Horse One Equine Art Abstract Horse Oil Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Horse One'

9 x 12 Acrylic on Canvas

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

   © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

The Painting:  This was the first in the series for Organic Horse...watch for more happenings with the horses.

The Thought:  Okay I don't have the pictures unloaded from yesterday...but it was wonderful


I am going to share the chicken salad recipe as it turned out fabulous.   Jan you must try this!!

It is healthy Chicken Salad


Serves 8-10.

1. 6 chicken breasts (which you will cook and debone or buy the boneless)
2. Two -three tablespoons Dijon Mustard (Depending on what you like) 
3. Four Tablespoons  Tarragon. Fresh is best, but I used dried in the bottle this time
4.  4 Tablespoons Chopped Chives 
5. Two Granny Smith Apples diced. 
6. Juice of Two lemons 
7. One cup of diced Celergy 
8. 3-4 cups seedless grapes (Either color) 
9. Approximately one and a half cups of Plain Yogurt (NOT SWEET) Unflavored. I use Stonybrook  (Stir in what you need and add more or less by looking.
10. Garlic to taste (best with fresh garlic, but you can use garlic in the bottle)
11. Pepper to Taste 
12. Salt to taste

Every one that ate the chicken salad could not believe how good it was and that is was totally healthy!  Wish it were negative calories, but it is not...but absolutely everything in it is good for you.


Our bodies are our only vehicle through this life here on earth and we must take care of them. Americans have grown so slack in watching their food intake and it certainly does not help when you go out to eat and the helpings would feed two people.  Terry and I have gone back to sharing one entree together and I order a second salad. Saves on the budget as well as the tummy.  


Add some exercise and you are starting the new day the best way.  Another hint is STOP buying the sweetened yogurts.  Buy plain yogurt. Pick up some frozen fruit. We use blueberries and blackberries and Strawberries.  We use a half cup of fruit to about 3/4 cup of plain yogurt and it is wonderful.  Why did the folks making yogurt think we needed SUGAR in it... French Vanilla, Blueberry Cheesecake,  Apple Turnover Yogurt.  Think back about 15 years ago and we didn't have those choices.  The most they had was plain yogurt with some fruit you stirred into it. The calories are double with those pre-sweetened yogurts.  




Happy Eating on Memorial Day. Remember those in your prayers that have served our country from the very beginning.  Include those away from their families serving the USA around the world.
Terry's Dad served in both the Navy and the Air-force.  My Dad was Army.  God Bless our troops and our great nation.  Jan, a special hug to Arlo....we miss you.

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

Desert Storm Equine Art Horse Painting Daily by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Desert Storm'

24 x 36  Oil on Canvas

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie
 

 © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

The Painting:  Another wild child dimensionally coming off the canvas. Terry laughs when I do these as I patiently build layers and layers of paint.

The Thought:  Yes, I used the Pace Dumpster yesterday...twice. Should have used it more!
We went into town late yesterday for the 100 year celebration and saw one of those fabulous gun fights by the TEXAS PISTOLAROS.  They start out by teaching Gun Safety and they were swearing in their deputies that were assigned the job to keep the people watching the show in line.

Awesome....just like being in Jackson Hole at 5:30 pm when every night in the summer there is a showdown at sunset.  I took some great shots last night in Mt Vernon that probably will become paintings.

Makes me wonder how God does it with out Deputies to keep us all in line.  If you were given that commitment, how would you handle it?

Today we are having a retirement party for Terry.  Many of his cousins are driving out and all our kids are coming too, including Tink.  We are about 90 minutes outside of Dallas going east.  For Tink it will be 2 full hours.  I spent last night preparing a wonderful chicken salad, pea salad, corn salad, melon ball salad etc etc with the help of Leah.  This morning we will have the brisket done and will slice it up and it will be ready before the troops arrive.

Finally unloaded my camera from when Jan and Arlo came to visit.

 

Terry, me, Jan and Arlo.

Jan wrote about this oak tree in her blog after the trip. It is dead... probably from the years of drought we have had in Texas and it just didn't make it.

Not  a long blog this morning as I have much to do before the family begins to arrive.  This covered more personal catch up for friends and family.

Laurie  

“But from everlasting to everlasting the LORD's love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children's children- with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts.”- Psalm 103:17-18

HORSE 2 Equine Abstract Art Horse Painting Daily by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Horse 2'

9 x 12 Acrylic on Canvas

SOLD 

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

   © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

The Painting: Vibrant and defined by color.

The Thought: We made several trips to the neighborhood work area. Once every month or two they bring in a dumpster and you can load it with anything but brush or trees or grass.  It is here about a week and then it goes away until the next time. 


We happened to notice there was a sign up that said DUMPSTER is here.  We have truly been working hard the past few days emptying the stuff left by the prior owner and finishing up and sorting the rest of our stuff too.  Terry has made three runs so far and we will go once more this afternoon.   


The men that work the yard here in the neighborhood have one of the digger machines with the scooper on it. It is a tall one.  What they do is as the dumpster fills up, they sprinkle smell good on it and use that digger as a masher, mashing all the stuff down so more can be dumped into it.  He warned us to make sure we finished on Friday because on Saturday the Part-timers arrive for the holiday and there will be a literal line of cars at the work yard trying to load the dumpster.  On Saturday there won't be anyone there to push it down into a flatter squished area to allow for more dumping.


You might ask why I am writing about the dumpster.  I am thinking about making a box and decorating it and calling it  THE PACE DUMPSTER.   In our life time we accumulate trash in our lives that affects how we think and act.  We seem to hang on to this trash and just add more to it daily when we feel down, put upon, less than, etc.  This 'trash' in our head affects our bodies and our outlook in life as well as our actions to others.   


We tend to do the same thing to our little brains... we try to forget and mush down the feelings and make room for more negativity the next day.  I know God is up there scratching His head literally laughing at us.  When will we ever learn? Seems like the good things just slide by and make us feel good for a few moments. We tend to hang on to the negative things in life and let them build up and overwhelm us.



