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

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

The Work of their Hands, Sharing of my heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

No longer will they build houses and others live in them, or plant and others eat. For as the days of a tree, so will be the days of my people; my chosen ones will long enjoy the work of their hands.  Isaiah 65:2

Sharing of my heart, Laurie

A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Reflections of His Love, Words of my Heart, A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young— a place near your altar, LORD Almighty, my King and my God.   Psalm 84:3

So beautiful on the pond.  Every morning and evening we sit outside or walk our two acres over to Lake Cypress Springs and watch the ducks on the big lake... on one side or the dam and our pond and house on the other side.  

Reflections of Him. 

Reflections of His glory. 

Reflections of His creation and reflections of His love.

Words of my Heart, Laurie
A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Hay Baling, Words of my Heart, Texas Artist Laurie Pace

    Photo from FreeFoto.com  Hay Bales by Ian Britton

When the hay is removed and new growth appears

    and the grass from the hills is gathered in,

the lambs will provide you with clothing,

    and the goats with the price of a field.

Proverbs 27:25-26

New growth... even possible in the fall and the winter. Fall Gardens, fall winter rye grass.  Growth continues every single second with every breath of God. Are you open and ready to grow this fall?  Prepare your heart by removing the old and allowing the new to appear and strengthen. Find the gifts He has provided. Get rid of the things that hold you back and bog you down. Those are not just earthly things but emotional things as well.

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

Gift of Life, Words of my Heart by A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

The gift of life from the Father. He delivered us safely from our mothers and still today cares for us as our Father. He is our constant hope. He is our constant in every way. He is there for us when we praise Him or when we cry out to Him in desperation.

For you have been my hope, Sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth.

From birth I have relied on you: you brought me forth from my mother’s womb.  Psalm 71:5-6

Words of my Heart, Laurie

Texas Artist Laurie Pace

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

Peace in Silence, Words of my Heart by A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Silence...


is a state of consciousness containing peace.  Turning away from the chaos churning in our lives.  No TV, no music, no other voices, no noise... simple silence and with it comes peace.

When was the last time you went there? Eyes closed or open, your heart knows the way with its steady beating. I always think of Skaitook Lake in Oklahoma just outside of Tulsa.  It was a long ago day and my first ride on Terry's English Dart catamaran.  It was not a gusting windy day but enough to sail gently. I laid on the trampoline flat and closed my eyes feeling the cool spray of water across me, feeling the gentle slapping of water on the bottom of the trampoline and the warmth of the sun.  No words were spoken...only the gentle silence of peace.


That is where I go when things are tough.  After 22 years, I can still put myself on that trampoline and feel it all over again. All thoughts vanish and concerns fall away. 


So no matter what happens in life... I can find my peaceful silent place in just seconds.




Words of my heart, Laurie
A Texas Artist Laurie Pace


"Let me hear what God the Lord will speak, for he will speak peace to his people." Psalm 85:3

Praying for Others, Words of my Heart, Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Praying for others.

Circumstances in life happen. They happen to all of us. Sharing a prayerful life that includes the needs of others.  We have to look beyond the temporary that surrounds us and focus on God's perfection... God's perfection for each of us.

The power is among us and as we gather together that power is multiplied. This is the presence of Christ.  Honoring His presence in others and lifting them up.

No matter where you are today or what you are doing... stand in line and pray for others. At the next red light, pray for others. Every moment offers the opportunity to bless others and pray for them.

You are enfolded in love...

Words of my Heart, Laurie

"I pray that... Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love." Ephesians 3:16, 17

Claiming God's Good Plans, Words of my Heart by A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Claiming God's Good Plans

After a week of travel we were so happy to be home in our own bed last night.   For some reason my Dad's words are stuck in my head right now.  He always encouraged us (the siblings) to believe in ourselves; to write down our goals; to cross them out as we achieved them.

Heck I remember at age 17 he gave me one of those pocket books about achieving the most you can from life. He was way before his times.

