The Palm Tree in Snow, Words of my heart, Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Then the LORD said to Moses, “Leave this place, you and the people you brought up out of Egypt, and go up to the land I promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, saying, ‘I will give it to your descendants.’ Exodus 33:1

I worried about the palm tree when I saw it weighted with the snow this month.  Why someone had planted it on this hillside has always been a puzzle to me.  I know in Dallas people will plant them by their pools to have that tropical feeling, but why on a pond in the country next to the lake filled with fisherman and boaters?

In the 'tale' of this home and land, one of the owners felt moved to plant this palm tree, so Terry and I have nurtured it through the droughts and snows. Terry went and gently knocked the snow off the long leaves and slowly it regained it shape.

We need to be 'planted' in the right place and we need the nurturing of those around us to be the best we can be.  

Words of my heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Blooming from my heart, Words from Texas Artist 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

The only thing blooming right now for me are my Dianthys. I know I blew that spelling... but this tiny blooms seem to go year round except for July and August.   We can count on God year round... come rain or come shine, He is nurturing you to grow. Did you plant something new and special in your life? Add something new and give up something else in the process. 

Blooming from my heart, Laurie Pace

A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Believe in the promise, Words of my heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

“For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy.  Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.” Luke 1

We light our fourth candle this day...the last Sunday in Advent and reflect in awe over the wonder of this week and the greatest gift we receive from God.
It is not one wrapped in sparkling paper under the tree, or the small box at the bottom of our stocking...but it the gift of His only Son.

Open your heart and receive your gift... prepare to accept the light and grace that accompany the gift. Fill your heart with the love of God and His Son our Lord, Jesus.  Believe in this promise.

Words of my heart, Laurie
A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Time to Bloom, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Shout for joy, you heavens; rejoice, you earth; burst into song, you mountains! For the LORD comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones.  Isaiah 49:13

Feel His comfort and grace.
Prepare your heart.
It is time to bloom.

Words of my heart, Laurie
A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

It this is the way, walk it. Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” Isaiah 30:2--22

We weep and moan over much in life, but you will weep no more if you wait upon the Lord fully trusting in Him for your needs. 

God works miracles by the dozen... can you allow yourself to imagine His touch transforming you? It is not the situation that will change but it is you that will change and how you look at things. 

Wait patiently during this time of advent and allow God's work to evolve and happen in your life.  Can you let Him into your heart? 

This truly is the way... walk in it.
Words of my Heart, Laurie
A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Getting GLAD, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

But the Egyptians are mere mortals and not God; their horses are flesh and not spirit. When the LORD stretches out his hand, those who help will stumble, those who are helped will fall; all will perish together. Isaiah 31:3

Somewhere in all the psychology courses I took in college for teaching I learned that no one can truly hurt us but ourselves. I am of course referring to the verbal actions not physical actions. 

Our every day experiences occur and how we react to things affects how things appear to us internally. At any time we have the power inside of us to change how things are 'affecting' us.  

Hurt feelings rob us of joy; we can chose not to react or be hurt. My FIL Ben always said, "You can get GLAD just like you got SAD." 

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

Strength in Numbers Praying, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Yet give attention to your servant’s prayer and his plea for mercy, LORD my God. Hear the cry and the prayer that your servant is 

praying in your presence this day.

1 Kings 8:28

Strength and power in numbers... strength in gathering together to pray and the laying on of hands for those in need.  The power of belief and treasure of church family and friends binding the need and bringing it to God for healing and mercy. 

Great Aunt Jo taught us to list our prayer requests and then pray ceaselessly for however long it takes. When a prayer request is answered, we date it next to the request.  God works 24/7 and it shows in our prayer request book.

Words of my heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist, Laurie Pace

Who goes ahead of you? Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Who went ahead of you on your journey, in fire by night and in a cloud by day, to search out places for you to camp and to show you the way you should go.

Deuteronomy 1:33

He has the plans for all of us. He knows what we think before the thought forms in our head. He knows what simple needs we have and what completed desires and wants that crowd our minds and lives.

He will show you where to go.

He will provide for you on the way.

Words of my heart, 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 

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

Do Good, Words of my Heart, Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Do good.  Think good. Talk good. 

Reach out with His good to all people.

Trust in the Lord, and do good;

     dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Psalm 37:3

Words of my heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

He Makes No Mistakes. Praise from my heart by A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

I was reading in the 18th chapter of Psalms when the verses I included at the bottom struck a chord of familiarity as well as comfort.  I think perhaps this was something from a past message I heard that took root in my heart.


Googling it I came across this poem from another blog. The writer did not know where it came from.  Further investigation found a young man that put it to music. I hope you enjoy both the poem and the youtube song. Evidently from comments on Youtube the song was written by a man when his wife died. 

My Father's way may twist and turn;

My heart may throb and ache;

But in my soul, I'm glad I know

He maketh no mistake.

My cherished plans may go astray

My hope may fade away/

But still I'll trust my Lord to lead

For He doth know the way.

Tho' night be dark and it may seem

That day will never break;

I'll pin my faith, my all in Him

He maketh no mistake.

There's so much now I cannot see,

My eyesight's far to dim.

But come what may, I'll simply trust

And leave it all with Him.

For by and by the mist wil lift

And plain it all He'll make

Thro' all the way , tho' dark to me

He made not one mistake.