We do not need to keep compacting the trash in our souls...layer after layer after layer, occasionally spraying in some smell good along the way to keep it hidden from others.  We need to get rid of the trash.  So all the negative thoughts and all the beat downs we feel we get we need to let go of and move on.  


I will keep a pencil and pad next to my newly decorated THE PACE DUMPSTER.  I will give Terry verbal directions on how to 'dump' and we will try this for a month.  Once something is dumped in the box, it is GONE.  We won't even go back and read it, we will burn it with our leaves.  I know God will approve of this as He does not want us compacting our pains and hurts and not living the full life He intends for us.

Laurie

"The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me."  Psalm 23: 1-4

Free Spirit Horse Equine Art Horse Painting Mixed Medium by Texas Aritst Laurie Pace

'Free Spirit Horse'

4 x 6  Mixed Medium on 140 lb Watercolor Paper

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

  © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

The Painting: Just for fun!!!

The Thought: I guess summer is here.  We were sitting outside again last night and there was a small thundershower building over the lake. It missed us.  Paddy was barking and there were deer running every which direction.  He wanted badly to go on a 'deer run' to try and catch those elusive long legs streaking across our yard.


It didn't help that there were fire flies...yes they have arrived...the fire flies.  I have not seen them since I was much younger.  In Paddy's mind, he doesn't get it.  The deers are running and the fire flies are lighting and lighting and lighting in different spots.  He is busy chasing them and trying to snap at them with his mouth and as you know he cannot catch one.  I guess he could...but they are really messing with his brain now.

Don't we get the same way in life?  We see something we want and we barrel ahead to get it totally ignoring everything else around us that is so delicately balanced.  (The bull in the china shop syndrome)  We run like the wind chasing this illusive dream knowing if we could just push a little harder we would get there.  The fire flies are the distractions along the way.  Like God putting up warning flashes of light to get our attention.  Focus here, focus now, focus in the moment.... 

But if you are like me you barrel ahead despite the fire flies.  Last night as I prayed and sat in meditation, I had this overwhelming feeling that I was over saturated with DOING DOING DOING.
I feel God was speaking to my heart not to be so worried about all the doing and the issues weighing so heavily.  I know it is not what He wants for my life and it is not good for me...but I again barrel ahead taking on things I cannot even begin to manage.  I will never catch the illusive IF ONLY I CAN...  because I cannot.   My focus should be entirely Him.

Laurie  

"But if we walk in the light, as he is the light, we have fellowship with one another." 1 John 1:7

Sunset Herd Equine Oil Abstract Horse ART Daily Painting by Texas Artist Laurie pace

'Sunset Herd'

24 x 36  Oil on Canvas

SOLD COMMISSION

Contact me for commission work. Laurie

  © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

The Painting: This baby will go to live in Missouri...my home state, also known as the 'Show Me' State.

The Thought: Last night Terry and I were sitting outside on the swing about 8:30 p.m.  That is when the symphony of frogs begins each night and Paddy the dog begins to freak out.  


I noticed last night that the Old Bull Frog starts the evening out with a few low croaks.  Then the older frogs all begin their part in the music. This lasts about five minutes and they get totally quiet and the tiny frogs begin their chirping.  This continues in repetition for the entire night.  After those baby frogs sing... total silence. Then Old Bull Frog croaks three times and immediately the old frogs begin to sing...and lastly the tiny frogs.


Such magnificence is from the Almighty and only He is the creator of this chorus.  The same is true with the early morning bird that sings his song about 5:30-6:00 as the sun is rising in the east.  After 6:00 am... he stops singing and then we begin to hear the other birds as they wake. 
Every thing seems to be in patterns, Holy Patterns from God.


Every song is at the appointed time, no sooner and no later.  If God can lead this symphony, He can definitely conduct the symphony for our lives.

Laurie  

 "But if you refuse to let them go, behold, I will plague all your country with frogs.  The Nile shall swarm with frogs that shall come up into your house and into your bedroom and on your bed and into the houses of your servants and your people, and into your ovens and your kneading bowls. The frogs shall come up on you and on your people and on all your servants.”’” Exodus 8:2-4

"Special Moments Together" Equine Art Horse Daily Oil Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Special Moments Together'

12 x 12  Oil on Canvas

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

  © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

The Painting: Just a small painting, 12 x 12 but deep with thought in the eyes of each horse.

The Thought:  The journey of the day is often a test of our spiritual health more than the actual physical happenings.   In a single blink or small action we literally change our path despite our destination.  Our goal is there, but life ever changing continues to happen and our lives are affected by others around us that we cannot control.  


Missing a turn on the road, or misplacing your cell phone, or leaving your wallet behind at a restaurant....simple things change our journey in just seconds.    Rick Warren says, "The way you see your life shapes your life. How you define life determines your destiny. Your perspective will influence how you invest your time, spend your money, use your talents, and value your relationships." 


If you had to describe your life right now what image or metaphor comes to mind? I have heard some people say their life is like a circus.  Others mention the ups and downs of a roller coaster. What you do in life expresses your view of life. Your car defines you, your clothes define you... and your values shapes your priorities and goals.   Competitive people race through life as if it is a competition or a marathon.  These folks value endurance.  The fun loving people may view life as a party so their main objective would be to have fun.  I am a creative person and I look at the world as a blank canvas every morning, just itching to get my paints out.  I value open creativity.



What is your personal view of life? Is it based on a metaphor like those above? Each of us have a purpose in life and we are motivated by the purpose.  The most important thing to acknowledge is the purpose in life to know God and to love God because you are  a pleasure for Him. Through out the bible you will find metaphors used to describe how God view's life.  Life is a trust Life is a test. Life is a temporary assignment.  God designed us to be made for eternity. In Corinthians, Paul describes as as servants of Christ and we are entrusted with God's mysteries.


Terry has always said he is just passing through this life and we really never own anything.  We are but trustees of what is here on earth as we journey through.  Once we are given this trust ,we must prove ourselves to be faithful.  This is part of the testing.   Money can be a trust and a test.  Having children is a trust and a test. 


Life is Temporary... a temporary assignment. Anyone disagree with the use of temporary?   We are here on earth as caretakers and we must honor those expectations.

