Daily Painting from Texas Contemporary Fine Artist Laurie Pace

'Running in the Snow' Contemporary Equine Art Horse Oil Daily Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Justus Pace

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Pace) — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 13:20:00 +0000

'Running in the Snow'

5 x 7 Oil on Paper

SOLD before I cleaned my brushes! Thank you.

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

The Painting: This is a small study pull for a larger painting. It truly sold before I cleaned up paint up. I often do these when I am working with new colors and want to see how it lays out. This is a small piece on watercolor paper with Holbein Duo Oils. Stunning in contrast with the blues and caramels. Watch for the big one.

The Thought: I hate to say SHORT, but it is. I am busy preparing some really neat things for small gifts this year. Affording art I guess you would say...but only because of friends pressuring me because they wanted them. We will see if the hard work pays off, mean while I am finding myself NOT PREPARED to get it done by tonight. This day looms very very very intense and busy. I have been working for two hours already at 7:15 and realize I will need to schedule breaks to move and walk or I will be sore later from sitting in the computer chair too long.

Already the prayers are being offered up for the calm peace I will need to proceed today. In whatever you are doing, I will pray for you and your peace as you take on the preparations for your life as it carries forth.

I am leaving you to believe in His Abundance and Grace,

Laurie

“Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done.” 1 Chronicles 16:8

'Regal Leo' Contemporary Equine Art Horse Daily Oil Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Pace) — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 13:28:00 +0000

'Regal Leo'

24 x 36 Oil on Canvas

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

The Painting: This is Regal Leo. don't ask me why as I can't tell you. The colors are so rich with the deep sunset it just became Regal Leo. Leo like the lion with the thick mane...just like this Leo. There are over 25 layers of paint on this mane. Only in Holbein Duo oils and only in my signature style.

The Thought: Well, turkey day has gone but the left overs are in the fridge. We were blessed with our day at Stacey's. Crystal woke up feeling much better (Thank you Target Pharmacist for your recommendations.) She didn't mingle with family so closely but did enjoy playing video games with Jon and watching the UPS movie. I have not seen it yet... maybe this weekend.

Larry out did himself with cooking. Stacey was the pastry chef with 7 or 8 pies...yum, some of those are in my refrig right now. There were over 20 eating and we cleaned up that bird nicely. There were two flavors of dressing with the meal, whipped potatoes, glazed carrots and yummy bread, cranberries and Stacey's famous Ambrosia. Dessert came out as Pumpkin pies in a variety of types, pumpkin crunch cake, pecan pie, and apple pie. Oh, don't forget the whipped cream.

Stacey was smart. She went to Walmart and bought plastic containers cheap so we could all bring home leftovers. She had plans to be up and out shopping by four this morning with her best friend Shannon. Had Crystal been feeling better we would have spent the night and joined them.

So much preparation went into this fabulous meal. Our life should be no different. Preparation makes a difference. Reading the bible and praying prepares you for what you face out in the world. If you are not prepared you cannot succeed or even survive. Setting your mind to be in sync with God's word as you journey forward, you cannot fail. It has been said failure is only an illusion when you stop and sit and wallow in your misery or thoughts. Get up and move; when you do you will evolve form the place you have stopped. You will be moving forward. You will be growing.

Prepare your life for the good of God and what He has generously provided for you. Take your hands out of your pockets and lift them to the Heavens to receive. Prepare your heart to receive.

Laurie

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.”Colossians 3:16

'Between Two Points' Figurative CityScape Contemporary Oil Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Pace) — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 13:46:00 +0000

'Between Two Points'

36 x 48 Oil on Canvas

SOLD

Contact me for commission work. Laurie

The Painting: This is from my old portfolio and is owned by private collector in the Ft Worth area. It sold from my NY gallery several years ago, but I wanted to post it to share my thoughts this day.

The Thought: Neale Donald Walsch had a good send out message that I received this week. I am going to incorporate it with my Thanksgiving thoughts for you.

Thanksgiving is a day to be remembered in the history of the United States. It is holiday that started as our nation began, stemming from a total celebration of "we did it". Truly it was more "God did it... we made it." It is still that way today. We are we with God and His almighty power and plans. Always better to work together toward the goal than to pull in opposite directions. Not sure what was in the mind of those first English Pilgrims, but as they came to the table to eat and share food with the Indians, the local inhabitants of the area, but I can guess it was relief to have made the year. A time to give thanks for everything from the smallest thought to the most obvious thought.

