A Painting A Day ~ Chasing the Light ~ Horse Equine Painting by Laurie Justus Pace

Chasing the Light

18 x 24 inches
Acrylic on Canvas

A Painting A Day: From the movement of paint and the turning of light, I often have to step back from my thought of creation to allow an inner freedom to work across the canvas. Working with both Golden Acrylics and Liqutex Acrylics, I revel in the intensity of color as these hues spirit across the canvas. Ridges of paint begin to carve out what is there that the eye has not seen yet. Confirmation from a few strokes brings it to the front.

Contact me to purchase: Laurie

© Laurie Pace 2009
"On that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you." John 14:20

Saturday was a day to visit my dad. It is something you eagerly look forward to, you can't wait to see him, and you enjoy every moment you are with him...but when you leave you are exhausted. You often long for what was in the past, still struggling to accept what God has gifted you in your present earthly existence.

Today at church two young ladies will be confirmed into the church. They have spent close to a year in study and preparation for this decision. I remember the year I was confirmed. That was the spring it rained 40 days and forty nights here in Dallas and all the highways were closed down due to flooding. My dad always joked about getting a boat to go to church.

He is a man that lived his life with confidence and purpose. I knew at anytime day or night I could phone home and ask my dad something and he would always have an answer for me. 99% of the time it was the right answer. I always felt his presence as a sheltering protection in my life and trusted what he and mom would advise me to do.

Now in life there are these moments of clarity on things; you might say a sudden revelation from no where that is the perfect answer or solution to a problem at hand. A second thought follows immediately that I realized this is intuition kicking in. That same inner knowing I had about my Dad in my twenties and thirties has been replaced with maturity and a closer relationship with God. With age and experience comes the ability (When I use it) to get myself out of the way with my doubts and fears, and let His Spirit speak to me. I cannot possibly hear God if my inner thoughts are drowning out His gentle Spirit. My negative interference slows down everything...makes a "drag" you might say on forward progress.

Cut loose that "drag" today and replace those doubts; communicate with God. The Spirit will lead you in confidence and purpose.

Laurie

“In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?” Psalm 56: 4

Websites:
www.lauriejustuspace.com
www.thepaintedpony.net
www.dailypainters.com
www.ellepace.artspan.com
www.askart.com Blue Book of Artists


Laurie's Books:
Amazon

Representing Galleries:
The Rare Gallery Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Earthworks Art Gallery, New York
Patina of Marble Falls, Texas
The Dutch Art Gallery, Dallas, Texas
The Gordon Phillips Gallery, Texas
The Red Tree Gallery, Atascadero, California
Our House Gallery, El Dorado Hills, California
SR Gallery, Hong Kong
Shooting Stars Gallery, Glenrock, Wyoming

A Painting a Day ~ Bathed in Gold~ Horse Equine Painting by Laurie Pace

No. 190 Bathed in Gold
24 x 30 inches
Acrylic on Canvas

SOLD THANK YOU!

Inquiries email me at: Laurie

A Painting A Day: Sometimes it is something as simple as a color that me me turn in hunger to pick up a palette knife. It might have been the gallon of white acrylic paint as I popped it open, or the evening light as it streamed through one west door in my studio casting gold across the room...what ever it was, it was God and it was good. This composition has several layers of Golden Acrylics scraped and moved with a palette knife. The final touches of accent colors and "spicing" in reds, turquoise and violet are unexpected treats. Painted on deep 2 inch canvas, this hangs with or with out a frame.

© Laurie Justus Pace 2009

"But I will sing of your might; I will sing aloud of your steadfast love in the morning. For you have been a fortress for me and a refuge in the day of my distress." Psalm 59:16

This morning is a morning I wake with joy and song in my soul. I can hear the birds outside and can already see the tints of early light breaking deep in the east. It is a full hug from the Father and a reminder that all is good with God. I am in tune with the nature around me and fully aware of His presence in this knowledge.

Affirm your blessings today. As you reflect on those special family members and their needs, also celebrate their blessings. Use song to express what lies inside...listen to the music that resonates in your heart.

We are hoping to see our grandson today and in the next few days we will see Terry's dad off for a veterans trip to Washington DC. Ben served in the air force and the navy. He is truly an exceptional man in his honor and love of God and of country. Please pray for these veterans as they make this honorary trip to the capital.


What is your heart song today?

Laurie

"I will praise God's name in song and glorify Him with thanksgiving." Psalm 69:30


Follow LauriePace on Twitter


Websites:
www.lauriejustuspace.com
www.thepaintedpony.net
www.dailypainters.com
www.ellepace.artspan.com
www.askart.com Blue Book of Artists


Laurie's Books:
Amazon

Representing Galleries:
The Rare Gallery Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Earthworks Art Gallery, New York
Patina of Marble Falls, Texas
The Dutch Art Gallery, Dallas, Texas
The Gordon Phillips Gallery, Texas
The Red Tree Gallery, Atascadero, California
Our House Gallery, El Dorado Hills, California
SR Gallery, Hong Kong
Shooting Stars Gallery, Glenrock, Wyoming

A Painting a Day ~ Colorful Kisses of Spring ~ Flower Oil Painting by Laurie Pace

No. 189 Colorful Kisses of Spring
30 x 40 inches
Oil on Canvas

A Painting A Day: Only occasionally do I find myself pulled into working on a painting as I did this one. Working on a large canvas surface of 30 x 40 inches, I knew the goal was color, life, brilliance, softness and intensity. This sets up a definite conflict of interest but a positive gathering of elements in the composition. Memories of my Grandmother's flower garden in the center of her horseshoe drive at her farm outside St Louis, led me to want to create something as fresh and soft as those moments when I would walk through the small paths often in flowers as tall as I was. I cannot count the layering that went into this painting and the depth of color and paint are astonishing. It is available for a good offer. Currently as it cures out, it hangs in my home gracing the walls with the kiss of spring.