And from His book ... with praise from my heart, Laurie




As for God, his way is perfect: 
    The Lord’s word is flawless; 
    he shields all who take refuge in him.
³¹ For who is God besides the Lord? 
    And who is the Rock except our God?
³² It is God who arms me with strength 
    and keeps my way secure. 
³³ He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; 
    he causes me to stand on the heights. 
³⁴ He trains my hands for battle; 
    my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
³⁵ You make your saving help my shield,
    and your right hand sustains me;
    your help has made me great.
³⁶ You provide a broad path for my feet,
    so that my ankles do not give way. Psalm 18:30-36

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

Where do you rest? Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Where do you rest?


We were up at three this morning.  Terry's tummy was not smiling.  When I dropped peppermint oil on his tummy and turned on his heating pad, he was swiftly snoring away.

I laid there and rearranged pillows trying to get comfortable after being awakened so abruptly. I kept those squirrels in my head at bay... and my mind begin to lay things at the cross again. Anything that trickled into my head trying to steal my peace was purposely left at the foot of that cross.


Suddenly a mantra popped in my head and I was repeating it to myself to remember to use it in my blog... and I must have fallen asleep to the sound,

"Lay it at the foot of the cross, Giving it up is not a loss.

Jesus will bear the pain; safe in God's arms you will remain." LPace

Each of us has our way of finding rest. At times we struggle.  Until we can release ourselves from the struggle we remain in circular motion unable to find rest.

Rest in Him this day.

Words of my heart, Laurie

"He makes me lie down in green pastures;..he restores my soul." Psalm 23:2, 3

Jack's Red Carpet, Words of my Heart by A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Jack's Red Carpet

It is such a joy to attend our church with Paster Jack (my Episcopal background has to cause me to retype every time.. Father Jack comes out faster).  He has taken this season of Lent and truly led us through an emotional growing period tying together highs and lows,  suffering and grace, life and death.... unconditional love,  bringing our lives to the cross and taking us through painful back memories to help us learn the grace of forgiveness. 

Yesterday it was about the 'red carpet' treatment.  As he spoke of his 'red carpet' walk as he retired from the Navy...it sent me off thinking about red carpet moments in our own lives. He went on visiting the carpet of palms, clothes and flowers thrown before Jesus as we entered Jerusalem. 

What or who would you throw out a red carpet to welcome into your life or your home? When you are expecting company you make sure the house is sparkling clean and the bathrooms ready and neat... the best tablecloth and flowers on the table... the 'red carpet' treatment for your company.  How can you do this with your life and your daily actions?


Time to clean out your heart and your life from the excess waste and baggage. Time for you to lay it at the foot of the cross. Time to polish up and make ready in 'red carpet' treatment for welcoming the Lord into your life every single day.


He is most holy. He is most honored. He is King of Kings. Is your red carpet laid out? Is your life cleared of clutter and chaos so you can honor Him into your midst? He will take your burdens and your worries. He will wash you of your sins and look to you through His eyes of grace. Are you ready?


Jack, if you are reading this, how hard will it be to stay in this wonderful place? This is four weeks now... I welcome each day with prayers of thanksgiving and the giving to God they day ahead.  I no longer allow anger and problems to clutter my mind. I do not try to 'order' my days... I give this all to Him each day. The joy that I have found is indescribable. He knows what will be this day and He walks it with me. I do not have to worry about it!  Can I have this grace always? Why has it taken so long to find it?


It is tough keeping the ego or self back and out of the way.... but it can be done and when you experience you do not want to go back to your old ways.


Words of my Heart,
Laurie

"They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting,

   “Hosanna!^[a]”

   “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”^[b]

   “Blessed is the king of Israel!”  John 12:13

In the Silence is God, Words of my Heart by A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

In the Silence


Deep night... the sound of crickets and frogs outside the window.
Outside the drapes the brilliance of the stars lights up the forest where we live.

To feel His Greatness is to simple walk out under the starry skies and know He has put every star in the sky.  It is here you can see the presence of God and find perfect peace.   


When I am spiritually disconnected I immediately go outside.  Day or night.
It is in nature that all the pulling and stress are dispelled from my mind and body. An inner peace begins to warm through me as I breathe in slowly and expel out the tension inside. I have invited that tension to be part of my journey this day and it is up to me to let go of it. 


Being outside puts me in a direct connection with God. It is outside I feel His peace washing over me. 


How do you recharge your life when you are running low?  Take the time to find ways to bring that peace into your life every single day. As you speak and act you will reflect and share that peace with others.


Words of my Heart, Laurie


"Now, O my God, let your eyes be open and your ears attentive to prayer from this place." 2 Chronicles 6:40

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

Focus on what you have in life... words of my heart by A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Focus on what you have in life...

We seem to be a society of "gotta have it" or "need a".  Our brain seems overwhelmed with what we do not have that we truly believe we need and we become obsessed with it until we 'get it'.

Retrain your thought patterns and stop them when you drift into the 'gotta have it' realm, you will find a peace beyond belief.  Take a deep breath in and slowly let it out. With each breath express thanks with love for the things you already have in your life.  Give gratitude to the Father for these things. Keep breathing in and out. Praise Him and know that many opportunities are ahead for you in His plan.

Instead of allowing apprehension into your life with worry, allow appreciation to fill you with enthusiasm.  Use the simple mantra, "Thank you Lord" through out the day as if sharing it with everyone...and the response back will be overwhelming from the Lord.  "You are welcome my child."

Words of my heart, Laurie

"Bless the Lord, O my Soul, and all that is within me." Psalm 103:1