I had an early note after this posted from a friend:

"No, not caretakers.  Purpose of life is to learn what we are and put that Truth into practice, expressing what we are (God's creation, image and likeness).  It is active, not passive."  Very Good Point!  Thank you.

Laurie  

"Blessed are those who persevere under trial, because when they have stood the test, they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12)

'Spirit Sun Dance Two' Equine Art Horse Oil Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Spirit Sun Dance Two'

10 x 10  Oil on Canvas

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

   © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

The Painting: I revisited Spirit Sun Dance with more vivid colors.

The Thought: Today is our anniversary.   We prayed together already this morning and will do our morning walk as soon as I am done blogging.   I don't think we will go out to dinner tonight but will wait until we can sneak off together to celebrate this special day.

When it comes to getting married and staying married you need God in the center of the relationship.  Then lots of faith, hope, love and respect.

God's vision for marriage requires us to be centered in Him and to accept and recognize that we are nothing without Him and when we enter into a relationship, it is to accept each other as we are made, as He made us.  Maybe those vows should be altered a bit,  "Will you accept me as I am and not as you want me to be."   We learn through this relationship to accept each other as we are.  The Holy Spirit pulls us strongly together and if it is a good marriage with respect, we do not heap shame or rejection on each other; we support each other through all the falls and perils of life.  God loves us unconditionally and marriage requires the same between the man and wife.


Often we have to put aside our own dreams and aspirations, letting go of our expectations and accept just what is here now at the moment.  As humans, we both experience hurt and damage from life before the marriage and things that happen over the years. As we live together we learn the depth of each others strengths and limitations.  We learn not to hide things from each other and do not hesitate to share our inner most feelings.  We have full acceptance of each other as we are.


I once wrote a poem on Intimacy In To Me See...and that is what I believe marriage is.  It takes courage and trust to open yourself totally to another person and allow them through this open relationship to know your inner self and weaknesses.   This happens through life and living together and being honest.  ALWAYS being honest.  The best return is to have the other person naturally protect your inadequacies as if they were their own.  That is when you know you are both one in your relationship with God centered.   


This is a special day... to honor that day years ago when my Dad walked me down the aisle and he and my Mom handed me over to this special man in my life.

Thank you Mom, thank you Dad, and Thank you God.


Laurie

"And he said, 'This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.'  Matthew 19:5

'Dancing in the Moonlight' Equine Horse Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Dancing in the Moonlight'

24 x 24  Acrylic on Canvas

 I reworked this painting, so this is updated and it is available.

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

 

© Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

The Painting: I worked more on this painting and really feel the power in it now.

The Thought: This week is our wedding anniversary. Terry and I have known each other for 46 years.  That is a long relationship now days.  


We are blessed to both be believers and to have grown up as teenagers visiting each other's churches and youth groups.  Yesterday morning we joined the First United Methodist Church of Mount Vernon Texas.  We are so blessed to be apart of this wonderful congregation.  Many of our neighbors from Tall Tree drive into town to attend this church as well as a large majority of folk  from town.  It is a large church with two services, active groups for every season of life and a minister that leads with his heart and hands placed with God.  


Yesterday Pete spoke on Higher Down.  It was on the addition of the Holy Spirit as Jesus brought to His Disciples this "Spirit" to live within them.  As Pete was preaching he was challenging all of us to do more than Jesus has done... just as He predicted in the Bible that we would do. Accepting God, Christ and the Holy Spirit brings you closer, higher to God.  Pete likened it to being in a wagon climbing a steep hill to Heaven.  You bounce in the wagon with all the potholes and ruts in life.. but as you bounce up and come back down, your downs are actually higher as you are climbing higher with your faith every time you bounce down from a jolt in life.

That is one to think about!  Think about your higher downs today... and allow the Spirit to lead you as you climb higher. 

Laurie  

 "Philip said, "Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us."
 Jesus answered: "Don't you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'? Don't you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you are not just my own. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves. I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.
 "If you love me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you." John 14:8-17

'Day Break' Equine Abstract Horse Oil Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Day Break'

30 x 36 Oil on Canvas

 This is not quite done...but close. I will post it one more time later this week.  This is a commission painting.  It is SOLD.

Contact me for commission work. Laurie

 © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

The Painting:  It was so bright an sunny outside and I saw Paddy (the dog) rear up by the fence like this and though cool... make him into a horse... and I did.

The Thought: Yesterday Terry and I drove into Dallas for a wedding shower for Justin and Tara.
They do have a website:  Taraandjustin.info 

The shower was wonderful and we met many of her parents dearest and nearest friends and share refreshments and laughter and love as she opened many beautiful gifts.  My favorite is my mother's special gift of giving Newly Weds an empty vase called the Forgiveness Vase.  She wrote a special poem for it and inserted it in the vase.   The vase is to be filled with flowers whenever one partner or the other needs to say they are sorry but words cannot seem to come.

I was sharing my tale  about the "attitude adjustment" nightgown.  I told Tara she needed that one special nightgown, different than the rest, and whenever she put it on, Justin would have to change his attitude.  This works in my marriage.  I have two of those gowns,  One is black lace and the other is dark lavender lace. 

Now in the classroom I always had the "attitude adjustment" hat.  Every year I would take in a straw hat to the classroom and allow the kids to take turns decorating it and bringing this from home to put on it.  I always added those colorful balls that hang down and stitched those on the edge of the brim of the hat. When you move the hat the balls swirl around.   So this hat is piled with contributions of love from every student.   When someone is sad, down, misbehaving,...anything like that,  they get to wear the attitude adjustment hat.  Actually they have to wear it.  

I only kept three rules in my classroom.... 1. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you,  2. Keep it simple Sweetie (KISS METHOD) and 3. the rule of wearing the attitude adjustment hat when needed.   I will never forget the day the kids came in at 8 am to find me with the hat on my head.  I woke up grumpy that morning and was still grumpy as I got to school.  Fifteen minutes in that hat does wonders. I was laughing and happy the rest of the day.