The painting is a line of immigrants standing outside of a government building. The viewer does not know 'why the line' and what the people are doing, but they can see 'when' by looking at the car in the street. ( for the few men that read this column, no I don't know the name of the car, my husband chose it for me and gave me pictures.) The car in the street was a one year production before the stock market crash. The immigrants are in this line and as you note, no one speaks to anyone. No one touches anyone and no one exchanges glances with anyone. Some look sickly, others are young and eager, some look hesitant. Some are old but still pushing into the future of a better tomorrow. Doesn't this describe some of us today? No one is connecting in the line. They are all from a different country and cannot share their feelings. The folks in the line are well aware of the fancy car in the street. They see it as American Life promising them the best and the finest and dreaming that they will own their own car one day; maybe not that one, but a nice one nonetheless. Life goes on around the people in the line. Just as life goes on around you in whatever 'line' you are stuck in right now. Between Two Points is the title of this painting. Are you between two points today? Do you feel no one can understand what you are saying?

If you are not where you want to be this day you might be questions WHY and how did I end up here? The most important thought is the next one, what can you choose to do now? You have the choice of your next step in life. To ask why me or why this situation only submerges you into doubt and anxiety and disappointment. To make a decision to go forward with a positive stop empowers you to walk with God and head in another direction. You do not have to remain between two points.

If you stop to try and figure things out, you stop moving and you will begin to fall back to where you were. Focus on what you want to create in your life. Move forward to that. Neale says, " There's nothing behind you that can possibly serve you better than your highest thoughts about tomorrow."

Where ever you are today, give thanks for what you have and celebrate life. God is good and He provides what we need when we need it if we only believe.

Laurie

“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe,” Hebrews 12:28

'Spotted Appaloosa' Contemporary Equine Horse Oil Daily Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Pace) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 12:59:00 +0000

'Spotted Appaloosa'

36 x 48 Oil on Canvas

SOLD COMMISSIONED PAINTING

Contact me For Commission Work. Laurie

The Painting: This was a joy to paint. The collector loved the painting Patina 2 and wanted the same feel but with her appaloosa in the painting. BTW, Appy 2, which she owns, will be on the cover this next month of the Appy Magazine. Stay tuned for a look in a few weeks. This piece is painted with Holbein Duo Oils on Canvas and it is large at 3 ft by 4 ft. I would love to paint for you...so contact me for your own Pace Signature Original.

The Thought: Our youngest daughter is still very ill. I am pumping her full of fruit and juices, mucinex and tylenol etc but it is not a positive thing right now. Does not look like we will make my older daughter's house for Thanksgiving. I am sad because there will be new family to be attending along with everyone that has NOT been together since the death of our grandson Grant, three years ago. Terry is going to stop at Whole Foods for a turkey this afternoon and I will be cooking. It is not that I mind doing it, but I was sooo looking forward to NOT doing it this year. I was assigned OMA in charge of the TINK and due at Stacey's house around eight to tend the baby while they finished up the turkey day meal. Last count was at twenty for guests I think. It is obviously not in God's plans for us to attend, so I am assuming He wants me to cook here, or we won't eat. Terry is not off for Thanksgiving. He never has been, so it is not a holiday around our house this year as I will be in the studio working, youngest daughter will be in bed with the flu and the turkey will be tucked in the oven until Terry makes it home at four. Ya know, I bet someone at the base is bringing in bird... I need to ask, maybe I won't have to cook....or at least not as much.

Mom is due over this morning for a quick run to Target for last minutes stuff. I will miss the BLACK FRIDAY early jaunt with Stacey this year as well. We usually rise and start by 5 am at Target, but I saw someone was opening at Midnight tomorrow night.. I will be asleep.

So no matter what comes your way today or tomorrow, focus on giving thanks ...God has blessed our nation richly and each of us as well with our many gifts. I pray that many people will awaken to those gifts and begin to use them to serve others and to prosper their lives...not prosper necessarily with money but with contentment and peace. Many will go with out today and tomorrow. There are families torn apart by war, poverty, illness, petty grievances, and many other things, so we must pray for them as well.

Take care this day and give Thanks for what surrounds you, find the peace in what you hold right now.

Laurie

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17

'Spotted Appaloosa' Beginning Sketch Horse Contemporary Oil Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Pace) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 14:22:00 +0000

'Spotted Appaloosa'

36 x 48 inches Oil on Canvas

STEP ONE in the puzzle as I begin this commission painting for a couple in Michigan.

Contact me for commissions. Laurie

The Painting: This is the beginning piece you might say... the sketch is on and the paint will begin to fly. Stay tuned daily for updates.

The Thought: It all goes back to the puzzle again. Life is a puzzle. Have you ever forced something to work in life? Just like this darn puzzle. We could not find all the outside edges and I contemplated snipping off one of the nubs to make it work. Of course I knew it would not work, but I wanted to try....but we didn't. We found out yesterday after restudying the edges we were only minus one piece not five pieces. We had some FORCED into where they should not be. Terry patiently untangled and resolved the edges to perfection and we could begin the journey inside the edges. He said his dad, Ben, is really good at this. HUMMM...Ben what are you doing today?

