Make Way... Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Sing for joy, you heavens, for the LORD has done this; shout aloud, you earth beneath. Burst into song, you mountains, you forests and all your trees, for the LORD has redeemed Jacob, he displays his glory in Israel. Isaiah 44:23

It is a new year... make way for new life.  Shout for Joy.  Shout out loud. Let the newness burst from you and feel the power of Him... yes make way for new life.

A new year is the perfect time to stop and let go of the old. Lay it at the foot of the cross. You cannot change people. You cannot change many situations. YOU CAN CHANGE how you react to everything in life.  Invite the Lord your God to be on your team... Make way for positive growth... make way for new life.

Words of my heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Promises to come, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. Scripture does not say “and to seeds,” meaning many people, but “and to your seed,” meaning one person, who is Christ.  Galatians 3:16

My Christmas Cactus are blooming already. Usually they begin putting out early buds in December. I believe the cold nights we have had have encouraged them to bloom early.  They are a promise to me reminding me daily of the special joy of celebrating the birth of Christ Jesus.  Every year I know they will bloom at this same time approaching the holiday season. 

God has given us His promises throughout the bible. 

Shared from Bible.ca

1. 

He has promised to supply every need we have. The Bible says: "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus". That's Phillipians 4:19. Now notice, God has obligated Himself only to the extent of our needs. That would include food, clothing, shelter, companionship, love, and salvation thru Jesus Christ. It would not include the multiplicity of luxuries that we have come to think of as needs.

2. God has promised that His grace is sufficient for us. (II Corinthians 12:9). in fact, He has made provision for our salvation by His grace through faith. Read Ephesians 2:8. It is through an obedient faith that we have access into the grace of God according to Romans 5:2.

3. God has promised that His children will not be overtaken with temptation. Instead, He assures us that a way of escape will be provided. This promise is recorded in I Corinthians 10:13. Jude wrote: "Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present your faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy" (Jude v 24). Darius, King of the Medes, said to Daniel, "Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee" (Daniel 6:16). He did deliver Daniel from the den of lions.

4. God has promised us victory over death. He first resurrected Jesus by way of assuring our resurrection. Peter said: "This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we are all witnesses" (Acts 2:32). Paul wrote to the Corinthians: "For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures" (I Corinthians 15:3,4). Later on he adds: "but thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" (I Corinthians 15:57).

5.God has promised that all things work together for good to those who love and serve Him faithfully (Romans 8:28). It may be difficult for us to see and understand how this is accomplished at times, but God has promised it, and He will deliver.

6.God has promised that those who believe in Jesus and are baptized for the forgiveness of sins will be saved. (Read Mark 16:16 and Acts 2:38).

7.God has promised His people eternal life (John 10:27,28). In closing, let me appeal to you to live so that the promises of God will be yours.

A little bit of soft serve please? Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.”   1 Peter 5:8-9

It has become a tough journey in our home as we begin month four of plant based diet. Occasional chicken and tuna hits our life once  a week, but the rest of the time we are plant based and no dairy.  It has so many pros about it. Losing weight, lower cholesterol, feeling better, no bloating, no TUMS needed, more energy, wearing your 'smaller' clothes etc   The cons are missing Blue Bell ice cream or Braum's soft serve yogurt  or Terry would add a pulled pork barbecue sandwich.  

Yesterday we must have been stressed. We went to grab lunch at 4:30 at Pete's in Mt Pleasant.  I ordered my normal salad and a chicken on rye sandwich with BBQ sauce on the side. I only eat half the sandwich.  I could see the look in Terry's eyes go wild searching the menu.  This has been much harder on him than me.   He settled on something surprising... one slice of Supreme pizza and a Squealer Sandwich.  They call it squealer because it is pork. He picked it up and attacked it. I reminded him twice to slow down and enjoy it. If he was going to jump off the wagon he needed to do it without breaking his legs.  

He was doing well until about ten last night... and then again at two early this morning... he groaned at me around seven and said, "NEVER AGAIN" ... 

Yep... the devil prowls around roaring through our lives constantly tempting us.  This applies to food when you are doing a life style change. How do you walk away from 60 years of eating beef, pork, cheese, eggs and milk? Terry has gone from a 38 waist in his jeans back to a 34.  He has lost 20 pounds. He feels really really good, but his mind remembers the taste and feel of those fatty foods...but after he indulges the guilt is huge and the payback not pleasant.

Same for life my friends. With the freedom God gave man comes responsibility and wise choices.  

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

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

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

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

Butterflies are free... Words of my Heart, Texas Artist Laurie Pace

     © G.O.D.  Laurie Justus Pace                                                  Graphics One Design

Yesterday felt all day like it should have been September first.  Today is September first. The forecast is for 100 degree weather coming up over this holiday weekend into next week.  Where is fall? Indian Summer is here before summer even began to fade.  We did not see 100 degrees in August hardly at all, so God, what is with this sudden heat wave?

A librarian wrote me from a high school in Roanoke, Virginia inquiring about one of my books.  They were dedicating a special book to the library in memory of a small life that God only graced the world with for two days.  I was so honored to have my work chosen for this commemorative book dedication.  Tears came with the thoughts. Memories of my grandson Grant that we lost five years ago at age eleven.  Additional tears for his other grandmother that we lost a year ago suddenly without warning. Tears for my father-in-law and his passing two years ago this September and the fresh rawness of missing my own father who passed away in January of this year. 