God doesn't really have a special "gown" for us or even a "hat" for us...He has much much more.  Just take a moment and breath and look at the beauty in the world around you. You don't need lace, or silk, or fuzzy colored balls dangling from a hat... you need roses, sunflowers, sunsets, soft breezes, smiles, hugs, and everything else nature (God) has to give you.  Just stop and take the time to breath it into your soul.

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

'Appaloosa Wild' Equine Horse Appaloosa Oil Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Appaloosa Wild'

12 x 12  Oil on Canvas

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

   © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

The Painting: Another small sweet Appy for your heart to grab onto!  I already sold the horse I posted yesterday...

The Thought:  There is this thing called TX CONNECT.  I started getting these emails from TXCONNECT.  I finally figured out it was the school email system for grading and the parent is alerted any time their student makes below a 70 on a test or their average falls below 70. The teacher does not even have to send an email or write anything...the system does it all.


Made me think about a GODCONNECT.  What if you got an email or text message every time you sinned or did something off path from your journey?  How full would your email box be?


I had suggested to Leah that she wear a rubberband on her wrist to remind her to not do something she has a bad habit of doing.  I told her she could just pop the rubberband (gently of course) and the little snap of pain was suppose to be a reminder of sorts.  She liked that idea but I haven't seen her wearing a rubber band at all.  What would it be like if God gave us a little 'tap' on the shoulder or a 'plunk' on the top of our head everytime we strayed? 


Our society has gotten to the point of demanding instant gratification and alerts immediately. We carry our cell phones everywhere and even have them on vibrate in church and at the symphony.

God is still a bit old fashion.  He lets us fall on our own.  We become stronger by our trials as we pick ourselves up.  Our GODCONNECT needs to be through opening our hearts and minds to prayer and meditation with Him.

Laurie  

"I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought.”- 1 Corinthians 1:10

'Summer Grass' Horse grazing Oil Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Summer Grass'

9 x 12  Oil on Canvas

SOLD TODAY! THANKS!

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie
 

 © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

The Painting:  This was a delightful piece I enjoyed painting yesterday.  It was raining heavily and the natural light in the study had to be helped along with artificial.

The Thought:  Bridging is the word that came to me today.  Did you ever think about yourself being a bridge to someone else?  I know I have written about people that come and go in our lives, friends for a season you might say...but what about those that are there to bridge us, or we to bridge them?


How often are you the connector getting people together or sending one friend to another for some reason? This is bridging.   God does this to us in our lives as He actively uses us to be a bridge for someone else.  What ever the reason or the season, we are meant to be there for different people in their journey helping them cross from one thing to another.  Sometimes we hold their hand, sometimes we might even lead the way for them to cross. We transform lives by bridging for others.


Who do you have crossing your bridge today?

Laurie  

"Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground." Genesis 1:26

'Bowl of Flowers' Floral Flower Daily Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Bowl of Flowers'

5 x 7 inches  Acrylic on Canvas
SOLD from the Blog...Thank you.

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

  © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

The Painting:  I have enjoyed picking flowers and putting them in vases and bowls and then painting them.

The Thought:  Love overcomes fear.  It is part of being human that leaves us vulnerable to fear.  Our bodies are created to be on alert and ready to react to survive.  This is a built-in instinct in the human and in animals.    


It is the fear feeling that triggers your heart to beat faster and your blood to surge through your body.  Some of us fear all of the time, and some of us fear rarely.  Different personalities handle survival differently and in accordance to how we view ourselves individually. More timid people will tend to have a quicker response to fear and flight.  More aggressive personalities will reason things out longer and retain calm longer before giving into fear. 


Love is what overcomes fear.  Where there is love, there is not fear.  Where there is fear, there is no love.  A fearful anxious person will not love their real self; they will have a problem with solid relationships with others because of this. There are powerful meds out there that folks use to block out fear and anxiety, but the truth lies with in each of us to find that place of real self that God created us to be.  We seem to not take care of our real self...or most of us do not.  We see ourselves as limited or different from others and consciously separate ourselves from them  We live in fear with this of disappointing people... or disappointing ourselves.  We constantly set ourselves up for failure because we believe ourselves unworthy of love... but God's love is there and it is constant.  


God's love for us is what can heal us.   He will reconnect us inside to our real self as we begin to recognize and accept the value of our lives and our 'love-ability' to be loved by others.  I pray you find healing today for what ever is hurting inside of you that keeps you from loving yourself and accepting yourself as you are this day.  Open your heart to God so His love can embrace you and heal your fears. With God there is no fear.  Love overcomes fear.  It cannot exist in the presence of love and acceptance.


I wrote this after going through a trying experience with a teenager.  It is sad when they have been so abused and and put down that they can no longer see the good in themselves and this fear and inadequacy leads them to making wrong decisions.  Punishment for this means little for change, but offering of love and acceptance provides a new foundation of trust.  Perhaps we need this with our Heavenly Father.  We do not need to 'punished' for what we do... but rather ask for forgiveness and open ourselves to receive His grace and His love.

Laurie

"Jesus said, "MY COMMAND IS THIS: LOVE EACH OTHER AS I HAVE LOVED YOU." John 15:12

'Little Black Dress' Woman Figurative Art Oil Palette Knife Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Little Black Dress'

9 x 12  Oil on Canvas Board
Slip it into a frame and enjoy it.

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

   © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

The Painting: I am working more intensely with color and my palette knife.  I can just hear God chuckle as He must have used that technique many times in the creation.

The Thought:     Hog... thats a different lead in for me.  HOG.  We had hog for breakfast.  I am leary about it as I don't really like or eat PORK at all. I was at the easel early this morning working away and Terry came with a plate of eggs and stuck a bite in my mouth... sausage.  Something else I eat very little of... sausage. I don't want to say yuck, but I still feel funny in my mouth and tummy. I can handle it mixed into speg or Lasagna, or even in chili.


I knew where it came from.  Leah stayed with the Fletchers after school on Monday and they had shot a pig (wild hog) down on their bottom lands. Leah didn't shoot it, the Fletchers had shot it earlier in the day.  They fed Leah pork tenderloin for dinner and when we arrived Leah was helping make sausage.  Terry will feed her some of this tonight for dinner I am sure.   I will stick with veggies.  


