for the best thing that is getting ready to happen to you. (No not the lottery)  God has promised to save each of us and this time of advent is to prepare us for His son as He offers us healing, restoration, love and salvation. 

In the moments that you feel weak or overcome by everything, you must read Isaiah 35: 3-4 above. 

Words of my Heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

You will never go Hungry...Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

“Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” John 6:35

Are you worried about anything right now?  

What if you could pretend those worries were a coat you had buttoned on yourself and you could simply unbutton the coat and just drop it right where you are?  As you drop this coat of stress, pain or misery...you immediately find you are dressed in the light and glory of God forever. Just as Jesus declared your needs will be provided and there is not room for worry with this light and glory surrounding you. 

So in this second week of advent consider yourself freed of what holds you captive. Be free from your longing and desires that seem to hold power over you. Simply be filled with His joy.

"The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy."  Psalm 126

Words of my heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Missing things...Words of my Heart, A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

My heart, O God, is steadfast, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music. Psalm 57:7

This is my 'missing' Taylor 914 E.  I hope to replace it this next year as it was the guitar I always played in church with it's pickup.  Life happened and when it was suppose to come home to me, it was gone.

In the busiest times of our lives things happen and it is hard to realize things are not in our control. More often than not, our worst enemy is ourselves and our own sinful nature. Occasionally it is someone else near and dear to us. 

God can save us. During this time of advent remember to pray ceaselessly savoring this time before us and knowing only He can provide what we truly need in life. 

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

Bring it all to the Table... the altar, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Then to the place the LORD your God will choose as a dwelling for his Name—there you are to bring everything I command you: your burnt offerings and sacrifices, your tithes and special gifts, and all the choice possessions 

you have vowed to the LORD.

Deuteronomy 12:7

Are you living your life bringing it all before Him?  Your tithes, your gifts, your serving... all the choice possession you have because of Him?

For this artist that is paint paint paint, and some more paint, then some canvas and a palette knife.  Every painting that comes from my heart is begun with a prayer to release all my worries before working and to allow His spirit to work through me on this composition. If I do not clear my mind, too much 'stuff' gets in the way before I can create. 

How can we live with so much stuff in our way?

Are you giving as you need to be giving to live the way you need to be living?

Words of my heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist, Laurie Pace

Taking refuge in Pink, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.

Psalm 5:11

Well, Lady L's mother allowed her to take life a step further. 

Pink brings this child such joy.  Wisely her parents allow her the freedom of one wall of her color choice in her room.  Surrounding herself with something joyful means she  gives back 100 fold with her laughter and her love as she is influenced by the pink in her room.

What fills your life and your home? Is your house cluttered with 'stuff' piling up?  Are there broken things that need to be mended that you have been trying to get around to for the past few years?  

Nothing feels better than clean sheets on the bed. Nothing smells better than almond oil on the furniture in the house. Nothing is calmer than a room swept and things neatly put away. Work is behind you and giving thanks and being joyful is so much easier. 

Do not just open the window for fresh air in your life, but open your life to God's fresh grace... everything in life will begin to balance out. Surround yourself with Him and joyfulness will fill your life.

Words of my heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist, Laurie Pace

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

“A person finds joy in giving an apt reply— and how good is a timely word!”

Proverbs 15:23

She is all girl. Lady L's favorite color is pink, can you tell?  Her mother phoned yesterday and said Lady L did not want to wear jeans to school, she wanted to wear a 'beautiful dress'.   We all tend to dress in a certain style and speak in a certain way that is unique to us. What influences that?

Lady L chooses to be joyful from the inside out and let the beauty of her spirit come through.  What are you wearing today? Is it just comfy clothes, or did you dress with 'spirit'?  How can you adjust your attitude this day to give 'joy' with your actions and words?

Words of my heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist, Laurie Pace

Just a Closer Walk with Thee, Words of my heart, Texas Artist Laurie Pace

“[Praise to God for a Living Hope] Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,”

1 Peter 1:3

Focus on Him. Focus on the light. 

"Lord, draw me into a closer walk with you." 

Everything we chase in our lives usually leaves us worn out or distant from true joy.  Distress seems to be a biproduct of our race. Discontentment deepens as we strive for more and want to accumulate more.  From that may evolve hopelessness and dispair. 

Is that where you want to be?

You do not even have to 'chase' after God.  He is right there ready for you to join Him for not only this lifetime but in heaven hereafter. Choosing Him will bring comfort in times of sorrow and illness. It will provide light and grace in times of darkness and need.  He will continue to fill you with more of His love as your relationship deepens and you will find all your needs meet as well as the true desires of the heart. 

Words of my Heart, Laurie
A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Show me your Ways, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Show me your ways, LORD, teach me your paths. Psalm 25:4

This is our dam.  This is the pathway across. The small pond and our house on one side and the other the wide open waters of the lake.

Our neighbor across the pond had to put up a chain with a sign marking private property.  Many people do not think twice about wandering around through all the woods and paths. The joy of the walk could be shared but sadly they leave trash everywhere... empty baby bottles, beer cans, cigarette butts, 

and general trash from food containers.  

Since the sign was put up, the pond has stayed clean of man's trash and the pathways clear for those that respect the beauty of His lands.  

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

How much more Valuable you are than Birds! Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

"Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!"

Luke 12:24

The last of the hummers left this week. This image is from last year. This year Terry had brewed natural water with sugar and no dyes in it. They loved it. We kept two feeders going refilling them twice a day.  

We were told when we moved here not to feed them past the middle of September or they would not migrate on to where they needed to go. So every year in mid September, Terry removes the feeders, cleans them and puts them away until May of the next year. 

What a treasure of beauty it is to be a part of the journey with these hummingbirds.  

God cares for us. We bumble along thinking of all we want and do not realize it is more about what we need.  He makes sure that happens.  We are His children and just as we would not starve our children or keep them without things they need, God does the same for us.

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

Sharing your food...Words of my heart, A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Is it not to share your food with the hungry

    and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—

when you see the naked, to clothe them,

    and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?

Isaiah 58:7

He wants us to share so much more in our lives. What have you given to those that are hungry, without clothes... or to your extended family that needs things?  

He does not want us to enable people; He does want us to provide for others from our heart giving of what we have and sharing the gifts and the bounty.

The land and the harvest... Words of my heart, Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Cool Watermelon... a sheer joy of a hot summer day in Texas. 

The land yields its harvest; God, our God, blesses us. Psalm 67:6

Let His Face Shine on Us, Words of my heart, Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Let His Face Shine on Us... Joy.

May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine on us. 

Psalm 67:1

The Joys of Memories, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Remembering the joys of past years and memories that keep us smiling. Our grandson Jonathan is about 5 in this picture and he is turning 15 this summer.

Victoria, Emma and Jonathan 

If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” Luke 11:13


My mom once recently said to me that it is the memories of earlier years that fill her thoughts and keep her heart full. With my Dad's transition into Alzheimers and then his passing this year, Mom has gone through another door with God at her side. 


Throughout our lives we continue to pass from different times and places in life. Just knowing He is there with me, gives me the strength to know what is before me can be endured.  In the moments of trial and despair I cling to His love knowing I am apart of His family and He as my Father will protect me just as my earthly father did when he was alive.


Thoughts from my heart, Laurie
Texas Artist Laurie Pace