Terry jumped in with his new found skills, or maybe I just discovered them... he actually planned out an attack by sorting ALL the pieces flat by color. He used my canvas upside down. (We have only dumped two of them so far.) But stay tuned in our puzzle one as we figure it out piece by piece together. PRAISE GOD it has replaced long spent hours numbingly staring at the computer... or the TV. We did the puzzle last night until almost midnight.

I have decided to apply this new found knowledge to something else in life...so stay tuned for more.

Don't force anything today in your life...let God do it all...let go and let God.

Laurie

"So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”Colossians 2:6-7

'Two of a Kind' Modern Equine Art Daily Oil Horse Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Pace) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:27:00 +0000

'Two of a Kind'

24 x 24 Oil on Canvas

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

The Painting: This was created in Acrylic on canvas. Some of the colors from the new palette I have been working with.

The Thought: It is a short blog today. Our daughter was up all night with a massive headache. She has not had much fever, but has had horrible headaches. I am praying Terry and I stay well or we will not have Thanksgiving with our family this year. I don't think we have ever been sick on Thanksgiving before....so prayfully we hope we won't be this year.

Stacey said Tink had a deep cough from her last cold and I am waiting to see how she is doing today as well. Seems like the second round of the regular flu has hit the area. We had the swine flu stuff in Sept and Oct and now it is regular flu season. Try to keep your healthy and remember to wash your hands. Again and again.

God's magnificent grace can transform anything in your life. As you spend time with Him in contemplation and prayer, breath in His healing power and be filled with His wisdom and love.

He is supporting you and He is supporting me. He is supporting all of us. For those you pray for, He will answer with His grace for them. He will lead each of us through these times of uncertainty. We must have faith and believe that all will be well.

Remember, wash your hands.

Laurie

"And the Word became Flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a Father's only Son, full of grace and truth." John 1:14

'Blue Horse' Modern Equine Art Contemporary Horse Daily Oil Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Pace) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 12:42:00 +0000

'Blue Horse'

30 X 30 inches

Oil on Canvas

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

The Painting: This beauty was drawn out six weeks ago and I never painted him. Finally this past week I began working on him choosing colors back in the blue family where I have wondered lately. The stallion is strong with high ridges of paint created with my palette knife and my wonderful Holbein Duo Oils.

The Thought: We seem to have the youngest daughter down with the flu or something. I have kept her in her room and out of the rest of the house hoping to contain the spread of whatever has taken hold. High fever much like I had in September and thankfully no chest issues or cold at this time. We want every one well for Thanksgiving. Stacey is cooking... I just get to go and play with the grandbaby! PERFECT for me....except I miss cooking.

I have to try and put things in perspective as for almost 35 years I have been responsible for the Thanksgiving meal. Things change. At first I wanted to bring something but then I remember how excited I was the first Thanksgiving I cooked for family. There is a joy in serving others a meal you have prepared and planned from scratch. So I will go with a huge smile and open arms to play with that grandbaby they provided that they made from scratch too! Well I stand corrected...created with lots of help from the Lord.

Whatever your plans are this week, my prayers this day are for your planning and traveling.

Next Sunday will be the first Sunday in Advent... begin this week to prepare your heart for this delightful time of the year. Give Thanks this week, every day.

Laurie

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” Colossians 3:15

'Sunday Morning Color' Floral Abstract Daily Oil Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Pace) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 12:30:00 +0000

'Sunday Morning Color'

12 x 24 Oil on Canvas

SOLD

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

The Painting: From 2006 one of my favorites. I call it delicious color! Very thick paint and very creatively done.

The Thought: I spent half the night before up so yesterday seems like a bad dream... daughter is trying to pass the state MANDATED ION TEST for chemistry. Really? Yes really. I get disgusted hearing mandated this and mandated that. We are becoming like robots in our learning and our living. Between Social Security numbers and being tracked everywhere we go, we really do not have much privacy. The internet wipes out any that use to exist. What is sad is the fact that so much of it on the internet may not be reliable information.

Gaining wisdom takes more than memorizing that ionic chart mandated by the state. Any one can memorize, but to be able to apply what knowledge you are gaining is so much more important. Terry and I spent no less than four hours preparing flash cards, test sheets, match games etc. I never took Chemistry and I sincerely know why.... yuck. Somehow the chemistry mandate reached down into our lives too.

We gain wisdom each day as we walk through our lives with out any mandates. Knowledge exists all around us and we must sort through what seems important and retain only that which may serve us in our lives. The media bombards us with too much information. If we spent a little more time in prayer and a little less time watching TV we might find our lives a lot more calmer and livable where we actually enjoy being alive everyday and look forward to waking and starting our day.