Inquiries email me at: Laurie

See more details at: ellepace.artspan.com Here you can use the magnify tool and see every area close up and personal.

© Laurie Justus Pace 2009

Close ups:

Pictures of it hanging.

"Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God commanded you, so that your days may be long and that it may go well with you." Deuteronomy 5:16

When I painted these flowers my mind truly was at Nonnie's farm. When I think of her, I always think of her there and how wonderful it was when we drove from Dallas all the way to St Louis to see her. My grandfather had retired from the railroad and bought the farm for them to live in the country outside town. I don't have a memory of where they were before at all. I need to ask my mom or older brother. Seems like all my memories are there. After my grandfather died, I remember visiting and I got to sleep in my grandmother's bed with her. The memory of stretching before even opening my eyes...I could hear the birds outside the window. As I slowly raised my eye lids up.. the white curtain was floating and fluttering with the early breeze. Nonnie was never still in bed when I woke up... she was always out doing her chores either outside feeding chickens, or in the kitchen beginning food prep for the day. It was magical. Playing outside, in the flower garden, or even helping gather blackberries from the food garden. Oh yes, I remember, "Watch out for snakes." They seem to like those berries too. I laugh remembering the old two seater out house. The farm had indoor baths etc, but the original outhouse was still on the property. I imagine my younger readers have no clue, but you older ones are chuckling. At night we would chase the fireflies and try and catch them cupping them in our hands and peering in to see if they still had their "lights' on. The parents, aunts, uncles, etc were all around sitting in those chairs we all remember in different colors of metal with white arms.

Family is dear to all of us. If you live away from family they seem even more precious as you are missing life moments being with them. It makes the visits even more special as you drink in and make your memories count. God has created our families and given us to each other to share life together. You can definitely count on the fact that families NEVER agree on anything except the breaking of bread and heartfelt hugs. You can also count on God dwelling in each person and the connection that remains there as part of His creation. Be aware as you think of each family member of what their needs might be right now. If you are like me your day is packed from dawn to dusk and adding extra pray time and thought seems impossible...but scribble a list of names and take them slowly through out the week. Next to each name, write something down to pray about for that person. This will deepen your awareness of others and the ability to actually watch God answer your prayer as His love transforms and heals each family member.

Great Grandpa Ben and "Gail" aka Lauren

The family bond is unbreakable. God is the Father... our bond with Him is unbreakable despite how often we forget, HE never forgets. Honor your family; honor the memories; honor the love and hold them each close in heart.

Laurie


"So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife. Then he went to her, and the LORD enabled her to conceive, and she gave birth to a son. The women said to Naomi: "Praise be to the LORD, who this day has not left you without a kinsman-redeemer. May he become famous throughout Israel! He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age. For your daughter-in-law, who loves you and who is better to you than seven sons, has given him birth." Ruth 4:13-15

Follow LauriePace on Twitter


Websites:
www.lauriejustuspace.com
www.thepaintedpony.net
www.dailypainters.com
www.ellepace.artspan.com
www.askart.com Blue Book of Artists


Laurie's Books:
Amazon

Representing Galleries:
The Rare Gallery Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Earthworks Art Gallery, New York
Patina of Marble Falls, Texas
The Dutch Art Gallery, Dallas, Texas
The Gordon Phillips Gallery, Texas
The Red Tree Gallery, Atascadero, California
Our House Gallery, El Dorado Hills, California
SR Gallery, Hong Kong
Shooting Stars Gallery, Glenrock, Wyoming

A Painting a Day ~ A Dozen Red Roses ~ Flower Oil Painting by Laurie Pace

No. 187 A Dozen Red Roses
18 x 27 inches

Oil on Canvas

A Painting A Day: This painting uniquely addresses bold contrast colors and spaces. The heart responds to the beauty of traditional love with red roses as the central theme. Boldly stated contrasts of red and green, blue and orange, and violet and yellow create an interwoven pattern that satisfies the visual palette. The thick paint is pulled in layers with a palette knife and the final painting supports several coats of pre-varnish.

Inquiries email me at: Laurie

© Laurie Justus Pace 2009

"If any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God, who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given you." James 1:5

In past blogs I have written about GPS...God's Protective Service. I read somewhere it was also "God's Powerful Spirit". Both are good. Both are meaningful that God is with you as you journey ahead through unfamiliar territory in your life. When decisions need to be made, and your heart and head are full of questions and "what shall I do?" ...that is when you seek assurance that you are making the right choices. You are taking the correct path.

For me this is the MOST difficult. I pray and pray and listen and listen. Often I have done what I though God was telling me... and I end up somewhere I never even thought about. I still question if I am hearing Him or hearing my own heart guided by my human mindset.

Practice is what I continue with. Practice to listen and pray and listen some more. GPS is on 24/7. This day begins and lays before us...ask Him to lead the way for you today.


Laurie
“However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.” Acts 20:24

Follow LauriePace on Twitter

Visit My Blogs:
Laurie Pace A Painting a Day with a thought for the day.
Wonders of the Heart Paintings that warm the heart.
Texas Contemporary Artist Where the Ponies hang out.
The Lakewood Series Contemporary Christian Fiction in the Making

Websites:
www.lauriejustuspace.com
www.thepaintedpony.net
www.dailypainters.com
www.ellepace.artspan.com
www.askart.com Blue Book of Artists

Representing Galleries:
The Rare Gallery Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Earthworks Art Gallery, New York
Patina of Marble Falls, Texas
The Dutch Art Gallery, Dallas, Texas
The Gordon Phillips Gallery, Texas
The Red Tree Gallery, Atascadero, California
Our House Gallery, El Dorado Hills, California
SR Gallery, Hong Kong
Shooting Stars Gallery, Glenrock, Wyoming

No 185 Into the Night Horse Equine Oil Painting by Laurie Justus Pace

24 x 24 inches
Oil on Canvas

Contact me if you are interested: Laurie

SOLD FROM THE BLOG> THANK YOU!

