Are you ready for Company? Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

As a fair exchange—I speak as to my children—open wide your hearts also. 

2 Corinthians 6:13

The coming of Jesus, the coming of light, the coming of grace, the coming of joy and the coming of salvation. Have you cleaned out your house? Are you ready for his company?

He is coming....

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

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

Walk along the shore, Words of my heart, Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, like a bird from the snare of the fowler.  Proverbs 6:5

There is nothing like a walk along the shoreline at the lake and visiting our white ducks. We hear them jabbering every day and watch them from the dam, but walking on the waters edge makes it clear they are trusting.

How close do you walk with God? How trusting are you to relax in His presence and share your needs and concerns?

Words of my Heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

The LIfe of a Dog, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

“Yes it is, Lord,” she said. “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.”  Matthew 15:27

This is Lilly. She is our grand-dog with the prettiest eyes.  Her immediate family is expecting a new baby boy early next year and Lilly's life will change as her family grows bigger with more love.  All part of that change and transition that appears in our lives.

Lilly lives her life day by day knowing Justin and Tara will provide for her every need. She has no thoughts to changes in life, or even to danger until it rares it head and alerts her. To live your life with such relaxed contentment would be pure grace.  

He provides that grace, but we seem to bury ourselves into busyness. 

Words of my heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

The Animals will teach you, Words of my Heart, Texas Artist Laurie Pace

"But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds of the air, and they will tell you;  Job 12:7

From Job... and I love the reference I found that rephrased it for simple reading. If you have followed the story of Job, God and Satan are playing a game of chess with Job's life.  God believes Job will stay the course of faith and Satan believes he can bring calamity into Job's life and cause Job to curse God and turn away.  Job's friends come to comfort him after he has lost his home, his children, his family, and all of his belongings. You know how it is when your friends jump in with their advice to guide you. It is always not the best advice.

From Clark's Commentary:

"Why tell ye me that the Almighty hath brought this calamity upon me? Every thing in nature, the beasts of the field, the fowls of the heaven, every inhabitant of earth and sea, and every thing that befalls them, are the work of his hands; and every thing feels and acknowledges him to be the universal Creator and Controller. It is the common doctrine of all nature; but to apply it as ye would apply it to me, and to assert that I am suffering from being guilty of hypocrisy, is equally impertinent. He ordains every thing in wisdom as well as in power; but why events happen as they happen, why good and evil are promiscuously scattered throughout nature or human life, ye are as ignorant of as myself."

Thoughts of my heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Trusting in the Lord, Words of my Heart, Texas Artist Laurie Pace

“Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD himself, is the Rock eternal.”  Isaiah 26:4

Cooler weather is here for two days... and then back to the normal Texas late fall heat. Meanwhile I am going to be outside enjoying it! 

I know the deer running across the dam this morning are definitely relying on Him for every need without the worried thoughts or stress. 

May you believe with this simplicity that He will provide.

Blessings to you, Laurie

A Texas Artist, Laurie Pace

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

“Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.”  John 3:20-21

Yesterday was a welcome day of rain. All day slow rain.  I have not checked the rain gauge, but I am sure we saw at least an inch.  We have vegetables that were starting to turn in the refrigerator so I decided to make up a batch of veggie soup.  We feasted on it last night and will today as well.

The verse I included above speaks to all of us. None of us have lived our lives with out the action of doing something that was not in God's light, or thinking thoughts or saying things that should never be said.  When we participate in that kind of living and thinking, the light of God hurts our eyes. Sometimes it feels easier to stay in the dark going about life in our own bumbling way.  Returning to His light takes courage, but once you begin the journey, His grace surrounds and lifts you up. Everything we do and say, everything we think... God knows before the thought finishes in our mind and before our mouth opens to speak. 

Words of my Heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist Laurie Pace 

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

100,100,100,100,100 and counting WHEN? Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

"But let endurance and steadfastness and patience have full play and do a thorough work, so that you may be perfectly and fully developed, lacking in nothing."  James 1:4


Somehow it was forgotten that we are in September. Still fighting this battle in my brain,  I remain amazed at the forecast for the week. This is more days of 100 than we saw in August for sure.  Seems like a bad joke or a bad dream as we wait to wake to a morning temperature in the sixties. 

In His time and in His plan it all remains. The control we seem to think we have over our lives simply does not exist. We have learned with our current lifestyles that we can want and need it now and expect it to be there.  When it does not happen the thought of "Why God? When?" 

Time to remember to trust God instead of focusing on ourselves. Do you feel tired and worn out? Does your body ache and your mind race at night when you finally climb into bed to try and sleep?  Sounds like you are missing out on the 'peace' He offers.  By not trusting God your worried mind wears you out.
If you actually knew what was ahead would it truly be easier? 

How much of your life is spent being impatient, frustrated and maybe even disappointed because you just did not know what to do or what was to happen? Personally I dislike this lesson. I have not totally grasp it as of late the worry has seeped into my existence. Worry of tomorrow and what is ahead and how we should prepare and what we should do.

He wants me and you to leave things alone. Realize with me that we do NOT need to know everything. Terry reminds me that worry is a sin and I am definitely guilty. Part of that 'mother' thing. 

You can prove that you trust God when you can set aside the 'worry' from your life. That brings to mind the need to have patience and allow God to reveal things as you need to know them. Keep is simple, keep your eyes on the Lord and your heart and life in His hands.

Words of my heart, Laurie
A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Our portion... Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

We have taken on eating a more natural plant diet. 

We are not vegan, but we are plant based.

This marks 9 weeks and we have adjusted to the excitement of discovery in the kitchen. After tracking protein in food for a few days I realized immediately we were getting plenty of protein.