I am tired of the mandated chores that tie me down here in the studio. There is an incredible amount of computer work that ties into painting and marketing. Then you have all the bookwork, etc. I would rather be on my piano or my harp part of the day. I want more Goddated events....celebrating His grace and His love daily.

Will you join me?

Laurie

“Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.” Psalm 95:1-2

'Spring Kisses of Color' LARGE Contemporary Floral Flowers in a vase Daily OIl Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Pace) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:15:00 +0000

'Kiss of Spring'

30 x 40 Oil on Canvas

This gorgeous painting needs a home! This is one of the first large pieces up for
PAY IT FORWARD... looking for a home.

Deep rich buttery oils applied with a palette knife.
Make me an offer.....any offer will be considered...as I pay it forward.

Gallery Value is $3200

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

It does not come framed, but this is approximately the size with a frame.

Close Ups

More Details:

The Painting: A richly painted floral from this summer. Enjoy the pictures above...

The Thought: Are we there yet? How many times in your life have you heard this one? Either through your children as you are driving or in your mind when you are struggling.

In life we tend to rely on navigational aids to find our way when we travel. If you get into an unfamiliar area, you can use your navigation system or you map to figure out where you are.

In this journey in life we don't have that luxury. No one has traveled the path you are on ever before. If you make too quick of a judgment call on something, you end up paying for it somehow. Without God's participation in decision making, your journey will have some difficult times.

Yesterday we traveled up to see my Dad at the VA. He has stage five Alzheimers. His journey is breaking new ground for our entire family as we are all learning how to deal with this disease from our side watching as he goes through all the different phases of this disease. There is much we encounter that we could never anticipate and we have to trust in the unconditional love of God to get us through. His divine guidance is for our highest good.

I am guilty of not always listening to that guidance. I am very strong willed...and I get it from both of my parents. I have to humble myself daily and ask for God's gentle hand in my heart to realign myself away from ME and back to HIM.

May your path today hold His divine guidance.

Laurie

"The Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your needs in parched places." Isaiah 58:11

'Patio Pot' Flowers in a Pot, Garden Art Daily Oil Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Pace) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:55:00 +0000

'Patio Pot'

5 x 7 Oil on Board

on Sale for the Holidays $100 includes shipping.

SOLD from the blog! Thank you.

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

The Painting: I am preparing for my 30 day Holiday Sale. You can make any offer on any available painting or one I post and I WILL consider the offer. I do this every year trying to make art affordable when I can for YOUR BUDGET. You offer what you can and if it is possible to sell it for that...it will be yours. So start watching and email me when you see something that calls to your heart.

The Thought: PLAY.... PLAY.... PLAY..... that is the key word to remember. No matter what situation you are in... PLAY. Pray, Listen, Act and Yield.

PRAY...prayer will align you with God. When you open your heart and communicate with God, you become like one with Him. Your mind will quiet, your heart will calm and you will quietly receive direction for that which you seek.

LISTEN... that is what you have to do to receive this direction. Your heart must be open..you must be ready to hear what you may not want to hear. You cannot face things with preconceived ideas and solutions, you must come to the pray ready to listen. You will sense direction from Him if you are open.

ACT...a course of action will come from this prayer time and you will be ready to move forward with the knowledge that God is there with you as you act.

YIELD your heart....and give Him thanks.

PLAY it up today and get the best out of life.

Laurie

"But be doers of the word, and not merely hearers." James 1:22

'Happy Hour' Large Equine Horse Western Cowboys Art Oil Daily Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Pace) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:29:00 +0000

'Happy Hour'

18 x 24 Oil on Canvas

SOLD and the paint is not even dry! Thank you.

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

The Painting: In the beginning there was color... and I began many years ago with impressionism edging on realism. This was painted with only five colors on my palette and I was amazed by the poetry that emerged as it came together. I just finished it last night. Holbein Duo Oils on Linen Canvas. Contact me for more impressionism!

The Thought: But it is greener over there....I know the grass is greener and I know it will be a better life and a better way...but will it? We face the decision of leaving our foster/adopt daughter in the huge public high school she is struggling in (Not because she cannot do the work, but because she came from a tiny high school in the country to us here in the city.) to a smaller school setting near downtown. It would require dart rail and dart bus as I do not have the time in my day to devote 2 hours driving back and forth in traffic where a bus will drop her in front of the door of the new school.

After months of 'I hate this school, find a new one', when confronted with the reality of what her choices was, I think last night she decided to try and work out her issues at the large high school. We gave choices of stay where you are, go to the new high risk school, or get your GED.