"And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7

When I crawl in bed at night, a welcoming sigh or a release of breath usually comes. The day is over, the night is here and rest is soon to be. It is a welcoming time of prayer and meditation and the joy of reading my bible and the book at my bedside. The world ceases for this time as I draw into the centering moments before sleep connecting to the peace and quiet of the night. It is here I welcome the arms of my Father to hold me as I fall asleep with His comfort.

The mornings bring anticipation of a new day and new beginnings and the celebration of His world waking around me. This is a time to stop and collect your racing thoughts of what needs to be done this day... and center yourself to align your day with His plans as well.

Terry and I spent yesterday trying to sort and organize and put things out for big trash pick up. That is what I wanted for my anniversary...less clutter! I wanted peace with in my home....but the best plans never seem to work out as we hoped despite our desires. I had to practice focusing on what was instead of what I wanted. He was not feeling well all day and spent the day graduating from Jello to crackers and cheese and finally to full meal last night.

Either morning, noon or night, or anytime... you can find that inner peace. With it you can move forward with confidence and serenity.

Laurie
"Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful." John 14:27

Hydrangeas from the Finger Lakes Flower Oil Painting by Laurie Justus Pace

24 x 24 inches
Oil on Canvas

Contact me if you are interested in this painting: Laurie

"I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

Terry and I yesterday morning, starting our day. We left and walked for an hour.

Then we drove out to Maggiano's where Morgan works and had anniversary lunch.
YUMMM. Dessert came out with candles.

Enjoy the journey and enjoy the destination. Makes you reflective on anniversaries. I have known this man since I was 11. We definitely have experienced much of life together. Our journey continues as does our love and respect for each other. We had so many best wishes from our close friends and families, Thank you! I especially love the antique Hummel Figurine we received... oh it tugs at our hearts.

Often in life we make some decision that we want something. We do everything with in our power to get it. We work relentlessly to make the ducks waddle in a row... and we wait eagerly with our fork for the iced cake to arrive on a plate.

How many times has the cake arrived and it was not the cake you thought you ordered, or the cake tasted like sawdust and the icing like chalk? When we jump off into things with out prayerful consideration we open ourselves up to hard work trying to get somewhere we won't like when we get there.

Soar today on the wings of your imagination and believe God inspires you as you go. His guidance will lift you to new places and new things you never would have considered. Allowing Him to be apart of your decisions and your planning opens up infinite possibilities for you.

Flow with His divine order through the experiences in your life and trust His Spirit to provide the courage to make the correct decisions and then go after that destination.

Laurie


“My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,” James 1:19

Blue and White Flowers Palette Knife Flower Oil Painting by Laurie Justus Pace
24 x 24 inches

Just finishing up for Hong Kong Summer Show at the SR Gallery. This is one of eight florals making the trip.

Contact: SR Gallery for more information.

SR GALLERY HONG KONG

" 'I will now rise up,' says the Lord; 'I will place them in the safety for which they long.'"
Psalm 12:5

This is Terry and I probably in 1966. We were swimming at a friends house and he had just handed me a yellow lollipop to eat.

Today is our wedding anniversary. Not sure where the years have gone, but I cherish each and every memory of our journey. I meet him officially in 7th grade, but he did go to the same elementary school, we just didn't cross paths there. He came to the district in 4th grade and I had been here from the beginning. Have I ever told you he has every note I ever wrote him? When I read through them years ago, I decided I was definitely an insecure teenager and easily moved to be jealous. It was most embarrassing. Sometime in the near future I need to LOSE that box as I clean things out. He is forever a pack rat.

Not sure what our plans are for the day at all. He has not been feeling up to par. He asked if I wanted to fly to Seattle for Lobster and I giggled saying I didn't eat lobster. How about flying to St Louis for a soft pretzel or to Florida, Miami Beach where we honey mooned for some good Key West Shrimp?

Only this day will unfold in the Lord's hands....and I give thanks for the years, the joy, the tears and for this day.....

Laurie

"For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh." Genesis 2:24

"Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD deal with me, be it ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me." Ruth 1:16-17

FIRST COMMUNION Child Portrait Oil Painting by Laurie Justus Pace

18 x 24 inches

SOLD, but not quiet finished! I am still working on this one... but didn't have anything quite finished to post this morning...so this is progression if you may!

Contact me for work: Laurie

"May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus." Romans 15:5

Nurturing a healing peace right now during this construction next door, will be a priority as Terry and I begin to examine how we will refocus our home back to peace from this destruction of our privacy. Tomorrow is our wedding anniversary. I have known my dearest friend and love of my life since I was eleven years old. I am truly blessed.

The world is filled with divergent people with different ideologies and thoughts, but peace can be achieved not just in our every day lives, but in the world. Each of us are created by God and begin with peace in our hearts.

Approach this day with an attitude of peace and have an open and willing heart to the possibilities God is opening before you. Through quiet prayer, immerse yourself in His love and protection, envisioning people working together in harmony.

