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

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

The Caissons go Rolling Along, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

"Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9)

On this Veterans Day I have to share a remembrance of my dad who served in the Army during the Korean war.  Terry and I attended a Veteran's Day Banquet on Friday night this past week.  It is an annual banquet by the Republican Woman of Northeast Texas where they honor a living veteran in the area for their service.  

The company was fabulous being surrounded by men and women that have served in our great military; in addition Michael Lee US Navy Pilot (retired) as the speaker and the honorary Naval Senior Chief, Clinton Marshall Evetts.   Their stories warmed our hearts but it was the music that was my un-doing. 

 A group performed a medley of songs from the armed forces. This happened to be the exact medley I use to sing with my dad throughout the years of his Alzheimers.  Music never left him as the words and melodies of songs stayed strong in his soul and mind.  Everyone was invited to sing along and I did with gusto remembering my dad with each tune until they hit the army song and then it was all over.  The tears spilled over and down my checks and my throat choked on the words.   

The Lord my God is with me wherever I go... and the love and guidance of my own earthly father fill my heart alongside my heavenly Father's love and grace. 

I can still hear you singing with me....

I really miss you Dad.

"Over hill, over dale As we hit the dusty trail,

And those caissons go rolling along.
In and out, hear them shout, Counter march and right about,
And those caissons go rolling along.

Then it's hi! hi! hee! In the field artillery,
Shout out your numbers loud and strong, For where e'er you go,
You will always know That those caissons go rolling along. "

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

The Master Gardener, Words of my Heart, by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

“This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,"  Matthew 6:9

I have written often about using the word ACTS to pray by.  Adoration, Confessions, Thanksgiving and Supplication.  Stormie Omartian shares in her book "The Power of a Praying Woman" on page 32, thirty good names to call your God.  Her list is in my heart when I pray and depending on the time and place I call to Him often as Healer, Redeemer, Everlasting Father, Mediator and many others.  (Only the Creator, Master Gardener could grow a tree this size. It was dead for two years before we took it down this spring. )

1. Healer (Psalm 103:3)

2. Redeemer (Isaiah 59:20)

3. Deliverer (Psalm 70:5)

4. My Stronghold (Psalm 43:2)

5. Refuge (Joel 3:16)

6. Friend (John 15:15)

7. The Righteous One (I John 2:1)

8. Restorer (Psalm 23:3)

9. Everlasting Father (Isaiah 9:6)

10. Love (I John 4:16)

11. Mediator (I Timothy 2:5-6)

12. Good (Nahum 1:7)

13. Bread of Life (John 6:35)

14. Hiding Place (Psalm 32:7)

15. Everlasting Light (Isaiah 60:20)

16. Strong Tower (Proverbs 18:10)

17. Resting Place (Jeremiah 50:6)

18. Spirit of Truth (John 16:13)

19. Shelter from the Storm (Isaiah 25:4)

20. Eternal Life (I John 5:20)

21. The Lord Who Provides (Gen. 22:14)

22. Lord of Peace (2 Thess. 3:16)

23. Living Water (John 4:10)

24. My Shield (Psalm 144:2)

25. Husband (Isaiah 54:5)

26. Helper (Hebrews 13:6)

27. Wonderful Counselor (Isaiah 9:6)

28. The Lord Who Heals (Exodus 15:26)

29. Hope (Psalm 71:5)

30. God Who Gives Endurance (Romans 15:5)

Sharing my thoughts and the Words of Stormie Omartian, 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

Where can you stick your nose safely? Words of my Heart, A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Our dogs are such loves. This is one of our grand dogs as a puppy. He was totally trusting in anything we offered him.  Terry had a bag of dog treats and his little nose fit right in!  


We fit right into the care and love of the Father... jump in and get acquainted with Him again. He has much ready for you to 'stick your nose into.'

Lord Almighty,  blessed is the one who trusts in you.  Psalm 84:12

Words of my heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

He knows our Needs, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

He knows what we need before we know. He will provide in His mercy for all we need this day and every day.

Hear me, O Lord; for thy lovingkindness is good: turn unto me according to the multitude of thy tender mercies. Psalm 69:16

Unfailing Love and Joy, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

When was the last time you did something that was fun that you wanted to do just for yourself?  God wants you to have the desires of your heart. He longs for a relationship with you. That is the desire of His heart. Do you have a relationship with Him? Take two for that relationship and He is waiting to hear from you.   Your JOY awaits.

Words of my Heart, Laurie
A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Let your face shine on your servant;

    save me in your unfailing love. Psalm 31:16

Our Rock and our Fortress, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Our summer has already hit 100 two days in a row... and the joyful news is, it is 15 degrees cooler than last summer at this time.  The Lord is truly our rock and fortress through the heat of summer and the cold blasts of winter.

Words of my Heart, Laurie
A Texas Artist Laurie Pace





I love you, O Lord, my strength.The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised,
and I am saved from my enemies. Psalm 18:1-3

Joy Truck Escape Ramps for Humans...aka GOD, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Up the mountain we climbed... up ... up... up.  There were these strange little mini roads off to the side of the freeway in many spots as we climbed up and down. Terry said they were called  "Truck Escape Ramps".  