Living out here in the country our groceries are way different. I went from spending $250 a week at Whole Foods down to maybe $100 a week here at Brookshires.  Vicky has been sweet sharing her vegetable garden that is already in full production as well.  I love the squash.  We will have our fall garden in later this year but arrived here too late for a summer garden.  

God provides in His cycle for this all to happen. When the Fletchers have a cow go down, they take the carcass to an area on the ranch for the vultures and coyotes to feed off of it.  I cringed at that but realize that is part of nature, which is God through and through.  We have good land to grow vegetables in, a pond in our back yard to fish out of... and the Fletchers share 'hog' and beef as well.  I still hang on to my chicken from Whole Foods.  I buy a bag of Chicken Tenders and they last us almost a month.  God provided Whole Foods too...didn't he?  


We laughed though when Vicki told us they stock one of the ponds with catfish, but she feeds them as pets and can't bring herself to catch them and eat them.  I will tell you know, we will be feeding and catching ours!   When you are ready to visit, bring your fishing pole.




Laurie
“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.”- Hebrews 6:10

'Journey One' Horse Equine Oil Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Journey One'

9 x 12  Oil on Canvas

I posted this in my new link above and someone bought it last night! Thank you Katherine.
SOLD

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

   © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

The Painting: Thick paint embraces the energy of this pony.

The Thought:  Tired but home late last night from a funeral of an old family friend. He was in that group of "Uncle" status.  A man well loved by many with his wit, his sense of humor and his intelligence. A man of God and a man of goodness to all who knew him. He touched many lives.
He is already sorely missed by many. 


As I sat in the church looking up, I first noted there was no stain glass window in the front sanctuary.  It was a huge window with large panes.  You could look up and see the sky...the blue sky with snowy white clouds billowing by.  At first I thought it strange not to have stain glass, but the longer I sat and pondered it, the more in awe I was of the simplicity of viewing the heavens and feeling so much closer to God.  There was nothing between the heavens and where I sat in the pew.  You were not contained in the sanctuary...you were simply part of the heavens as you sat there.  I watched the sky as the clouds began to gather and darken.  I thought how exciting it was to see God's work happening right before my eyes as I was held captive by my seat and the show before me.


I need to sit sometime and do this at home.  Reconnect with the heavens.  It is harder here in Tall Tree as it is ALL TALL TREES.   Look around you today and see what you can celebrate watching something that is part of His moving world...ever changing and always in harmony giving and taking.  Remember how you use to lay back and look up at the clouds to see what shapes and things you could find in all the snowy white billows?

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

'Dancing in the Moonlight' Equine Horse Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Dancing in the Moonlight'

24 x 24  Acrylic on Canvas

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

   © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

The Painting:  Energy... night... passion... it all seem to appear on the canvas.

The Thought:  A lot of stuff appears at night... just ask my Kerrie Blue Terrier, Paddy.

 We moved to the country and this dog does not like the outside and especially does not like the outside at night.  He is not a tiny dog... He is about 40 inches tall and almost 60 pounds.  We already established he cannot catch a deer, but he is swift and can out distance us pretty quick.


Night time is not his time anymore.  He used to love night life.  We never could get him to come in. I remember going out in the backyard in Justin (Where we had two acres) and using a flashlight to herd him and Annie back in the house. They loved the nighttime.   


If it is after seven PM.. Paddy is NOT going outside.  The noise is deafening on the pond and he will not budge from the house.  He is convinced there are more than lions and tigers and bears out there....he truly doesn't know what it is, but he does not like it at all.


I can't blame him. I am squeamish about the walk from the back door to the hot tub.  

We have to remember God made the night just as He made the day. With the rotation of the earth we pass from the rays of the sun to the careful watch of the moon... beaming God's grace to us... accompanied by the host of stars in the heavens.  Symbolically night is the time for rest for us humans... but for those darn bull frogs... that is when the action begins and the symphony starts.
I guess you have to be there. Maybe I need to record it all once.  God is there with them and Paddy and I and He is just grinning to beat the band, or is that to outshine those frogs?


We had a special day yesterday with a fabulous visit from my heart sister Jan that lovingly proofs all my Heart books each year. She and her husband Arlo were in for a grand-daugther's graduation from college here in Texas. The drove two hours to spend the day with us and it was a glorious day. Jan has not aged a bit in the three or four years since I last hugged her neck and Arlo is as handsome as ever.  We promised to return the visit to Phoenix this year so I can visit her wonderful life.  We may have to leave Paddy at home.

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  (Even with the singing of the bull frogs.....)

'Tommy' Commissioned Equine Horse Contemporary Oil Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Tommy'

24 x 24  Oil on Canvas

COMMISSIONED PAINTING SOLD

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

 © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

The Painting: This painting is for Christine in the UK...her sweet Tommy.

The Thought: Christine wrote me and ask me to paint Tommy. She sent quite a few photos for me to see how lovely this sweet gelding is.

Christine wrote me that Tommy is a 14.1hh piebald cob gelding who is about 25 years old.  He spent a large part of his life pulling carts along busy roads.  That tells me he is like those grazing cows from yesterday's blog.  STEADY.  When he 'retired' from this he was a pony for a young girl and Christine has him four days a week.  She spends that time riding through the country side exploring and enjoying the sheer freedom of time spent with Tommy.  It was told that he loves to feel the wind in his mane.  This is an intelligent horse that has served his time working and now in retirement is truly enjoying living.  He is ever protective of his rider and enjoys obviously enjoys retirement!

So many children grow up with the dream of horse back riding or owning their own horse. They truly do not know the huge responsibility that comes with it, but they watch with starry eyes every time they see a horse and rider pass by.  Christine waited until adulthood when her kids were all in school to finally take up horseback riding with lessons and with this unbelievable horse. The timing was Gods and the joy is now Christine's and God's.