"Of the Father's Love begotten, ere the world began to be, He is Alpha and Omega, He is source, the ending He." ( a line from my favorite hymn)

Laurie

“Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.” Romans 15:2

Dallas Skyline Oil Cityscape Painting by Laurie Justus Pace

4 ft by 8 ft Oil on Canvas

SOLD Commission

Contact me for work: Laurie

"Do to others as you would have them do to you." Luke 6:31

I have to sit and reflect today on life and how ours will be so dramatically impacted by what our "neighbors" have decided to do. This will be an emotional blog. I know they are all excited about adding on to their home and improving their living space and making it all nice, but they gave ZERO thought to how it impacted us and our everyday life.

I hope you teach your children better and set a firm example of how our actions in life affect other people, and to be considerate of others as you make decisions that change their lives.
Thank you mother and father. I was raised, as was Terry, to discuss things with others if they would be impacted by something I was doing.

We are being impacted DAILY FOREVER. Our lives will never be the same due to their actions.
Three day ago the Dad came over to announce they were adding on to the house and building up over the garage and they would be snipping off tree limbs as they got in the way. We have some HUGE trees here and that made sense. It did not come fully out until the next day that they were taking the entire roof off the house and forever changing what is here now.

The environmental impact of what they are doing will be a loss of sky, light, trees, privacy and the entire reason this modern home had been done this way was to take advantage of nature. That was the design principal behind Frank Lloyd Wright's designs. I will be recording pictures through this blog so you can see what transitions will come to my home with out my having any knowledge of it before they put the wheels in motion.

This first picture is standing in my living room and watching the sunrise through the trees. This will all be gone as they add a second story going straight up. There will be in fact windows looking straight down into our home. It is not like we are a traditional home with a few small windows on the side of the house,... we are a very contemporary home with soaring glass and open spaces on this side. EVERY ROOM of the house has huge 2-2 1/2 story windows. right now the view is full of trees, light, and sky with a tiny bit of their current HIP roof. All harmony with nature, all sky, all light, 75% of our tree canopy and our privacy will be gone in 8 weeks.


This is the tree outside my garden room. You can see the roof of their home in the background. They will be taking this entire roof off the house and changing the roof line. Instead of a quiet hip roof that we only see the woodsy shingles of, we will be staring at flat straight up walls of hardeback board and paint...oh and windows too as they bring the roof straight over to the edge with gables. The tree you see here, they will be cutting all branches that cross over to their property, which will be 2/3rds of the canopy. So none of this green will be here any more and we will only have solid walls to stare at. No light, no sky, no privacy.

If this tree dies, I will request they replace it. There are laws in Dallas about cutting down trees or killing trees. This tree provides so much to our environment and it is protected by law. The plants in my garden room... I have no clue. There will be no more sunlight dancing on the floor coming from those soaring windows every morning.

They have city permits. The subdivision codes are outdated and the committee that would have to approve or disapprove does not exist. In that old existing code, it addresses maintaining the harmony of the area with changes.

This is the room where I read my bible and feel so much peace of God with nature and birds all around the area. This is the room where Terry and I sit and eat sharing the events of the day. This is the room where my Mom spent hours healing last summer.

NO MORE LIGHT, TREES OR SKY
The room will fall silent and dark, this room and our living room.

What would be your reaction? What would you do? We are in prayer. Our hands can only reach to Him to show us what we need to do. Our lives in this home have been changed forever. We are seeking the best lemonade recipe out there...so please send me what you have!

I beg you to think of others before you take actions that affect them.

Laurie

“You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.”- Galatians 5:13

TREASURES BY THE SEA Children Portrait Oil Painting by Laurie Justus Pace

24 x 36

SOLD, Commission work.

"Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, "Greetings, Rabbi!" and kissed him." Matthew 26:49

Are you a chameleon? Do you act differently around different people? I know my kids do. When the eldest is with his friends he is WAY different than when he is with us. Same with the youngest son. Only our daughter in the middle stays the course true to who she is all the time.

If you change yourself daily to be what others want or what you think they want, then you are a chameleon. We are all suppose to change and grow in life...that is part of our journey. But changing back and forth every day from one personality to another depending on who you are with, is not healthy.

Are you happier with one group of friends over another? Have you examined the why?

God created you as you are and it is time you begin to like who you are. The positive parts and the negative parts. The most important thing is to remember to be the you that you really want to be. Encourage positive habits and outlooks and day by day you will strengthen the inner you.

Let the real you shine today!

Laurie

"Then Judas, the one who would betray him, said, "Surely not I, Rabbi?" Jesus answered, "Yes, it is you." Matthew 26:25

Windows of My Mind Abstract Oil Painting by Laurie Justus Pace

30 x 30 inches
Oil on Canvas

SOLD

"Nathan replied to the king, "Whatever you have in mind, go ahead and do it, for the LORD is with you." 2 Samuel 7:3

Exercise today. Keeps the body and mind young. Think today of all the people in your life that are important. Some might be important for good reasons, some other for not so good reasons. Jot down their names, the relationship and then what might need to be worked on to ensure the relationship is healthy.

What is a healthy relationship? For years studies have shown that people with healthy relationships really do have a deeper sense of contentment and less stress. With each of the people on your list... do you have a feeling of contentment when reflecting on the full relationship?

1. Expectations. This applies to your self and the other person. No one can be everything we want them to be. That is how we set ourselves up for disappointment. Realizing this is key to learning to accept others are they really are and not trying to change them.

2. Care for yourself. For those of us who are caretakers, you have a tendency to try and please everybody. Don't forget about yourself along the way. You must be mindfully healthy to be in a healthy relationship.

3. Communication. Usually there cannot be enough. Take the time to be there and to be listening and not just talking. Genuinely listen. Don't be mind jumping ahead on what you want to say next and don't interrupt them. ALWAYS there are underlying emotions in conversations that you need to be keying in on. (This is back to regulation and deregulation and taking three to save thirty.) Ask Questions. Be interested in what is being said, ask questions and seek opinions keeping the door open to more communication. Be generous and share information with out bragging or with out overwhelming others. The Greek philosopher, Epictectus said, "Nature gave us one tongue and two ears so we could hear twice as much as we speak."