"The combination of heavy trucks and highway downgrades has long presented potentially dangerous conditions for truck drivers, other drivers on the road, and occupants of roadside property. The problem of runaway trucks generally results from brake failures which can arise for many different reasons. The inability of drivers to control vehicle speeds on downgrades is not only hazardous but it can also have costly consequences."

The joy in this is we have the same thing provided by God... when we cannot control our lives and things are hazardous... we always have Him.  When there is 'failure' in our lives... we always have Him.

O Lord, our Lord,

    how majestic is your name in all the earth!

You have set your glory above the heavens. Psalm 8:1

Words of my Heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

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.

Paths Chosen, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Paths Chosen


Are you the type that wants to drive down those small roads to see where they go? Terry shakes his head, but takes off at my plea for a new adventure. 


We have discovered that is not always good, and sometimes it is just the opposite, you find things you would have missed in your lifetime.   

 Paths before us, clear cut or full of obstacles, are both new to us.  The 'obstacles' path may not have been used much before you and poses a bit more daring to take it, but in the same sense, the well worn path has been walked by others before you, but it is still totally new to you. No matter which path you take, your every footstep and action is decisive as you blaze your way on your personal journey.


God is with you which ever you choose. His presence may be the guiding force that pulls you to uncharted paths of discovery.  He will guide you where you are to be if you are listening and following Him. Walk with Him, not away from Him.



Each of us chooses our path. We share this world with many others. How you meet, greet and treat individuals in your journey reflects the light of Him in your word, thought and deed. 


Safe Travels this weekend.


Words of my Heart, Laurie
A Texas Artist Laurie Pace






"Finally, all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love for one another, a tender heart, and a humble mind." 1 Peter 3:8

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

Prosperity


"For to all those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance." Matthew 25:29


Prosperity does not translate only to money.

 Whatever you put your energy into will grow, so choose wisely what you focus your time on.  When you focus on lack of things that you do not have in life, lack grows larger with your mounting 'wants'.


Look to Him for limitless riches, wisdom and knowledge. 


Mighty trees
Beautiful flowers
Dear friends
Loving family
Stormy days
Sunlight streaming
Clouds racing





So much surrounds us and yet it does not seem to hold our attention. The 'Lacks' seem to build up the wants.  




Shift your focus to true prosperity in life.


Words of my Heart, Laurie
A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Energy Words of the Heart by A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

ENERGY 
Saturday Tumbles


I cannot wait for this morning to arrive. We are going to watch Lady L play soccer. I also will have paints and canvas for her this afternoon and maybe another fabulous painting will emerge.

Remember what it is like to get up in the morning and be excited and full of energy for what is ahead in the day?  The pure joy of anticipation like a small child knowing something special is ahead?


Wrap your head around the idea that you are that child; that child of God. Meet this day with Praise for all that is in your life. Meet this day with open arms and heart to embrace what is ahead. If you are in the midst of illness or tragedy, know He is there with you. He never gives us more than we can bear, and He remains with us through it all. Find that little bit of 'morning glory' no matter how small it is. 


This is the day that the Lord hath made. Let us rejoice and be Glad in it!


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

"There, in the presence of the LORD your God, you and your families shall eat and shall rejoice in everything you have put your hand to, because the LORD your God has blessed you." Deuteronomy 12:7

Subscribe? Words of my Heart by A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Subscribe


Working with CFAI.co has been a tremendous learning experience. Discovering new things to do on the internet and marketing ideas is a constant thing when you are representing over 500 artists. It is full time around the clock. ( Unless partner Diane Whitehead gets a hold of me... weekends are suppose to be with family.)

This week I have begun putting together the new June Issue of Visual Language Magazine for CFAI.co.  Our first issue out caught the attention of 85,000 readers. Can you believe that? Our second issue is at 46,000 I believe and still climbing.  We are hoping to continue with the magazine and eventually have people subscribe to it. It is free right now.

I have to take a step back during my working day that is always bent toward this creation and think of where my thoughts should be centered and where I should be 'subscribing to'.  The word of God has constant learning experiences woven through out the many pages. Discovering new things in passages you have read over your lifetime still surprises me.   Dwelling in His Word should be a constant thing and realizing He 'represents' all of us. He constantly has us foremost in His grace.  We can be there with Him too if we reorder our lives. 


What do you subscribe to first in your life? Has your subscription run out to Him? He is ready for you to renew right now... His perfect plan awaits you.


Words of my heart, Laurie

Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me.--John 14:1

Treasures of the heart? Words of the heart by A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

What is a treasure that you hold dear?

What holds promise and possibilities beyond your comprehension?

What is the most wonderful thing you have?

Each day begins and offers to you endless possibilities.

Anything can happen this day.

Things you might expect and many things you would not even be ready for.

Lay at the cross this day your limitations and expectations.

Be open to His surprises and His direction. Open your heart to appreciate your life as it unfolds, the good, the bad, and the ugly.

The Father will handle it all.  Be ready with an open heart and an open mind. Trust in the Father, this day holds great promise.

Words of the heart, Laurie

"O Lord of hosts, happy is everyone who trusts in you." Psalm 84:12