God wants each of us to have those special things in life.  His timing is not always our timing.  When mixing in general life, growing up, education and living, often our hopes and dreams from childhood are lost along the way.  When I hear a story like this, it tugs at my heart as I know the true joy and freedom that comes from horseback riding. You don't have to be a child to enjoy it... the time will come and it will all happen.


May your dreams of childhood never leave your hope and thoughts for today and tomorrow.


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

'Rugged Night' Equine Abstract ART Horse Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Rugged Night'

18 x 24  Acrylic on Canvas

$275 and that includes shipping in the US 

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

  © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

The Painting:  Baby it's dark out here!  Heavy layers of Acrylic adorn this magnificent Stallion.

The Thought:   Well yesterday as we drove home from school with Leah, we went to Winnsboro, Texas.  We had dinner at a pretty good place. Typical country mixture of Mexican American foods on a buffet. The two best things I ate were fresh carrots steamed and HOT coconut cream pie with a two inch meringue.   Terry was deep into country barbecue ribs and enchiladas.


As we left the restaurant the clouds were gathering angrily and lightening was popping all around us.  The wind whipped the left over cartons almost out of my grasp as we headed to the car.   Driving up and through the Piney Woods back north to the lake, we encountered swirling clouds going every direction and extra large raindrops pelting the car.  It was only 5 pm and it looked and felt like a scary midnight hour.   There is no phone coverage racing through this tree covered hills and we had no idea how bad the storm was swirling around us.


A small voice came from the backseat.  "It's okay the cows are still grazing." Terry threw a glance in the backseat. 'Oh yeah?"  

"See the cows?"  

"Yeah...."  

"They are grazing."

"uhum...and ..?"

"If there is going to be really bad weather and tornadoes, cows seek shelter...see look out there... they are still standing there grazing."

Both Terry and I  began to watch for the next pasture of cows and sure enough they were grazing away just swinging their tails.  


Do you think in any part of your brain you could imagine everything around you in chaos and things changing right and left and you could stay steady and not react at all?  Just graze away and eat and ignore the trauma?  I think you could if you were focused on God.  Fear is always surrounding us and creeping in through happenings in our lives.  It triggers worry and concern and anxiety.  Not with the cows.  Perhaps there is a lesson in cow grazing for all of us. 

Next time things really get traumatic... lets get the cow image in the head...come rain or come shine they graze, only moving to seek shelter for extremely harmful storms or threats. God gives them the inner instinct to do this with out man.  He give us so much more, we are just too busy running around in circles screaming "the sky is falling."

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

'The Only One I Dream Of' Equine Abstract Horse Oil Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'The Only One I Dream Of'

30 x 30  Oil on Canvas

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

 © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

The Painting: It has a history... but never owned, just a good history.  If you buy it, I will share it!

The Thought: This morning you get the story of the DUMP.  If you live in Dallas you would think I was talking about a huge store that is called THE DUMP...but I am referring to a real dump.  


One thing to find out when you buy a home is where the county dump is.  We neglected to do that. Our first loads went to a precinct in our county where there was a dumpster. No one was ever there so we took our stuff and left it in the big dumpster as instructed by our trash folks. This worked until this week when we drove the 8 miles just to find the dumpster did not exist anymore.


Terry had me call the local sheriff...our friend Paul.  He has lived here since 2002 and does know where everything is.  He gave us two sets of instructions...one was to the dump in Titus County near Mt Pleasant and then something he referred to as our city dump. We do not live in the city but decided to try it anyway.  In Dallas you dump free if you have your water bill.  Not here.  At the 'city dump' you pay to dump.  A six foot pickup truck bed is $20.  Ours was stacked to the roof of the cab so we had to pay $30.  It was all old carpet from one room, along with more boxes we had unpacked.  It was actually pretty cool as we backed up to a 'cliff' and just dropped everything down into the dumpsters. There is really not a dump here, only a location where they bring in those large dumpsters and people pay to dump and then the city has them traded out.

It was a journey finding the place.  We had basic instructions but not good ones.  We had to turn around on one lane country roads a few times to get back on the right road in the correct direction. We even passed it on the road... and turned around as that road ended. That was good because when we drove past it the first time there was no one there and the gates were locked. When we returned there was a person there opening the gate.  Timing is everything.

Had we driven there immediately we would have given up on no one being there and driven further into the next county to dump our stuff.  God has His way for us always.  We are all good about going down one lane roads in our lives just realize it was not the right choice.  Turning around is always difficult but it is something we have to do to get back on track.  I am grateful to Him and praise Him and thank Him for His patience with me.  I love to trek down abandon roads just to see where they go.  My husband is very patient... as is God.  The Bible is the best map for us to use in our lives.


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

'Call of the Wild Mustang' Abstract Equine Art Horse Daily Oil Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Call of the Wild Mustang'

24 x 30  Oil on Canvas

AVAILABLE and in the new JUNE edition of Western ART Collector

Contact me to purchase. Laurie

 © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

 Page 93  Western Art Collector June 2010 available on newsstands in about one week.

The Painting:  There are two in this series, and somehow the titles keep getting confused...but this is The Call of the Wild Mustang and it is here waiting for a new home.

The Thought:  Okay, so yesterday morning and yesterday day did not go as planned. Didn't check much off the TO DO LIST.  Did not finish anything I started... and I blame it on the dog.
I usually would blame it on TINK as she is so cute she is distracting, but she wasn't here.  I began early yesterday to unpack some more boxes.  Terry was outside loading the truck with a load for the county dump... and all of a sudden I hear him screech "PADDEEEEEEE". 


That would be HIS dog,  not HIS as in God, but HIS as in Terry's dog. Yeah I know GOD and DOG are close...really close and this dog almost got there all the way.  The front door handle fell off the front door and the dog made a wild dash to FREEDOM.  Terry said as the dog hurled itself downhill on the driveway, he looked back twice to see if Terry was following him.  He was in the truck in seconds and I was following out the door with the red leash in hand, just in time to see this huge deer scampering gracefully across the street with Paddy madly running after it.  