Hey, we all like choices don't we? I know for me it is that age old advice from my dad to MAKE A LIST and as much as I hate doing it, it is by far the best way man can look at the pros and cons and see what might be the right decision given the knowledge gained to this point. My flighty arty side says, climb the fence, what are you waiting for... but my dad's level head would always attempt to stabilize me.

So my advice to you today if you are facing decisions about anything, even if you truly think you know what is best, take twenty and save possible later regret, and make that list. PROS and CONS... even you can do this. Even while your hidden ego says, NO I can do this, leave me alone, I am climbing the fence, do not do it with out the list. We can talk ourselves into so much and along the way rationalize everything we are doing as the right thing... don't fall for it, make a list.

Laurie

“Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.” John 17:17

'Spring Recital' Child on Piano Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Pace) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:55:00 +0000

'Spring Recital'

SOLD

18 x 24 Mixed Medium on Canvas

The NY Gallery is relocating at the end of this year. I had the owner send back some of

my favorite pieces so they were not included in the relocation sale.

THIS IS ONE OF MY MUSIC PIECES

available for sale directly from me.

I do not do very many of these keeping them highly collected. They are done with antique music from my grandfather. Most music from 1895-1925.

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

The Painting: RARE.. one of the few available. The Dutch Art Gallery in Dallas has one mid size and two tiny ones and the Rare Gallery in Jackson Hole has one.... and I HAVE ONE!!! So if you are interested email me. Laurie

The Thought: A wild day of COLD weather at last. We have waited a long time! It is not going to freeze tonight but it will be done in the forties. We are still waiting for a freeze for bugs to be deleted from our lives for a few short months.

I hit the wall yesterday morning. It was one phone call with one person asking for one more thing from me that I cannot give any longer and I lost it. I handed Terry the phone and I literally hit the piano fingers flying and played hard and nonstop for almost an hour until I cried myself out. I went from classical music to my hymnal. When I play out of the hymnal I start at the front and work my way back. It takes almost three hours to play every hymn.... I only went about 25 pages in... and I was calm again. Sometimes I think my music is like prayer. Funny things is when I play out of the hymnal I feel my grandmother's presence like she is in the room with her knitting listening to me play, just like she did when I was growing up. So I felt God wrapped around me and her sitting near by just smiling with those clicking knitting needles. I got up calm.

Do you have something you do that connects you to Him besides just words or prayers? Believe it or not washing dishes is another place I connect. Whatever it is you do, celebrate it. Every contact you make with Him is vital to you in your life. Through words, actions and thoughts...He is there always.

So today it was appropriate to put up my Piano painting as a reminder of His grace....

Laurie

"Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit."--Psalm 51:12

'Brothers in Color' Modern Equine Art Horse Oil Daily Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Pace) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:00:00 +0000

'Brothers in Color'

24 x 36 Oil on Canvas

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

The Painting: This one has 15 layers of paint... no joke on that one. To get the continued softer translucent affect it required more than the normal... and it is mystifying in person when you look at it. I am not sure the camera was able to capture the thickness or the light weaving through out the composition. Holbein Duo Oils of course on Canvas.

The Thought: Yesterday Mom and my youngest daughter and I decided to skip church. Instead we spent the morning in my garden room in a bible study on women of the bible and began of course with Eve. I had brewed some Chai tea, the waterfall was on, and the bibles were open as we sat and began.

The daughter was amazed at somethings she had not caught on to in this first woman of the earth. We emphasized to her that Adam was made from the dirt of the ground....yes, dirt. Woman was fashion from his bone (flesh and blood) and carefully designed by God to be perfect for Adam. She was designed to be high in intellect to be equal to Adam and his helpmate for life. She was fashioned to be beautiful from the basic core of her heart on out and a delight for Adam. I don't have the book next to me, but one of the quotes said she was fashion NOT from a bone from Adam's head to be more intelligent than him, or from a bone from his foot, so that he could step all over her, but she was created from a bone under his arm next to his heart, so that he could hold her close in protection under his arm and close to heart to love and care for her. I liked that.

To fast forward the next surprise to her was that Adam was with Eve in the garden when the conversation occurred with the snake. Adam never stopped her. Adam's responsibility was to be her caretaker and protector. By not stopping her or watching over her, Adam failed Eve. When she was tricked by the snake to try the apple, and then she offered it to Adam, did you see him hesitate?

We laughed at the part when God arrived and they were hiding....Who did this? Adam points to Eve... I didn't do it, she did it. Eve points to the snake, I couldn't help it, he made me.... Nowhere is there confession from either of these two that they have sinned and messed up. Adam is quick to talk and blame Eve. He sounds sad and he acknowledges they did wrong, but it wasn't his fault. Eve is very scared and sad but she also points the finger somewhere else. Isn't that normal, to scramble and blame someone else?

Despite all of this where they saved? We decided they were based on the fact that God then gave them His grace. He provided clothes for them and He shed the first sacrifice of blood of an animal to feed them. He taught them survival skills and then sent them on their way. God gave to each of them a part of their new life as a result of their actions. Man would have to work his way to provide for his wife and family by toiling the soil and working. Woman was given the task to bear children, keep the home fire burning and provide comfort for her family. The snake was banned to belly crawl across the lands and be under the heel of man.

There is so much in this story and trying to learn more of the mother of the earth, Eve, is not easy. There is not description of her physically and her name is only mentioned four times in the entire bible. From bare facts we assembled a description of Eve's character and from there we talked about the encounter with God and how it showed more of her character and showed how we all lie every day. The daughter was quick to say, "I don't lie at all, I always tell the truth." I am not sure she got it all. We all lie every day. We lie to ourselves and we hide things from ourselves (which is from God, no different than Eve hiding in the garden from Him) and we attempt to cover things up to bury them from the eyes of others. We all do it.

I went away from the morning and two hours of sharing with a new respect for the first woman of the earth, and feeling a connection I never thought about before.

Question... was this "downfall of man" part of God's original plan?

Laurie

“Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.” Psalm 119:18

'Deeper in Color' Modern Equine Art Large Horse Daily Painting by Laurie Pace

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Pace) — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 14:28:00 +0000

'Deeper in Color'

24 x 36 Acrylic on Canvas

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

The Painting: It began late one night as I walked into the studio and had a glass of water in my hand. Typical in my moods as the dogs danced around my feet I poured water across the canvas and began my work. It takes several days to do one of these paintings as the layering has to dry in between. This one took on life quickly as the second and third layer of colors appeared and then the horse. I know I am in a groove when the eye of the horse settles in something I have precreated on the canvas.

The Thought: Our puzzle is not progressing very fast, but this weekend Jonathan, my grandson, put together a part with lots of flowers on it. I was working on the dreaded Victorian house in pinks. Not fun.

Let's face it, parts of life are not fun. I don't think they have to be "dreaded', but they are definitely not fun. I could list cleaning the toilet near the top of that list. BUT I truly love a clean bathroom and I have to get through that part to have it.

We seem to dread things and build up an extra amount of tension in our bodies and mind when we do. One suggestion to avoid this is avoid thinking about it. Does not work for me. Only thing that does is giving it to God to worry about it. Of course I can't give Him my toilet, but He definitely has experience in cleaning up big messes we leave everywhere. If we are made in His image, do you think He begins to dread some of our antics that He is left with? That I am sure of... and even more important for me to talk to Him about it whenever I can.

I shared a phone conversation with my Mom last night. She had been laughing about the "ducks" in my past posts. I told her she needed to find a new duck to follow for awhile. She is limiting herself in some "ruts" lately. This vibrant woman used to have her hands in everything serving others. After my dad got progressively worse, she threw all her energy into him, their family business and maintaining everything that a couple use to do by herself. She suffered from this loss of herself. This giving part of herself stayed focused totally on him. We covered stages in life and how we all have to accept the aging process and then reestablish and redefine our own direction in relation to our age and what is happening around us. We all tend to remember when ... remember when you could stay up all night and keep going, or when you could run 10 miles with out loosing your breath or even when you could get eat like a ranch hand and not gain a pound?

For me those days are GONE. They will never be again. I can either sit and think about yesterday and be depressed, or I can redefine where I am today. Dreading aging is probably one of the hardest challenges we face as we grow older.

You cannot plan for tomorrow but you can learn from those around you and gain wisdom for your own life as you grow each day... and growing means growing older. Growing older, wiser and even more beautiful. Babies are cute, but so are our elderly members of our families. Just as hug-able and needing us just as much.

Laurie

“Trouble and distress have come upon me, but your commands are my delight.” Psalm 119:143

'Nana's Blue Fruit Bowl' Fruit Art Still Life Kitchen Art Bowl of Fruit Oil Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Pace) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 13:46:00 +0000

'Nana's Blue Fruit Bowl'

Oil on Canvas

SOLD

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

The Painting: Somehow I remain lost in life and painting is less these days. This is one from 2005 but it makes me really hungry as I post this morning. My have to eat and come back and paint something similar. I have not painted bowls of fruit in a long time. This is oil in a pop art type of sense. All though all of my pop art is acrylic. Go figure.

The Thought: Went to see my Dad yesterday. Mom is really interested in trying some of the concoctions out of coconut oil and MCT mixed together and of course another added cocktail of fish oil for him. His alzheimers is in stage 5 right now. He looked wonderful yesterday and we enjoyed lunch together at a favorite restaurant. Afterward, Kirk stopped at a special place and brought out a small brown bag. We headed back to the VA area to the picnic grounds all wondering what was in the brown bag.