This was Lady L last year... she has on her bakers hat and is working diligently in her own little kitchen.  This trip to her house she has a new kitchen... got it from Santa.  She served me special tea made with watermelon and ice cream.  Her imagination races with ideas and colors swim before her eyes when she does her painting or coloring. She is poised and ready to apply the talents God has given her to use in her life. It is time for her to grow and begin creating the life God has for her.

We all have had dreams in our lives. Dreams of the ideal job or things we wanted to do, like learn to play the guitar, or take cooking lessons, or art lessons.  Pray on it now. What is your destiny? What are your gifts? Open your heart to God and see what is in store for you.  Be ready to claim His plans for your life.

Words of my heart, Laurie


Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.”” Mark 9:35NIV

Excited Angels, Words of my Heart by A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Excited Angels Around Us.

At this time of year you can often just look around and visible see those little Angels. These two caught my eye and I took a series of images as their faces changed with the cold wind blowing them about on the float they were in for the Mount Vernon Christmas Parade.

Can you even begin to imagine how the real Angels were twittering about in joyful love and expectation waiting as Mary and Joseph rode into Bethlehem? 

They knew what was ahead and coming. They were at God's side and waited as He laid it out before them. Their excitement could hardly be hidden or contained... GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST.

Compare it to the little ones in your life and their expectation and excitement of Santa Claus arriving.

Gee what would it take for them to feel that same level of joyful anticipation over the spiritual celebration of Christmas?


Words of my heart, Laurie

"While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born,  and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.  But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven,  and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” 
Luke 2: 6-14

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

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

The Guiding Light

Have you ever watched the clouds racing across the sky at different times of the day?  Morning clouds seem to scurry lightly as the sun breaks through. Afternoon clouds are heavier usually with some moisture or oncoming rain. Evening clouds are thick and adorned with highlights from the setting sun. Night clouds seem to race across the moon.  All the sitings of clouds are based on the light of day or night.

There is no darkness in the presence of God. In your soul the light of God burns brightly and is eternal. If God is truly in your life there is not darkness. You might sometimes feel there is when walking through a valley of illness or death...but His light is there guiding you through the trials and leading you forward to His grace.

If you continue to keep your eyes on Him and allow Him to participate in your life, divine light will be your constant guide.  Live confidently in His light.

As I watch my earthly father walk the path of Alzheimers, there have been more times than I can count that my heart clenches realizing this is the reality and it is not going to get better.  You cannot run from this disease when it strikes your family. You cannot find cures or doctors anywhere that can make it better.  God is the only source of light and hope as you watch your loved one begin releasing the essence of who they were here on earth into His care, soon to walk in His presence in everlasting light.

Words of my heart, Laurie

No Way But Up, Words of my Heart by A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

No Way But Up

I wrote earlier this week about our spiritual and physical being in partnership.  As life progresses things happen. Illnesses, disease, and unexpected accidents affect all of us.

When those you love are hurting, facing health issues or even death, you must hold to your heart there is no way but up for the help and power to heal them either in this life or heal them as they continue on to God.

As with the changing seasons in His control, so are each of us in His hands.  With God there beside us extraordinary things will happen in our lives.  Just keep your eyes on Him above and your spirit in His grace and He will provide what you need during this time. 

God is good. All the time, God is good.

Words of my heart,
Laurie

"At once the man got up in front of them all, took the bed hehad been lying on, and went home, praising God." Luke 5:25

Having a Birthday? Words of the Heart by A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Having a Birthday...

Waking up this morning begins a new year for me.
 A new cycle, a new year, a new moment to begin this new age.

Celebrate life with me and the beauty of the miracle of birth.

So much love surges through me with thanks to two of the best parents God could provide.  He knew what was needed and He made it happen.

How we survive birth is amazing in itself... and then childhood... woaw. Surviving that and high school, then college, marriage and my own kids?

The cycle of life is a miracle of God.

Today can be a new start for you even if it is not your birthday. You can turn the page and begin a new one today. Do not carry forward any fears, angers, sadness, resentments or disappointments. LET IT ALL GO!!  Think of holding 'birthday balloons'  filled with all of your burdens.. and walk out side and release them.

Get on with Life!

Words of the Heart,
Laurie

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV