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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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

The Light of Life, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe. Proverbs 28:26

Not many blooms left on my two Christmas cactus.  Talk about reliant plants... every season in November... late November, they bloom... and bloom wildly with stunning buds opening to large flowers. They are just about self-reliant...but I know that God is really what it is all about.

Often it is easy to forget that we need to rely on Him. He truly knows what is good for us and He calls that goodness into our lives.  We watch our granddaughter often rebel against her parents directing her life. When we do it to ourselves we are basically being self destructive. 

Advent offers to us the time to accept God's invitation to light our lives with his direction and grace. It is wise to accept this invitation and follow the Lord and His light of Life.

Words of my Heart, Laurie
A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

The Narrow Road, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.  

Matthew 7:13-14

It is evident there is a message coming loudly this week. I pray before each blog that I do for guidance on the verse and the subject and my response and words.

Staying with the 'toos' in life and the busy bees...this certainly brings it back as a subject again this morning.  If you are on the broad road in life you are living broadly... participating in life broadly, eating broadly, involving yourself broadly in multiple areas of work, enjoyment and pleasure. You find it easy to explain things and rationalize things so you can continue in your lifestyle.

To be on the narrow road, is to keep your eyes on HIM.  There is only one way to God. It is not a broad path or wide road getting there... it is a narrow one that keeps you and I on the straight and narrow. The narrow road calls for self denial, strict obedience and watchfulness of the spirit. That broad road allows you to lumber along with all your baggage, and the narrow road wants you to leave it all behind.  

Keep your eyes on the Father.  

Navigation is necessary on this narrow road to avoid the twists and turns and dips. If you chose to be on the broad road it is easy going and there would be much company for you traveling on the same road.  The narrow road is less traveled but it is chosen because of the destination at the end of the road.  Where does the broad road lead to?

Words of my heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist Laurie Pace.

Escaping to Spring Forward, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

“Where have you come from?” David asked him. He answered, “I have escaped from the Israelite camp.” 2 Samuel 1:3

Is there something you are avoiding in life or even running from?  We all have something that keeps us looking back or we try hard to move further from it to leave it behind.

Funny thing is we really do not have to do any of that' escaping'.  Handing it over to God is a total release from the past. Asking for forgiveness and moving on to LET IT GO is the only way to spring forward. 

Do not let the past hold you captive.

Words of my heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Attitude Adjustments, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

“He is not a mere mortal like me that I might answer him that we might confront each other in court. If only there were someone to mediate between us, someone to bring us together, someone to remove God’s rod from me, so that his terror would frighten me no more.  Job 9:32-34

Sometimes in every marriage there are bumpy roads and words said that can hurt. My mom and dad always told us when we got married never go to bed not speaking.  When teaching I always called it the Attitude Adjustment. I had a sunhat decorated by my students and if someone was having a bad day... they were given the 'attitude adjustment hat'.  With little colorful furry balls handing and swirling around you there was NO way you could not giggle and smile.

Our 'time out' or 'attitude adjustment' place is the family swing (weather permitting) where we can sit in silence or just hold hands, or even speak our heart without worry of retaliation and more hurt. When we speak on the swing... the other person is committed to listen and not respond for at least five minutes.  

We all need to take a 'time out' for an 'attitude adjustment' in life.  Drop all of the complaints and pity parties and look for the good that surrounds you.

Words of my heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Lapis Blue Skies the doorway to heaven, Words of my Heart, 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

The best part of fall and winter is the intense blue of the sky after a cold front moves through. This is the sky this morning... and the few leaves left on my maple after the storms last weekend.  When I gaze up to the 'lapis' blue sky I feel I am at God's door and nothing stands between us... 

The intensity of color and clarity make it totally clear to this artists that this is the door to heaven. No color in any tube can match this beauty.

Words of my heart, Laurie 

A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

The Salt and Pepper of Life, 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

Fall is creeping in and the leaves are turning... the golds and reds are salting and peppering across the piney greens.  It is a glorious time to walk and enjoy God's beauty surrounding us.  We have much to celebrate and give thanks for.

Words of my Heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist, Laurie Pace

Captivating things in life, Words of my Heart, By Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Do not lust in your heart after her beauty or let her captivate you with her eyes.
Proverbs 6:25

With the internet and all the multi media happenings we are bombarded with not only up to date news and happenings, but with STUFF.  
Seems like the more we see that others have, or things advertised, it tempts us to desire it, to want it in our lives.  It is never a need that captivates us, it is only the wants or desires for the things we think we need.

This little guy is a 'beauty' that lives under our deck and the Lord provides for all of his needs. We have insects and bugs for him to feast on 24/7 and he is not captivated by objects and people luring him into wanting things.

How do we live more simply?