At the picnic area there are hundreds of oak trees all loosing their leaves right now and it was like having 2 feet of snow, but this was 2 feet of fallen leaves. We found a picnic table and Kirk and I helped mom and dad sit carefully. Then he opened the mysterious brown bag....

Oh my, Chocolate cake with a wonderful chocolate icing on top. It was good. He had two large slices, one for them to share and one for us to share. Around us leaves were floating down, the temps were about 65 and the skies were partly cloudy. You could not have ordered a more beautiful day or a more beautiful afternoon.

This will be forever edged in my memory and sadly it is already forgotten by Dad. Every time we leave my heart weeps and I know it takes my mom days to recover. My faith keeps me sane as I realize God has my dad wrapped tightly in His arms right now and in his fading life as he fades from us, he is marching closer to God every day as his soul leaves piece by piece or 'piecefully' aka peacefully to reside with Him. Despite the tremendous desire to want to pull him back, we cannot stop this disease from progressing any more than we can aging itself.

Where ever you are today, take a moment to stop and drink in the beauty of nature around you and hold family and friends close at heart.

Laurie

“For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit,” 1 Peter 3:18

'The Question of Color' Modern Equine Art Horse Oil Daily Painting by Texas Aritst Laurie Pace

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Pace) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 12:15:00 +0000

'The Question of Color'

18 x 27 Oil on Canvas

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

The Painting: Here it is painted... I was going to pull paint so the next one will do that... this is heavy thick oils of Holbein Duo Oils and no impasto at all. Just pure thick paint. The face is carved with paint:

The Thought: I was back at the puzzle today and decided there is still more to it. I attack (note my words) the puzzle from the outside in, carefully constructing the outside edge pieces and then working my way into the center. Terry is totally different. He pulls together like pieces and begins from nothing to make something.

I guess that means I am way more left brain and controlling, but he sure is pushing the edge of it despite his puzzle attack. I know that is what I do in life... try to line my ducks up in a row so I don't loose any and I work so hard to keep up with them and know where they all are. I structure my life within boundaries. Terry is out there feeding his little ducks and truly isn't worry if they line up or not and definitely is not worried about any boundaries.

I am beginning to see a sense of freedom in it. I am not sure it would work in our marriage if we both had that attitude, the bills would not be paid!

What do you think God wants us to do? I believe He truly wants us to care for this moment and feed whatever duck He has put at our feet. He does not want us running around trying to line them up and fretting over where they are hiding while frantically trying to build a fence to keep them in. First thing I have to do is shoo those ducks away from me and sit and breathe. Then I can turn my attention to the one nearby and focus on this moment.

Go ahead, feed your little duck today... and don't worry about the other ducks.. they will follow you; after all you have the white pail filled with duck feed. No need for fences either. Ducks can fly.

Laurie

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

'Coming Soon Equine Art' Horse oil Painting in the making by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Pace) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 12:15:00 +0000

'Coming Soon...equine art NDP'

18 x 27 Sketch on Canvas

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

Close up

The Painting: Coming soon at an easel near you.... these are sketches on the canvas done with a loose charcoal. It makes it easy to wipe the canvas if you want to redraw an area. This horse is drawn whimsically out of my head.

The Thought: Youngest daughter and I have been working on a 2500 piece puzzle on the dining room table. Dad jumped in yesterday as we are still sorting out edges. That is how I start at least. Dad likes to do "areas" so he began sorting a different direction.

I painstakingly study the box top picture and begin building my edges noting all the tiny detail to match up even one piece...yes it is a left brain take over. We still do not have the edges put together.... but this morning I lingered a moment with hot tea in hand and spotted a smooth edged end piece on the top of the pile. Before me were 30 misc pieces some pieced together for the bottom row but nothing more than three pieces fitting and many variations and combinations of that. Suddenly this one piece fit somewhere and immediately I knew where the pieces were suppose to go. I was able to connect 80 percent of the bottom edge together by the one missing piece. Strange as all the other pieces were there that should have fit, but I didn't see it.

Isn't that how our lives are? We have all the pieces of the puzzle in front of us but we are blind to how to fit them together until that one last piece falls in front of us. Then suddenly it all makes sense. We have that controlling need to have the 'picture' of what we are and what we are doing and we want to lock into that picture. It is all a control issue for us in our lives.

Keep your heart and eyes open today for that one clue missing from something you are facing. It is probably there already and you can't see it. Usually is just right in front of our faces....