4. Dependability. Follow through if you make plans or make a commitment. Do your job. Be responsible and be trustworthy. Trust is a key element to a good relationship.

5. Time. Healthy relationships don't just happen over night. Every relationship is built on experience over time. Invest in those that are precious to you. Take the time and make the time...then give it time.

6. Flexible. Oh it is so easy to keep things the way they are....change is something most of us do not like. If we do not open our minds to change and flexing, we cannot grow. You may be stagnant in a relationship because you have that person pegged as something you have built in your mind and you truly have not taken the time to know ...really know who they are. Stop trying to control and prethink a situation or a person.

7. Fight fair. Everyone disagrees at one time or another. Conflict is unavoidable as we are all individuals. It does not mean you cannot agree to disagree and it definitely does not mean you have to dislike this person when they disagree with you. Remember to set aside a time to talk about the issue. Negotiation and stepping back to view a situation from a different angle is always good. Do not criticize others. Do not open conversations with YOU.... YOU make me... will not cut it. Try "I feel.... when this happens." Both sides should have ample time to express themselves. Don't assume how someone else feels. Don't hold grudges and realize that you may have to just agree to disagree.

8. Warmth. Genuine concern...do you know what this is? Stand in front of your mirror this morning and smile. Then smile and feel warmth communicating with your expression deep sentiment. Can you see the difference in your expression?

9. Balance. No one else can balance your life... only you can. Do not overload on projects and things to do or you will not have the energy to be in healthy relationships....that includes being a parent.

10. Be Yourself. Don't ever pretend in a relationship to be someone you are not. God has blessed you with so much rich qualities and gifts to share with others...stay YOU-NIQUELY YOU!


After reflecting on this, how is your relationship with God? Work on that one first as you reflect on this list.

Laurie

"However, as it is written: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him." "— 1 Corinthians 2:9

Red Contemporary Horse Equine Painting by Laurie Justus Pace

The Power of Red

18 x 24 x 2 inches
SOLD

Contact me if you are interested! Laurie

"I am doing a new thing; now it spring forth, do you not perceive it?" Isaiah 43:19

Yesterday was filled with Lauren....and lots of smiles. She is such a happy baby! We stayed closer to the house today.

The bad news we got is our neighbors are adding a second story to their garage. Right now in our bedroom we have soaring ceiling with windows from the roof to the floor...literally. There are beautiful trees that fill out and lace over the window and when you look up you only see sky and leaves. IN TWO MONTHS...we will see only brick and windows looking into our bedroom. ANY IDEAS??? Please email me. I am way bummed.

I have to find a new way to deal with this as my healing home depends so much on the beauty of nature outside spilling through. I cannot allow myself to get stuck in a rut of "oh my gosh, it is going to be horrible". This is trite to the world, but upsetting to Terry and I and it is something we must depend on Him to show us how to cope with it and retain the privacy and dignity of our home. This second story will block all the morning sun from my sun room (aka the Garden Room) and my bedroom. We will stare out now at brick and windows staring back in at us. Please send ideas our way!

Be willing in your life to explore and find new ways to cope with things and make them opportunities and not negativity.

Laurie

“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.” James 3:17-18

Path Way Landscape Garden Oil Garden Painting by Laurie Justus Pace

12 x 24 inches

Contact me to purchase: Laurie

"You broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn." 2 Samuel 22:37

Monday morning the air was a chilly 53. Thank you Lord. It is not as cool this morning, but yesterday was glorious with the chill of spring. Lauren arrived early and Dad left us with instructions that she is eating more at each feeding. New challenges.

We took our first grocery store trip with her. After we bungled around in the parking lot trying to get the stroller to unfold; then failing to be able to figure out how to adjust the seat, Terry popped her into his baby carry pack on his chest. She loved it! She was his best friend as we toured the store filling the basket with groceries. We discovered everything takes twice as long with a baby and is definitely twice as complicated. Another reason why God gives babies to the young....

The path ahead for you I pray is filled with new experiences that lead you closer to finding what you are seeking in life. God has a path for you to travel...enjoy it today.

Laurie

“You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand." Psalm 16:11

FIVE UP FRONT Horse Equine Oil Painting by Laurie Justus Pace

18 x 27 inches THICK OILS!
Contact me to Purchase. Laurie

"Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice." Luke 17:15


Next shot on the the children on the beach...stay tuned.

When I woke yesterday morning I celebrated the joy of Sunday. Sunday is a day that symbolizes God's Day. A day to rest, honor, reflect, heal, praise and release to Him everything that is burdening me at the time. It was on this day yesterday that I spent the day in quiet mediation through out the day, in between the normal activities, focusing on healing and be ready for the week as it arrives this morning. With that healing prayer came health and strength from the Father. His serenity filled my mind, heart and soul. There was no room left for anxiety.

I am sure before this day is over, anxious moments will return. Mondays and Tuesdays we have our 3 month old granddaughter to care for. Our days become a bit more complicated with strollers, car seats, burp rags, diaper bags and a tiny baby. She is indeed a blessing to all of us despite the baggage of upkeep that comes with her. Gracious last week Terry toted all her "stuff" into the back bedroom. I never do that. I keep it all up front where I know where it all is. So I didn't see what came with her that day. Long story short, her little circular pillow (I think Stacey calls it her boppie) was left behind. Due to our forgetfulness it didn't make it back to Stacey and Larry until Thursday. This "boppie" is an essential element to having children in today's world. Makes me wonder how late people stay up into the wee hours of the morning designing new ideas for babies...the must haves in modern child raising. I will say the boppie does have a functional place. Maybe they should make them for adults too.