We only thought the dog was fast... after about a half mile through the woods he was spotted crossing another street still in pursuit of the fleeting deer, but further behind.  He tuckered, stopped and ran the other direction from me...of course.  I could hear Terry spinning out his tires changing directions in the truck. My mind was more ... return to house, get the gun and shoot the dog. I am a dog lover, but this dog tries my very existence and he is playing without a full deck of cards.    I continued climbing the hill staying on the street keeping the black blur in sight. One neighbor came out to help and even tried letting his barking dogs out to turn Paddy's attention back to our direction, but that failed.  


I had NO idea where Terry was anymore as I climbed this hill, tuckered and tired and wondering how in the heck I was going to catch this darting terrier gone crazy with freedom. I began to pray right then, acknowledging to God that I was total inept to do this alone and since TP was not here, He was now the main dog catcher.   I suddenly looked down and two feet in front of me on the road was a snake.  Did I mention I do not like snakes?  I definitely crossed the road quickly and triple stepped it up the hill... and actually got ahead of the black blur.  He was off scouting out the lake behind one of the houses.  As he spotted me he begin to zig zag. His little mind was debating how to get around me.  


 I remember the red leash in my hand and I began to use it like a whip/lasso.  My teeth were gritted and I bent over staring him down swinging the red leash... back and forth he wove and I suddenly felt like the goal tender in a hockey game waiting and watching for the puck.  The leash whipped around and the dog shot straight at me knocking me flat as I grabbed the scruff of his neck realizing if I did not hold on to him I would never have him again.  Half laying and struggling to keep him in tow, I clipped the leash on.  He happily walked home smiling all the way.


When we were in town today Terry bought more sulfur.  You put it out as a snake barrier around the house.  It really works.  Now to come up with something to keep the dog inside the yard.


I relate this to how we get so focused on something in our lives we run toward it without concern of what is happening around us.  That is how we miss out on things that God has ready for us.  Slow down; if it is good today, it will be good tomorrow.

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 (Especially after she catches his dog.)

'Last Push' Abstract Equine Art Horse Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Last Push'

30 x 30  Acrylic on Canvas

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

  © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

The Painting:  I love this approach to the canvas. It is probably my favorite.  Fresh and ready for a new home and just finished today.

The Thought: I remember in the old days it was common for someone in an interview when I was modeling to say,  "If you could only take one makeup item with you on a long trip, what would it be?"  Of course at my younger age I always answered  "Mascara".   It makes your eyes pop out.

I challenge you to be limited and resourceful and come up with the three BEST adjectives to describe yourself.  ONLY THREE.  At least I didn't say one... I am giving you some flexibility.

There are hundreds and hundreds to chose from...both negative and positive, but I want you to find the best three that are positive that describe you.

Laurie  

 "Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you." Exodus 20:12

'White Peonies Blue Vase' Palette Knife Flower Floral Oil Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'White Peonies Blue Vase'

9 x 12 inches  Oil on Canvas

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

   © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

The Painting: Bright colors were on my palette this morning as I began to pile the paint.  Blue vases always remind me of my dad.

The Thought:  Sometimes we are so close to something we cannot even see it or see where we are.  How can you possibly move forward to new blessing in your life if you are so focused on what is there that you cannot give value to new blessings already sitting in front of you. 

That is when it is time to turn loose of what you are holding onto so tightly.  You cannot receive what else God has to give you if you can't let go of what you think is so important.  Trusting in Him and His power to prosper you and move you forward. Prosper does not necessarily mean money... it means to make steady progress and thrive.  Are you doing that in your life right now?


God is providing the best for you and it is time for you to trust Him. Be open to receive that which is yours in abundance. Each day is filled with new possibilities to find that prosperity. Reach out and grab it...embrace it and give thanks.

I am posting my new acquisition from Mike Beeman one more time as I linked the wrong blog to the painting this week.  If you click the bird painting now, it will take you to his painting blog and not his pastel blog.  It was great for me as I didn't realize he did pastels!  So take a moment and go visit his beautiful paintings on his painting blog. I can't wait to get her and frame her!

Laurie  

"Those who are attentive to a matter will prosper, and happy are those who trust in the Lord." Proverbs 16:20.

'Mystery Horse' Equine Horse Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Mystery Horse'

24 x 24 Oil on Canvas

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

  © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

The Painting: From 2008 now available, just contact me.

The Thought:  This is an older piece that is available from an estate sale.  The folks contacted me and I said I would place it on the blog. I believe they will consider all offers.


Do you think God says that about us?  He will consider all offers?  Have you offered anything up to Him lately?


Prayers? Service? Work? Your life? Your time? Your love?


Just something small to think about today as you start off the new week.  What can you offer up to Him today?

Laurie

"In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the LORD." Genesis 4:3

Laurie The Verse

'Playing for Papa' Music Piano Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Playing for Papa'

22 x 28 inches Mixed Media on Canvas

Available... contact me if you are interested.
THE ORIGINAL that started the entire series now available.

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

  © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

The Painting: This was painted in June 2008.  It is a layering of antique music from late 1800's and early 1900's from my grandfather's music collection. The next layers are varnish and painting and more varnish and painting. 

The Thought:  I was sitting at the table this morning watching the birdfeeders and I chuckled and said to Terry, "We have new customers."  He laughed back and said "Not new customers, but patrons of the seed."


Here are these two bird feeders (Three if you count the hummingbird feeder) that I keep filled with fresh seed.  It is selfish of me to do it because I love watching ALL the different kind of birds that flock to it all day long.  Some species I have only seen in pictures in books.  Truly nice as I watch the birds fly up and take turns eating of the banquet of seeds. They don't have to do anything..just open their beaks and eat.

This is a painting Mike Beeman did for me.  He captures the soft uniqueness of the birds better than any other artist I know.  I love that he entitled it, "Enjoying the View".  Fits in perfect with our new home and our move to the lake.  Click on the painting to visit his blog. His work will awe you!

Back to the birds,  it made me realize as I had the bible in hand just seconds later as Terry and I read Habakkuk together...that God is like a giant bird feeder.  He keeps our 'feed' ready at all times.  The banquet table is overflowing with His bounty, but we have to take the time to stop and eat. 