It does not seem to matter how long a life has been here with us, the simple part of conception begins the process and immediately lives and families are affected. At birth the joy of seeing a new baby is woven into the fabric of the community.  The longer the life, the greater the joy spreads over the years. When it is a short life, it leaves you wondering in the years to come, what if... what would they be... how would they look? We seem to forever see them as they were.  They have been set free with Him.

Everything has a ripple effect on our lives throughout the years. No matter how small the touch... it was made.


“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. Today, if only you would hear his voice,” Psalm 95:6-7

Words from my heart, Laurie
A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Tears from Heaven, Words of my heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

    © G.O.D. Laurie Justus Pace                                    Graphics One Design 1998-2012

Tears from Heaven.  The heavens are releasing rain across our neighboring states of Louisiana and Arkansas.  It is frustrating to be on that 'line' where the rain seems to stop right before it gets to our county.  We drove to swim at the Wellness Center in Mt Pleasant and raindrops fell on the windshield and dark clouds boiled across the sky. The wind was stoutly pushing vehicles swaying on the interstate. As we left to come home we had high hopes of rain. 

Back home it was a tiny sprinkle and nothing more.  Strong winds blow across the pond.  We can see the rain on radar only a few miles away but it is not in His plan for us. 

At times we envision something so clearly in life we try to will it into being. We are devastated when it is within reach and it never comes to be.  It must be part of God's plan for our lives.  

May His strength lift up all those affected by this hurricane and remaining storms. We thank His wisdom in all things.  

"Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe..." Hebrews 12:28

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

Give me Understanding, Words of my Heart, Psalms of Joy by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Give me Understanding Lord.

Psalm 119:34

Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law
    and obey it with all my heart.

Words of my Heart, Laurie
A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Joy all around us. Words of my Heart, by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Joy is the calm beauty of the lake where we live... this is off the dam on our property looking up a small channel to the main lake.  His beauty surrounds us.

Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens,

    your faithfulness to the skies.  Psalm 36:5

Words of my Heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

What webs we weave, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

The webs we weave ... every day. Words said, actions done ... none can be taken back. We weave the web around ourselves of our words and actions. We are caught in our own webs. 


The joy is the Lord will forgive your words and deeds and through Him you may find the simplicity of life and love.

I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. Psalm 34:1

Words of my Heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Connecting to God, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Reaching for light... He is faithfully there. Right and true...waiting for you.

Joy is Connecting to God.

Words of my heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

For the word of the Lord is right and true; 

    he is faithful in all he does. Psalm 33:4

A room is ready! Words of my heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

A safe place awaits all of us in our Father's house. He has already prepared a room for us. Meanwhile in this life's journey His goodness and love surround us to keep us in His grace. What a pure joy to know He has all in place.

Words of my Heart, Laurie
A Texas Artist Laurie Pace





Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23:6

Perfect and Flawless, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Do  you own a quilt?  This is not even a quilt but it is an apron.  Our lives seem to be 'quilted' together with patches of experiences.  I fell in love with this apron as it had some of my freshest colors and designs and it brought joy to me.  No matter what experiences are patched together to make your life and you into the person you are today... know that God's way is perfect and flawless. You were made by Him.

Words of my Heart, Laurie
A Texas Artist Laurie Pace




As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him. Psalm 18:30

Giving Thanks, Joyful Giving, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Giving Thanks... make that a joy each day telling Him how grateful you are for your many blessings.

Words of my Heart, Laurie
A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

I will give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness; 

    I will sing the praises of the name of the Lord Most High. Psalm 7:17

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

Acceptance of Others, Words of my Heart by A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Acceptance is a powerful word in the world today. It was also powerful over 2000 years ago.  Human desire is to be loved and accepted by someone. Do you open your heart to others different from you?

Acceptance implies an ability to listen and be open.  


While you desire that of others, do you in turn offer it to others?  


Listening to another persons point of view does not imply you must alter yours. Listening is simply listening and acknowledging to that person that you are attentively hearing what they say. 


From this perspective it allows you to accept people for who they are with out judgement. There are people of other cultures, faith and lifestyles, each still divinely created. 


"Do not judge, so that you may not be judged." Matthew 7:1


Words of my Heart, Laurie
A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

The Temptations and Traps, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Something that seems to be at me daily is trying to stay out of the trap of eating from stress. Having lost close to 20 pounds last year and staying at the lower weight for over a year now, I really am ready to lose the last ten pounds.

I seem to forget again that my body is a gift and it houses my spirit and soul for this earthly journey. My bad habits and temptations from life are always pulling on me. Somehow it bothers me at night when I climb into bed and think about the day and groan... and then in prayer in the morning KNOWING what I need to do. 


Then stress will hit from somewhere during the day and I am searching out the almonds. We do not keep anything bad snack wise here at all, but too many almonds in one day can do some damage. I need to listen to my inner voice to walk away from that stress and not be motivated to seek food as solace. 

This is a retraining again of saying NO to the traps that are there. Finding strength and reminding myself I am not hungry.  This is where the vision of healthy and whole must come to play and a prayer of gratitude to God for helping me reteach my body how to respond to this chaotic life. I am open to receiving grace for this. I am open to healing and wholeness.


Words of my heart, Laurie
A Texas Artist Laurie Pace


"Peace, peace, to the far and the near, says the Lord; and I will heal them." Isaiah 57:19

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.