Words of my heart, Laurie
A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

You have given me Hope by A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Petals from my summer roses gather in an old pie pan from 

Great Granddaddy Haskell.

Funny how so many things stay with us for what seems to be a lifetime. 

Psalm 119:49

Remember your word to your servant,
    for you have given me hope.

Words of my Heart, Laurie
A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Hear my Prayer, my Joy is in you. Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Hear my prayer O Lord...my joy is in you.

But as for me, my prayer is unto thee, O Lord, in an acceptable time: O God, in the multitude of thy mercy hear me, in the truth of thy salvation. Psalm 69:13

Create and Renew, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Create and Renew....rebirth of spirit.

Create in me a pure heart, O God,  and renew a steadfast spirit within me.  Psalm 51:10

Words of my Heart by a
Texas Artist Laurie Pace

What defines you? Words of my heart by a Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Sometimes you feel overwhelmed by life, you cannot allow people to define you.

 Do not empower them.


My earthly father always taught me to not listen to the words of those that try to undermine you.  If God is your constant, let Him define you. Go forth in His light forgiving them as He forgives you each day. 

When I saw this creek next to the road in Virginia, I had Terry pull over so I could shoot it from the window of the car.  The water flowing over the rocks spoke to me. Having a good relationship with the Father allows you to flow with His power just as this water does, making it's way around boulders in it's path, your boulders in life.  Your spirit cannot be disconnected from God's spirit and in truth, independent action against others is really not possible because you simply do not have power. God has the power.

Everything is perfect right now at this moment... find your joy and turn your energy from the negative in your life to the positive. God is good. All the time, God is good.

I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. 
1 Corinthians 1:10




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

Freedom, Shared Words from A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

It flashed across Facebook. It was one of those images of yellow with printing on it and no referral to where the origin was. 

The message was deep for such few letters in finding happiness:




"Free your heart from hatred.  


Free your mind from worries. 


Live Simply. 


Give more.  


Expect less."




Words to share, Laurie
A Texas Artist Laurie Pace


"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land." 1 Chronicles 7:14

Daily Bread, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

He provides exactly what we need each day. He provides our daily bread.  We struggle with nutrition and weight, and we keep missing the picture. Do you eat to live or live to eat?

The emptiness inside of you cannot be filled with ice cream and cookies, OR with margaritas or a cold beer.

The stress inside of you cannot be quieted with candy bars or wine coolers.

Get more basic.  Return to Him to fill the emptiness and allow Him to handle the stress. 

Live to serve. 

Live to praise. 

Live to share His glory. 

Why not start today?

Words of my heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

"Give us each day our daily bread." Luke 11:3

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Focus on Him, Words of my Heart by A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Focus


Okay, so things are going wrong. Everything is crashing around you.  What is one of the first things you do?  You pray.  If you have not prayed in a while... you begin to ask God to listen this once and your make promises to do better or be better.  You try and make a deal with Him.  

Focus my friend focus.  


Every day you are focused on everything but God.  


Every day you are busy doing everything but without God.  


So instead of focusing on the problem at hand, focus on God. 


Focus on the cross. 


Focus on God's promises.  


It is through God's word that the world was created. It is through God's words that He sustains the world.  His word and promises are to sustain our spiritual lives so that our physical lives can blossom.  He provides the promise to you when you follow Him your nature begins to change from the inside out. With the change will come growth bearing "fruit".  "Fruit" you can share with others in your life.


Negative forces try to lure you from His promises. Seeds of evil are easily planted in all of our lives each day to turn our focus away from God.  We all face challenges, temptations and illnesses in life.  God promises to be there through all of it. Again, there is no magic wand, there is only the focus on Him and His promises.   King David said, 'I cling to your testimonies; O Lord do not put me to shame!" Psalm 119:31. 


Focus on His Promises not on your problems.




Words of my heart, 
Laurie


"For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us."  2 Corinthians 1:20


"Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, an sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:2

Climbing, Words of my Heart by A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Climbing

When you are at the base of a mountain and know you need to climb the mountain, it almost seems insurmontable, but looking up you cannot really judge how high the mountain is.  From where you stand in the valley below you see what is immediately around you, the rippling brooks in the stream at the foot of the mountain and that first knoll before where you will begin your climb.



The higher you go, the more you see, across the valley and over the nearby hills. When you reach the top of the mountain you can see for miles around you. There is a town in the distance,  a thick forest the other direction and a large lake to the far side of you.   If you had not climbed the mountain you would have never known what was beyond your valley. The world has opened before you.

Follow Jesus and living your life in God's light is the same.  When you first discover the joy and light of God, you have no idea what power and might is there for you. The more you 'climb' into your new life, the more you can see and experience. Every challenge, every hill, every problem you face in life has you climbing closer to God. From one day to the next. From one year to the next.  You are climbing deeper into God, deeper into the light filled with joy. It matters not what the climb is before you because He is with you.