To have a relationship with Him requires participation from us. We have to be actively seeker to receive, our hands and heart open to Him in good times and in bad times. His food is ready... come and eat.

Laurie  


"As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up." Matthew 13:4

'The Race' Equine Horse Art Oil Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'The Race'

20 x 30  Oil on Canvas

SOLD

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

  © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

The Painting: This was a unique palette for me and a different approach to the canvas. Took several days of drying layers to get there but I arrived.

The Thought:   The Influence of a Mother.    That could be several novels, books, sets of encyclopedias (Do some of you know what those even are?)


When Eve was 'blessed' with the "curse" of childbirth, she in turn became the "deliverer", bring forth children.   Eve knew of Satan from her experience in the Garden of Eden and she was aware of spiritual warfare.  It would fall to Eve to bring her children up in God's great love and teach them to be alert as Satan would continue to find a way into their lives.

Look what happened with Jochebed, Moses' mother.  She rejoiced with the birth of a son, only to know she would lose him.  She hid him for three months avoiding the ruling of the Pharoah to kill all male babies. Jochebed  knew nothing was amiss with her tiny son and through her faith was able to overrule circumstances.  Her faith in Him was greater than her fear of man.   She was able to see her son live; her son received a fine education and she was able to be apart of his life as he grew.

In Proverbs children are advised to heed the instruction of their father  and the law of their mother.  God has entrusted mothers with the most precious gift in God's creation,  children.  The influence of a mother on a child lasts a lifetime and then some.  Faithful mothers heed the call with their heart open to God and teach their children of His ways. Mothers are the foundation to the future in every civilization and the influence of their teachings is passed through many generations.  I see this in our family.  My Grandmother to my mother, my mother to myself and my brothers, and from each of us onto our children.   Now Stacey is passing these teachings on to Tink. (Aka Tinkerbell aka our granddaughter aka her nickname on this blog.)


Let's greet this weekend in the true celebration of God's blessings to Eve and to every woman that touches the lives of children with the positive awareness of Him. 

Laurie

"My Son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother."  Proverbs 1:8

'Five Red Flowers' Abstract Flowers Floral Oil ART Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Justus Pace

'Five Red Flowers'

24 x 24  Oil on Canvas

SOLD from my blog! Thank you.

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

   © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

The Painting: This is an evolution painting... it went from a basic drip coat of acrylic to full blown over layering of oils pulls and chunking of thick thick oils.

The Thought:     Today is the national Day of Prayer.  Terry and I will be participating with our community lifting up the nation and all the needs of those we love. Join us today in this united day of prayer.


I thought about a crayon box yesterday.  What color would your mother be?  Mine would be the color green but her wrapper would be an orange red color.  That sort of sums  her up... a very spiritual nature person that connects with the earth, hence her love for that wonderful natural green color.   But in contrast there is her red hair... inherited from her Dad's side of the family, a brilliant contrast to her sparkling green eyes.


I was laughing of my vision of a crayon box entitled MOTHERS CRAYONS.  It would be filled with all the different 'mothers' and their colors.  Then I thought about what color I would be... maybe a violet blue color as that is my favorite color.  My outer wrapper would be a dark maroon red color.    The violet blues bring to mind the sky at dawn and the early morning of the day.  I am an early riser and probably that is why I connect to that color in the spectrum. The deep reds are the intensity and passion of life, to be daring and to set out to achieve my goals, something I learned from my parents.  Use those gifts.


If you are a mom, what colors are you?  What about your mom?  We can fill this MOTHERS CRAYONS BOX (made by GOD) with a spectrum of every imaginable color.  It will be a mighty big box of the finest colors woven by the Lord.

Laurie  

"They shall also make the ephod of gold, of blue and purple and scarlet material and fine twisted linen, the work of the skillful workman." Exodus 28:6

Beginnings "Home on the Ranch" Appaloosas in Progress Huge Oil Painting Equine Abstract by Texas Aritst Laurie Pace

Beginnings of 'Home on the Ranch'

4 ft by 5 ft  Oil on Canvas

This is a commissioned painting for an Appaloosa Ranch owner here in Texas
You can follow the progress...

Contact me. Laurie

  © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

The Painting: I posted the sketches of this piece last week and I began it this week.

The Thought:    My thought this morning is finding Joy in every moment. Sounds simple but it definitely a daunting task. 

Or is it?


All the best plans never work as we think they should and not much joy will abound there. When we lose hope we normally lose joy.  The joy can only be found in the release of the "plans and wounds"  that tie us to these worries.  That is not meant to say you are not responsible in this world as we all are responsible to live today as it counts to our commitments and our direction.  The suggestion is to be open to the joy that is already there.



He offers up joy in our daily experience and we need to be open to finding it, feeling it and allowing it to fill us. The Holy Spirit is there with us guiding us to the joy...but there is something else that we all had to help us along and that is a Mother.


As we approach the well advertised "Mother's Day" weekend, children in school are scampering to finish cards and gifts for their moms, Hallmark is raking in big bucks in card sales, and many of us adult children are thinking back on the years of blessed "mothering" from our Mothers.  


It takes thinking back to childhood and even young adulthood when the world crashed around our ears from those lost plans and wounds of childhood...and who was there?  Mother.  When we forgot to be responsible for something, who was there? Mother.  When we rode our bicycles too fast and turned the corner on a dime and crashed, who helped us bring the bent bike home and tended to our bloody knees and elbows?  Mother.  How about when we came in late and she covered for us to keep  Dad from finding out and grounding us?  Yes, that was Mother. Who helped put together all those science fair projects, like making water run uphill?  Her name was Mother. When we fell ill and fevers set in, it was Mother tending to us.  (Yes God was there too...and the Holy Spirit within.)

I do believe Mother and Joy are woven together in one of God's greatest gifts. It was Mother in her earthly presence that urged us to rise above the wounds and worries and push forward to be 'joyful'. She was always after us to see the glass as half full.  The joy is there ever constant and if God can't get through to us, Mother can.


Laurie


^"I have great confidence in you; I take great pride in you. I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds." 2 Corinthians 7:4