I pray for you today, the grace of healing. My it's power fill you with every breath to meet this new week ready and rested. Our little one should be arriving any moment now!


Laurie
“Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!” Romans 11:33

FIVE PEARS OIL PAINTING BY LAURIE JUSTUS PACE

18 x 27 inches Oil on Canvas
Contact me to purchase. Laurie

"For I am about to create new heavens and a new earth; and the former things shall not be remembered or come to mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in what I am creating." Isaiah 65:17-18

We saw the FIVE BROWNS at the Symphony on Friday night. WOW. Five young adult siblings from Houston that each began playing the piano at age 3 and all went to Julliard. As a pianist myself, I was mesmerized. Their fingers flying on the five grand pianos at one time was something words fail to describe adequately.

If you really think about it and try to move out of your complacent mind, the word God created for us is beyond words as well. In turn, He has blessed each of us with talents and abilities to enrich not only our lives, but the lives of those around us. Every day this next week, recognize your gifts vocally in prayer to Him. Each day celebrate a new one. Beginning your day with this positive reinforcement of realizing your own potential will begin to build a consciousness that will encourage you to be creative.

In the thought of TAKE THREE AND SAVE THIRTY, you will begin to reach out to others in understanding and patience instead of negativity. Get rid of those "perceptions" in your life and free your self of the old way. God has given you gifts, use them...

Laurie

“The LORD your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17

PINK FLAMINGOS Oil Painting by Laurie Justus Pace
Contemporary Art for the Home.

18 x 27 Oil on canvas

SOLD from the blog! Thank you.

"I say this for your own benefit, not to put any restraint upon you, but to promote good order and unhindered devotion to the Lord." 1 Corinthians 7:35

Okay I had to get some pink flamingos out of my system. The Florida Tourist folks have a WONDERFUL commercial out about visiting the state and this scene with thousands of pink flamingos flashes by on a soft yellow background.... and wow. Drove me crazy the first time I saw it... at dinner during the news. Then again the next night and the next night and by golly I had to paint pink Flamingos. Consider yourself PINKED. I had fun painting it and probably no one wants to buy pink flamingos....but if you do, contact me! Meanwhile it will hang in my garden room and I will sit back with a cool glass of water and have dreams of Florida where I spent my honeymoon.

Sitting back to dream on my flamingos reminds me that we each have the choice to determine how we view the world with all its complexities. It is a mini vacation staring at my pink babies. The real world is fraught with difficulties and pain. Many times if you are like me, you wonder how anything positive could come out of some of the worst situations...and then remember that anything is possible with God. His spirit is in every situation, every person and every circumstance.

Turning into Him provides you with pure energy and the knowledge you will never be forgotten or abandon by Him, as He is constant. Quiet your racing thoughts and listen. Divine Order, HIS divine order is moving through you right now.

Seek your balance today.... in Him.

Laurie

“As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother's womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things.” Ecclesiastes 11:5

FIRST PICTURE in this painting for a family on the east coast.

POPPIES Contemporary Art Flower Oil Painting by Laurie Justus Pace

24 x 36 x 2 inch
OIL on Canvas
SOLD> THANK YOU>

"If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all." Romans 12:18

This short verse tied in so splendidly with the poppies. I had taken pictures of poppies earlier in the year when we visited Callaway's Nursery. There were so many different colors all in their little pots waiting to go home. All waving on their long stems in the Texas breeze. Poppies are not seen often growing around this area. I believe they do better in climates like California.

Rereading the Bible verse makes me realize that true peace does depend on me...and you of course. But peace only is available if we bring the harmony into the relationship. There is so much diversity in our world, and although we can see things around us, we may not often hear what others are saying. Our total perception of the world is a balance of both seeing and hearing. When you listen to someone, you need to be focused on that person and the words they are sharing with you. Otherwise you miss parts of the story when your mind is multi-tasking to other things yet to be done in your day.

Your range of understanding is affected by the effort you put into the relationship/conversation. With each experience we encounter in life comes a different reaction emotionally. So keeping your mind clear of clutter and truly listening to others gives you the ability to keep peace and harmony. Your friends trust and value you because of your open heart and mind. Relationships flourish with trust and respect...and from that your life will be fuller.

In the Saturday workshop we attended there was a saying, Take Three and Save Thirty. When your child (or friend, or spouse) is in a meltdown situation, take three and save thirty. STOP everything for three minutes and focus all your energy on that person. The three minutes you invest in them, stopping their world, helping them regulate back to a rational place, will save you both thirty minutes of meltdown. The person melting down immediately is able to stop the process of disruption as you talk them back to rational thinking.

The different colored poppies flutter together harmoniously in the Texas wind....can you bring healing and harmony to relationships in your life?

Laurie

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139:13-14

CONTEMPORARY HORSE EQUINE OIL PAINTING
BY LAURIE JUSTUS PACE

DEEP IN THE FOREST
18 x 24 inches Oil on Canvas

Contact me to purchase: Laurie

SOLD THANKS!

"I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus." 1 Corinthians 1:4

Yesterday I finally got some painting done! SMILE! We keep Baby Lauren on Monday and Tuesday and in the midst of this we balance out packing and shipping. Tag team works great, but we look forward to when she is a bit more distracted by words and music. She is still in that survival FEED ME part of the brain. We have to watch we don't overfeed her!

During those two days my brain is on steroids thinking of all the things I want to paint on Wednesday. So by seven Wednesday morning, I had three canvas sketched out for paintings and three more ideas in my brain to do as well....