If you are not ready for the climb... it is time to take my hand and begin the journey.

Words of my Heart, Laurie

"Get thee up into the high mountain." Isaiah 40:9

Take my Hand by Shawn McDonald, Favorites of my heart, A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Take my Hand by Shawn McDonald

Some incredible music with generations between, but the same connection to God. Take my hand, Father, take my Hand.  I cannot walk this alone without you. Take my hand.  

I found this beautiful song when I was looking for the one I posted yesterday and just had to share it too!

Favorites of my Heart, Laurie



Take my hand to the promise land
And on You I want to stand
'Cause I cannot do it all on my own
You're what I need and I need to be
Right by Your side 'cause I cannot hide
Lord, I know that I need You
Na na na na na na na na na, I need You
Na na na na na na na na na
Without You I'm so alone
I am weak but You are strong
You pick me up when I'm falling down
And I am crying
Out to You inside of my heart
I need You, Lord, oh so, for the part
I want You to have my life, Jesus
Take my hand to the promise land
And on You I want to stand
'Cause I cannot do it all on my own
You're what I need and I need to be
Right by Your side 'cause I cannot hide
Lord, I know that I need You
Na na na na na na na na na, I need You
Na na na na na na na na na
I fall to my knees
And I'm begging You, please, oh, Lord
Won't You change me
Make me new from the inside out
I want to shout out Your name
Take my hand to the promise land
And on You I want to stand
'Cause I cannot do it all on my own
You're what I need and I need to be
Right by Your side 'cause I cannot hide
Lord, I know that I need You
Na na na na na na na na na, I need You
Na na na na na na na na na

The Linen Cloth, Words from my Heart by A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

The Linen Cloth   by Laurie Justus Pace

The linen cloth tied round his waist
to catch the filth from my journey's haste,
He knelt before me basin at his side -
Water mixed with tears as he knew what I would hide.

His assurance softly spoken that I was a part of Him
Though through the battle growing in my mind the light seemed very dim.
The candle's glow softly outlined the crown of his bent dark head,
as His hands gently washed my feet I thought of what He said.


"Unless I wash you, you have no part with me"
So calmly spoken in my ear but more for open eyes to see.
He knew I would betray Him and He knew I was not clean,
yet here He was before me and His words did not demean.

"Do you know why I have done this for each of you this night?
For you to do for others with humility forthright."
"You will be blessed if you commit yourself to serve,
my Word is through life and giving and not just things observed."

It was not long after I saw him with His body packed with spice
Linen cloths tied round him I knew He had paid the price.
The price of for all my hidden deeds
the height and depth of all my needs...
They all were laid to rest in His death upon the cross
My Teacher and my Master I cannot allow the loss.


"Do you know why I have done this for each of you this night?
For you to do for others with humility forthright."
"You will be blessed if you commit yourself to serve,
my Word is through life and giving and not just things observed."  Lpace 3/7/2012

Words of my heart,
Laurie

" Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him." John 13:16

The Rock, Words of my Heart by A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

The Rock

Jack phoned yesterday when Terry and I were out walking. He had seen the blog and called to catch up.  I asked him where exactly he was going with the rock as he had ended up his sermon yesterday and Terry and I both somehow missed his last tie in.

He said it was referring to Jesus knowing Peter would be the "Rock" the church was built upon.      

Jesus knew that, as well as he knew Peter would betray him. That "look" was a look of love THROUGH the eyes of grace,  when he caught Peter's eye after the betrayal.

Jack wanted us to be reminded of the 'rock' that Peter was. Highly respected among the disciples, no one believed  he believed he would ever betray Jesus.


Jesus knew it would happen.

For me it completes a circle. Reading in Matthew at the end of this post,  when Peter was told by Jesus that he was the rock and foundation of the church, it continues through the last supper and through the painful betrayal and on through the beginnings of the church.  

Most likely Peter was in pain torn as to what to do in the situation and somehow decided it was better to not be identified as a disciple.  He simply continued to deny a relationship with Jesus. Then the cock crowed and Peter looked up in surprise to see Jesus' eyes on him.   They were not eyes of anger but as Jack put it, they were "the eyes of grace, forgiving Peter as it happened, knowing it was part of God's plan for him to betray Jesus.

Jesus' words to Simon Peter, "Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers."  Luke 22:31-32


My rock is still my 'rock of grace' and translating it back  it is "Peter of Grace"

There is a wonderful article on Wikipedia... please read it.


Words of my heart, Laurie

Matthew 16:13-20   "When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”  “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”

Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven.  And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.  I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”  Then he ordered his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah."