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

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

Do not stop Praying, Words of my Heart, A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

“For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,” Colossians 1:9

Oh my friends, would it not be wonderful to wake each morning without worry or concerns that you would be empowered by wisdom and understanding for everything you face?  

Why can we not understand that we are able to ask God to fill us with His will through prayer and meditation?

Whatever is heavy on your heart this day, please know that God will fill you with the wisdom you seek, you simply must ask and believe He will show you the direction. If you heart and mind are not open you will miss it. Faith my friend is needed.

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

Empowered by the Father, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

With every change in life, every move we make, in everything we do, we are given the gift of insight with the experience. Many of us miss the 'insight' and cling to the experience without a second thought. We are caught up emotionally.

God is the constant in our lives that empowers us through His word, His affirmations, His creation... through everything around us. Many of us miss the 'constant' of God.


It is this power from Him that propels you through challenges and comforts you in stress.  Pay attention to these moments to feel His presence within you.  Don't miss out on it. 


"To you, O God of my ancestors, I give thanks and praise, for you have given me wisdom and power." Daniel 2:23


Words of my heart, Laurie
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

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

Joyfully, Words of my Heart by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Joyfully



Existing in life from day to day, working to live makes it hard in a way

To stop and take a breath, to look around and see the joy that can now be found.

Moving round you is His Spirit bright, waiting for you to walk in the light.


Lifting the burdens you shoulder through time, opening your vision to what you may find.

Joy is an awareness and creative expression, it's there to light your dark depression.

Giving to neighbors and friends in need, the planting starts with joyful seed.

The beauty of nature and music of life does not require a day of tense strife.

Recognize the Christ dwelling in you, and let your soul be joyful in all you do.


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

"With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation." Isaiah 12:3

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

Life Softly Spoken


With over 30 years of teaching experience in both public and private schools and my own art studio, I have learned early on that speaking softly and saying less controls children the best. When you set the mood of your classroom, it always works best to keep it simple.  

The KISS method was one my husband told me was used by all the mechanics at American Airlines. They referred to the acronym as Keep It Simple Stupid...but I had to adjust that for the classroom to Keep It Simply Soft. My classrooms were home away from home for these children as they spent more time with me during their waking hours than they did with anyone else.  


I wanted that to be quality time with both respect and gentleness. I found that softly spoken word last night when Terry and I watched a series on Netflix. My heart was moved to the core of my soul in a scene from the upper room. 

It was a series called CLOSE TO JESUS, the stories of those he touched.  It includes Mary Magdalene, Joseph of Nazareth, Judas, and Thomas.  It is directed by Raffaele Mertes who has done quite a few movies including one on the Holy Family, The Apocalypse, and Esther: the Bible.  We watched the first one in the Close to Jesus series on Thomas.  The setting was just after the crucifixion. It started out sort of slow but within about ten minutes I was on the streets with Thomas as he sought to find the body of Jesus. By the end of the movie you realized Thomas ran in search of something that was right there in front of him. He was outspoken and direct and simply would not let go of what he saw or wanted to see. The other disciples and Mary Magdalene each had their own struggles.  The disciple that stood out the strongest was not the casting of Peter as the Rock, but the soft spoken highly convicted disciple John.  In the series his eyes seem to penetrate your soul as he softly repeats the words of the 'Master'. He never seem to have second thoughts or questions... he simply believed. He spoke from his heart in a place of love.


As you bring yourself to prayer with the Father and then to life today... keep at heart the KISS method, keep living from your heart, a place that is filled with pure love.  Keep your faith simple and steady as Jesus shares it. 


Words of my heart, Laurie
A Texas Artist Laurie Pace


“Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” Luke 2:49

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

Rest with Him Words of my Heart by a Texas Artist Laurie Pace

REST


Every day we confront the need to make decisions.  Simple decisions as well as life changing ones. 


Every morning take the time before you rise from bed to give this day to the Lord and for all the worries that are piling in your mind, the schedules and the wants... put those at the foot of the cross. 

As an artist I have begun to do visuals with my prayers of what the foot of the cross has beneath it. Broken cups, broken hearts, torn clothing, baby dolls missing an arm, teddy bears without one eye. Each symbolizing something that has caused a fear or worry to manifest itself within.  Put those things at the foot of that cross. 


Affirm your faith in God. Release everything else. The joy is in the release of getting yourself and your controlling thoughts out of the way. God cannot guide you if He is constantly tripping over your baggage. 


We are so blessed. Lean back into Him this day and trust He will take care of you.


Words of my Heart, Laurie


"Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." Matthew 6:10

By His Wounds...Words of my Heart by A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

"By His wounds you have been healed."


Healing takes place on many levels in life: Physical, spiritual and psychological.


Relationships exist on many levels in life: Physical, spiritual and psychological.

There exists you on the outside. The "you" we all see and think we know. The "you" that you allow us to know.  We only seem to share parts of who we are with others. At levels deeper within ourselves there are things we do not even admit to ourselves, nevertheless share those things with others. We would be vulnerable to hurt on every level.




God knows all these things and He exists for us on all levels. He knows your thoughts before you even are consciously aware of them. He knows when you are afraid but hiding it from others. He knows when you are lying and trying to cover it up. He knows the deepest desires of your heart and He has taken on the pain of your deepest hurts in life. 


Whatever is deep inside of you churning or resurfacing causing pain in your life, it is time to hand it to the Lord.


Words of my heart, Laurie


“He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”1 Peter 2:24

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

Surrender

Darkness and difficulties cloud the day.

Often they cloud your entire life.

In the face of any challenge you do not have to be alone. There is hope even in the toughest time. It is when we are at the lowest point that we are the most open and unguarded... a time to hear and learn.  Our defenses are totally crumbled.  We are now reachable.  We are now teachable.

As we make our way from that dark pit of difficulty, back to the light, we appreciate new understanding about ourselves and situations in this life's journey. This gives us the strength to step out and go on.

His suffering was agony at its deepest. His rising was love and joy at its purest.

His sacrifice was for you and me.

Surrender to Him. Be enfolded in the peace that extends beyond all understanding.  Be still and surrender, know He is there.

Words of my Heart,
Laurie Pace

"Then Jesus crying with a loud voice, said, "Father, into your hands I commend my spirit." Having said this, he breathed his last." Luke 23:46

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

The Rock

Jack phoned yesterday when Terry and I were out walking. He had seen the blog and called to catch up.  I asked him where exactly he was going with the rock as he had ended up his sermon yesterday and Terry and I both somehow missed his last tie in.

He said it was referring to Jesus knowing Peter would be the "Rock" the church was built upon.      

Jesus knew that, as well as he knew Peter would betray him. That "look" was a look of love THROUGH the eyes of grace,  when he caught Peter's eye after the betrayal.

Jack wanted us to be reminded of the 'rock' that Peter was. Highly respected among the disciples, no one believed  he believed he would ever betray Jesus.


Jesus knew it would happen.

For me it completes a circle. Reading in Matthew at the end of this post,  when Peter was told by Jesus that he was the rock and foundation of the church, it continues through the last supper and through the painful betrayal and on through the beginnings of the church.  

Most likely Peter was in pain torn as to what to do in the situation and somehow decided it was better to not be identified as a disciple.  He simply continued to deny a relationship with Jesus. Then the cock crowed and Peter looked up in surprise to see Jesus' eyes on him.   They were not eyes of anger but as Jack put it, they were "the eyes of grace, forgiving Peter as it happened, knowing it was part of God's plan for him to betray Jesus.

Jesus' words to Simon Peter, "Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers."  Luke 22:31-32


My rock is still my 'rock of grace' and translating it back  it is "Peter of Grace"

There is a wonderful article on Wikipedia... please read it.


Words of my heart, Laurie

Matthew 16:13-20   "When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”  “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”

Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven.  And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.  I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”  Then he ordered his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah."

"I wanna piece"... Words of my heart from a Texas Artist Laurie Pace

"I wanna piece..."

Seems like that is the norm now.. give me... I want some. 
What we do not grasp is the more we stock up on the pieces the less peace we truly have.

When you see rain falling outside the window with the roll of thunder in the distance, you begin to realize there is more than just you and your world. There is a connection with Him. The rain cleans the air and saturates the ground; it provides water for animals and our lakes and for us.  Each single drop of that rain has a purpose.


God's spirit is at work... balancing out nature, feeding the needs of our environment.  It provides a sense of comfort and completion and that gentle rain will bring a peace to your heart.


Time to walk away from all of it and realign your thoughts to conversations with Him. Let go of all the pieces. That is the only way to His peace and a peace of soul and mind for you. 


Words of my heart, Laurie

"Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in all ways. The Lord be with all of you." 2 Thessalonians 3:16

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

Unanswered Prayers, The Elephant in the Room, Words of my Heart by A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Unanswered Prayers, the Elephant in the Room?

It happens all the time. Elephants in the room. We step all around them, worry about them and they do not budge.

Terry's Aunt Jo used to keep a list of all the things she was praying about. She had a spiral notebook she carried around. Neatly she would write out the date of the first day she was praying about something.  If the prayer was answered... on the far right side there was a date of the answered prayer.

This really works in the sense you SEE how many prayers are answered and very few are unanswered prayers.  Everything is in God's time, not ours.

Right now there is something you are fretting over or worried about. Something that might even shake the foundation of your life...or so you are thinking. You begin praying about it. Often it is easy to offer a barter or trade. IF you do this, I will do this.... count on an unanswered prayer my friend as God does not take lightly to bartering.

When you pray you often have a waiting time for things to begin to happen. Rarely is anything overnight. Even if there is not evidence of things happening, God is working on it all.  It is time to go about your day and be strong in your faith and trust God. Affirm your love and faith in Him and stop fretting about the things that seems to be the elephant in the room. In quiet moments the Presence of God is evident and the elephant begins to fade from sight. Your eyes on are Him now, you cannot see that elephant any more. Now you are ready to receive.

Words of my Heart, Laurie

"And Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior." Luke 1:46-47