For some reason I am at one of those points when I can sense something with in grasp but have no idea what it is... but the anticipation is building. I hear God saying preparation, slow down and pray. Be Still. It will come. In a sense it leaves me a bit anxious if I dwell on it, but I am easily distracted right now with my paintings. Staying in the moment I will focus on what is on the easel right now and not thinking about what tomorrow will bring. God has given much to me THIS day and this is the day I will live to it's fullest.

Sometime in the next few blogs I want to share some of what we learned at our class this last weekend. It is still settling in around my brain and Terry and spent time through out the past days reflecting on the new skills and how to use them with everyone in our lives, not just children. It is a revolutionary way to parent, to deal with any relationship or even with folks you only pass by in the check out line. It is a skill that will improve your marriage as well. Heather Forbes wrote the books... and they were directed at relationships with foster children or children that have been through trauma.

Heck, I have been there, haven't you? More to come on this "new age" concept that truly is working. Grace, grant grace to someone you are irritated with today... this will start you off on the right track to thinking and acting outside the box.

Laurie

“Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised." Proverbs 31:30

Contemporary Horse Equine Abstract Oil Painting by Laurie Justus Pace

Thinking it Over

24 x 30 Oil on Canvas

SOLD Already...THANK YOU!!!
Contact me if you are interested in this painting. Laurie

"The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me." Isaiah 61:1

I really enjoyed this painting as it evolved. I had a color in my heart, shades of blue - but of course in norm, color still explodes out in thick sweeps of palette knife and paint. This is a spiritually full painting. The expression is energy pausing as a horse debates for a split second his next move...just that sweet instant of pause.

Pausing is something I need to do more in my life. Taking the time to become more mindful of who I am as a spiritual being. Next, examining my influence on those around me, setting a spiritual example with word and deed. His divine gifts are active through my day, nurturing and inspiring others from my inner spirit. It truly is a peaceful place as I connect with our Father being one with His spirit, striving for the highest good to be His servant.

Express your highest good today....

Laurie

“A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:” Proverbs 31:10, 27-28

Contemporary Horse Equine Art Oil Painting by Laurie Justus Pace

TRIGGER

3 ft by 4 ft OIL on canvas
COMMISSIONED SOLD

"They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season, and their leaves do not wither." Psalm 1:3

Is it possible to prosper in today's economy to prosper? I guess that would depend on your definition of prosper. What is prosperity for you?

Definition: a successful, flourishing, or thriving condition, esp. in financial respects; good fortune.

Well, if you notice, it says especially, BUT NOT ALWAYS. Our greatest riches are found not in things, possessions or money, but in our relationships.

When you think of plants and trees drawing their nourishment from rain or nearby water sources, they grow prosperously feed continually from this source. We grow prosperously from our direct nourishment from the Father as well as our care we give to each other. When you open your mind and trust to God, prospering ideas will begin to flourish. Prosperity may come to you in many ways; an encouraging word of a friend, the smile from a stranger on the street, a material blessing that arrives in sync with a need... there are so many things.

May every experience you have this day contain seeds to grow and prosper!

Laurie

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32

CONTEMPORARY WESTERN ART RIDER AND HORSE OIL PAINTING BY LAURIE JUSTUS PACE

Sunset Strip

24 x 30 inches Oil on Canvas
COMMISSIONED... SOLD

"Where you go, I will go; Where you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God my God." Ruth 1:16

ONE THOUSAND BLOGS.... this is actually 1000 blogs entries. One thousand days of painting, blogging and sharing. I give thanks to my Father. I give thanks to you for the continued inspiration of this miraculous journey.

In our life times we have so many different journeys to make. It begins early in life as we begin to crawl and then walk. Next comes talking and learning more about relationships with people...our mom and dad or siblings; then we begin to be aware of our environment. We grow every day in the grace of Him and all He created.

We continue with journeys of the heart in our family and friend relationships and eventually some of us with our soul mate in marriage or a long term relationship. We journey with our pets and everything that comes into our lives through Him.

Our most precious journey is our journey with the Lord. He is the giver of all things. This relationship is the essence of goodness and love.

It is with Him I begin this day on my 1000th posting on this blog....1000 days. I am closing in on three full years. Much has happened over these 1000 days. The highlight: we buried our eldest grandson, Grant; we were in a 9 car accident hit by an 18 wheeler; both of our fathers had heart surgery in the same week; we helped my father in law close down his household of 62 years and downsize to an apartment; we moved once; we nursed my mother back to health, closed down her household and moved her to a new home; with heavy heart we face Alzheimers with my Dad; we traveled to Wyoming twice, Breckenridge CO once, New York twice, Marble Falls TX many times and St Louis Mo.; we shared family joys and new beginnings with the birth of our first grand daughter; and yesterday we celebrated Mothers Day toasting the four born generation of Pirringer/Justus/Pace/Hendren women, my mom, myself, my daughter and my grand daughter. I give thanks for each and every new day.

Where will your journey take you today? Look back over your last 1000 days... and give thanks.

Laurie

"The man named his wife Eve, because she was the mother of all living."--Genesis 3:20

HEAT OF THE DAY
Contemporary Art Horse Equine Acrylic Painting by Laurie Justus Pace

24 x 36 inches
Contact me for more information: Laurie

SOLD ... THANK YOU!

"The Lord is my strength and my might, and He has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise Him." Exodus 15:2

Why I decided to paint with tangerine I do not know. The Spirit led me. Right now floating in my mind is a yellow background with pink flamingos. I have this thing about color... I think that is why my Father infuses the world with color to give us energy and strength. We react emotionally to colors as well. Your home reflects you by its colors.