Giving up dairy was the hardest...but God is our partner in this as we know he provides our portion each day.

Psalm 119:57

You are my portion, Lord;
    I have promised to obey your words.

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

Fifth Day of 100 Days of Joys and Psalms, Trust in His unfailing Love, Words of my Heart, A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

He has been good to you and to me. It just seems like we pay more attention to the negative and the neediness than we do to the joy and what we have been given. 

Our son Morgan is an artist as well.

So much has been provided and yet I wonder if the time was taken to give thanks for what we have.  How can we ask for more when we have not accounted for what is in our hands right now?


Can you trust in Him unfailingly to provide what you need this day?  Praise Him. Give thanks for this day. Trust Him for the rest.


Words of my heart, Laurie
A Texas Artist Laurie Pace


"But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.  I will sing the Lord’s praise, for he has been good to me."  Psalm 13:5-6

Trying? Trusting? Words of my Heart by A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Trying? Trusting?

If at first you don't succeed, try try again.

Words from childhood but part of the Justus' upbringing.  Reflecting on that there is a mellowing of thought.  You cannot try to follow God harder. You can try to try again...but it is not in the trying, but it is the trusting.

It does not take MORE work by you, it takes less work. Let go and Let God.  TRUST. You do not have to try try again, just trust. Trust in Him.

Words of my Heart,
Laurie

" Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones." Proverbs 3:5-8

Where have you been in life? Words of the heart by A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Where have you been in life?


Have you heard someone tell you 'Today is the first day of the rest of your life?"

Did you even think about it as "the last day of your old life?"

I remember playing this game as a kid and all the different scenarios that were cropping up from losing your job to giving birth to twins.  Talk about uncertainty in your game life.... it was certain to be uncertain. 

So I am asking you now, "Where have you been in your real life?" What has made up the best parts of your journey?  ...maybe your wedding day, or how about the day you bought your first car?

For some close family members I know they feel the negative things that have happened in their lives have produced the most growth and most blessings.  The painful parts of our lives usually do bring the greatest growth and the purest joys once we realize we have emerged stronger and wiser. Learning from our own mistakes is the best way to strengthen our character.  These family members would tell me the best in their lives were their lowest times.  From those humble moments wisdom took seed. 

So no matter what has brought you to this day, know it is part of God's plan that you are exactly where you are at this time. Gain wisdom from what is behind you and live forward in God's love.

Words of my heart,
Laurie 

 Deuteronomy 17:19
It is to be with him, and he is to read it all the days of his life so that he may learn to revere the LORD his God and follow carefully all the words of this law and these decrees

Spoiling the Child? Obstacles of Confusion and Discontentment, Words of the Heart by A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Spoiling the Child

Give the child what he wants.  Isn't that how our society is geared today? The wants and not the needs.
Why not spoil the child with what he needs?

In our marriage during tight times we began the ritual of sitting down and talking over any expenditures over $25.  We used that truthful measurement of NEED or WANT.

When teaching this to our children it was broken down simply: A need is something that you have to have to exist. A want is something you would like to have. It didn't work with Stacey Beth. All those orphaned Cabbage Patch Kids needed a home and that was something she had to have.

While we often want those nice things in life, the needs are truly the most precious things.

What needs does it take for true contentment? What is true contentment? Today's world presents a constant scene filled with obstacles and confusion that drives us to our discontentment and desire to have more.

What do you truly need to survive? What wants do you turn into needs?  This is what drives our discontentment.  This is what drive our economy in a downward spiral.  What is your basic list?  What is God's basic list? By the way,  I do not think it includes a hot shower, a cup of coffee or a working car. 

Learning to be content right where you are at this moment is the best. If you have food and covering you should be content.   God will never desert you or leave you 'needing' something. He will provide. He spoils us that way.  He will provide EVERYTHING we need at the perfect time and moment. His time. Not our time.

Words of my heart,
Laurie

“But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content.” (1 Tim. 6:6-8)

Ever Faithful, Word of the Heart shared by A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Ever Faithful

Families
Spouses
Friendships
Neighbors
Dogs

There are people (and animals) in your life that are faithful with a shared relationship.

No matter what the situation they are there at your back with their hand reassuring and caring for you.

When you are committed to God He is ever faithful to you as well. He will lead you in the best way and He promises if you obey Him, He will protect you and allow you to prosper. (Again that does not necessarily mean financially!)

Most of the time His way will seem opposite of what you might expect. You will summon up courage and faith to walk the journey ever confident that He has your best at heart in His plan.

 His hand is on you right now... He is ever Faithful.
Ever Faithful

GOD
Families
Spouses
Friendships
Neighbors
Dogs

Words from my Heart,
Laurie

"Even if it isn't what we want to do. We will obey the Lord so that all will go well for us." Jeremiah 42:6

The List, Words of the heart shared by A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

What exactly is on your LIST?

Do you keep a prayer list?
Is it filled with prayer requests for friends and family?

You might have some things on there that are specifics for you but it is time to cast ALL your cares on God. ALL OF THEM.

We get so focused on THINGS that we forget to give God our entire self for His care.  Why would you trust Him with praying for certain things in your life and NOT trust Him with your entire life?

He truly knows all in your heart and only He can free you from the burdens you carry. All of them.

These cows never worry during the day about food or water. They graze all day with occasional trips to the pond for a drink. These are tiny young calves and even they have already learned to just live simply knowing that the grass grows and the water is cool to drink. They will find as winter hits the rancher provides hay and shelters from the wind.  My friend, God is going to provide everything you need.

Words of my Heart,
Laurie

"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."  1 Peter 5:7