I am unusual that I have always bought white towels and white sheets, and light furniture and I allow the artwork and accents of pillows and accessories to make the room come alive. This allows me to change the mood of a room easily. In this healing home we went with a soft dove grey on the walls. Some rooms pop with colors of RED RED and white and black (kitchen) and the living room with deep rust red, tangerine, navy blues and greens, the dining room with rust, orange, yellows and golds. Our bedroom I did not paint dove grey. Our bedroom is Lavender Twilight.

Hummm...pictures. Here is the kitchen, the dining room and the living. I do not have a bedroom shot.

Living Room at Christmas Time

Okay the kitchen was really transformed. FIRST the old pictures and than the new!

Dark cabinets and pink countertops.

Kitchen about a week ago. You can see where
Uncle John has been repairing doors and he is busy painting woodwork.
Now we have natural cabinets and granite countertops.

Not everything is hung in the STAY place, but note paintings left to
right, Diane Whitehead, Toni Grote and Debra Hurd.


Two different looks in the dining room.




And looking out into the garden room:

I may have to do a blog for the house at this rate...we really have been busy. When we bought this home, we blessed it and gave it to the Lord. "This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." In this house we feel His presence and we call it our healing home. Within these walls we have sought refuge from the world and know His healing grace.

Last summer my Mom stayed with us for close to three months. She was in and out of the hospital for various situations. It was in the garden room that she and I sat every morning breaking our fast together in the word and with our first meal of the day. With in the glassed walls we watched squirrels and birds and Paddy and Annie. Over those three months we watched the path of the sun as it moved its path in the sky each morning. God became our healing strength in her life.

Today is Mother's Day. I honor my mom with love and words of Thank You. Thank you for always providing in my life, your home open to me. I spent many a week visiting you from out of town, gathering my strength and health back to return home to begin again. It was through His grace I could offer that back to you. God Spirit is present within you, within me, and within these walls. Thank you for always setting the best example with your life.

Bless your mom today and bless anyone that has nurtured you and help you heal and strengthen when life has been painful.

Laurie

"You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother's womb." Psalm 139:13

EXPRESSIONS OF THE HEART
CONTEMPORARY FIGURATIVE ART CHILD IN WONDER OIL PAINTING BY LAURIE JUSTUS PACE

6x6 inches Oil on Panel
Contact me to purchase $100 or best offer. Laurie

"Light is sweet, and it is pleasant for the eyes to see the sun." Ecclesiastes 11:7

They are predicting more rain this weekend. It would probably takes months of this to raise Dallas out of the drought situation we have been in for about 8 years now...but days and days of clouds is beginning to get old. Throw in 90 degrees plus in temperature and you have a humid sticky day. Yesterday was the same I think. It was one of those days I worked in the studio from 5:30 am until 7:30 last night. Somewhere around five pm I realized I had not had ANY WATER all day. I had not been out of this room but one time for some cheese and fruit around noon. No wonder I was a basket case.

Today Terry and take our Behavior Management Classes to keep our license for foster adopt here in the state of Texas. We are licensed through Covenant Kids and I have a link to them over in the left column. There are over 17,000 children in the state of Texas needing homes. If you are in the Dallas Ft Worth area, call Covenant Kids and check out the program. If anything, become a respite home to provide a place for children if the foster parents have an emergency.
We have done respite care three times and enjoyed every single time with the children.

Can you even begin to imagine what some children have gone through in their short little lives?
You would be a ray of sunshine to them.

No matter what the weather is like...cloudy and rainy...Cold and snowy or just sunny, know you have the ability to keep the sun shining in your life and the lives of those around you. I have this one collector from Oklahoma. He has visited twice now and every time he arrives, he is the breath of God, lighting up the room and the conversation. He has that gift to pull every person he is around into the light. He literally brings good cheer to the room.

Sometimes a hug or a simple wave can make a difference in someone's life. It is a small gift of comfort and acknowledgment to another person and in fact when you see them respond to your wave or hug, a spark on peace will fill you as you have shared the sunshine of your mood.

Spread His light today...through your actions and words.

Sending you a sunshine hug...

Laurie

“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” Colossians 4:5-6

Black Mane
Contemporary Art Horse Equine Oil Painting by Laurie Justus Pace
SOLD FROM BLOG! THANKS>
16 x 20 inches
Contact me to purchase: Laurie

"Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone; so that your Father in heaven may also forgive you." Mark 11:25

Hard to get a grip and swallow on this one. If you have anything against ANYONE....forgive. How often in your mind does the image of someone pop in and immediately you associate a negative connotation? It happens for me. I am often indignant over a reaction or a happening and the association with that person clings to their image in the "file" in my brain. To forgive is suppose to be to forget...but do we? Do we forget? Obviously I do not or that file would be deleted in my memory.

Then I have to reclaim lessons from my Grandmother and Mother. LOOK for the good in every one. Celebrate the best of what is inside that person. You may have to keep repeating that exercise, but eventually you can change your negative reaction to a positive one. I have to go through the whole exercise in my head. God created that person. At one time in the beginning, they began life just as I did...as a tiny baby. God gave gifts to that person as well and life stepped in and things happened in their upbringing and past that I have no knowledge of. What I do have is the person today and it is obvious they seek the same thing I do in life, acceptance and love from others.

If God can love me no matter what fouled up thing I do, I must learn to forgive and love others as well. The act of forgiving is good for all. Connecting through His love brings healing emotionally and physically. It will alter that "file" in your brain or even delete it. In its place will be a positive thought and a pleasant connection.

Friend... forgive someone today and release them to the blessings of God's love.

Here is Grandpa (Ben, Terry's dad) and baby Lauren this week.

In love I embrace you...

Laurie

“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18