Puzzling isn't it? God is good... He knows what the full puzzle looks like for each of our lives. We are working on it without the boxtop as a guide. We must trust in Him that it will all be put together.

Laurie

"Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world.” 1 John 2:15-16

'Free to Run' Contemporary Equine Art Horse Oil Daily Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Pace) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:59:00 +0000

'Free to Run'

24 x 30 Oil on Canvas

SOLD

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

The Painting: We traveled to east Texas for a day away so I did not paint...so I had to pull from my archives to post today. Sort of a blast from the past, but a colorful one of how I approached horses in 2006.

The Thought: Okay, when I opened my mail this morning with over 200 emails from being gone one day, I realized life has spiraled a bit out of control and I am not sure how to readjust it. Sort of feels like trying to realign the stars, impossible for anyone but God... and you know... it is only Him that can do it.

I just read Robert Genn's weekly email and it had the best Video in it. Do not watch it unless you have extra time...it is about the making of art. Gives new definition to "what is art". Makes you rethink the cupcakes, the fruit etc... and widens your perspective to engage and embrace a larger vision.

I believe that is what I need to do in my life, embrace a larger vision, trust in Him and it will all be. May be good, may be bad, but it will be. In every moment it is my responsibility to remain open and find joy at that pause.

Will you join me?

Here is the link: http://clicks.robertgenn.com/bad-moods.php

Laurie

“God's voice thunders in marvelous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding. He says to the snow, 'Fall on the earth,' and to the rain shower, 'Be a mighty downpour.” Job 37:5-6

'Full of Color' Modern Equine Art Large Horse Oil Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Pace) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:00:00 +0000

'Full of Color'

18 x 24 Oil on Canvas

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

The Painting: FULL of color. Full of energy, FULL OF PAINT. Working with my favorite palette knife this painting has it LAYERED in every direction with every color and all of it is Holbein Duo Oils...thick and buttery professional grade oils. These folks tease me that my works may not cure for 40 years...but they will be around a long time.

The Thought: Life is richer and fuller when I paint these painted ponies. They are fun and full of energy and mysterious in the same breath. The joy in my heart spills over into the work on the canvas and through this work I hope you can feel the creativity of the Lord.

Whatever your favorite past time is, do it. Somethings are more enjoyable than others, but something has to bring a smile to you and joy to your heart. Sometimes if I am on a roll I can find joy in just doing mundane tasks. I especially can do this when I think of those in our lives who can no longer do those things. I give heartfelt thanks that I have the ability to do those tasks I normally dread. God is so good.

Happiness is an inside job...work on it.

Laurie

"He will yet fill your mouth with laughter, and your lips with shouts of joy." Job 8:21

'White Arabian' Modern Equine Art Large Horse Oil Painting by Laurie Justus Pace

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Pace) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 12:15:00 +0000

'White Arabian'

30 x 30 Oil on Canvas

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

The Painting: I tried hard to paint something quiet and still like with this one and I just could not do it. The softness is here but it is in living color. Edward Gordon told me once to paint what is in my soul and he was right... it is color and the everlasting color that pulls me through the composition. I cannot and will not paint things that are not 'of me'. I will never be the typical daily painter of fruit and candy and cupcakes. I could probably tweak my love back to people as Edward paints, but right now I will celebrate the painted ponies every day.

The Thought: I love selling pieces off the blog. The November Ponies are going to Colorado to live and I am so jealous. Although I am not sure I would survive the cold of their winters, I love and appreciate the beauty of that state when ever I visit. Even Wyoming...the southern part of Wyoming must be the armpit of the state. It seems endless and barren, much like the panhandle of Texas. BUT then the rest of Wymoing is dripping in gorgeous. This past summer we drove through the Red Desert and I would return there just to explore that region.

No matter where we are every day, there is beauty to be found in His grace and the beauty that exists in that day. Many times we are stuck in a situation of pain and depression and it is so hard to find that ray of sun that breaks into a rainbow. If you are there in the darkness right now...I am praying for you. I am praying His Grace wraps you in His care and somewhere today you find that beacon of light to guide you from the darkness that holds you back. Look around and find something that pulls at a positive memory from a moment from your past. Could be that small scar on your leg you got when you were riding like the wind on your bicycle, remember how glorious that felt? Or how about that photo on the table of your parents. They may not be near by to help you but there love always surrounds you.

Reach out to someone today. Reach out to God. I am praying for you.

Laurie

"The spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life."--Job 33:4

'Four White Vases' Flower Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Pace) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 13:26:00 +0000

'Four White Vases'

24 x 30 Oil on Canvas

SOLD

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

The Painting: Another one from 2005. WHY? I was laid up with a powerful backpull yesterday and I didn't get anything done. I have two paintings sketched out on canvas, but they are not even one step passed that.

The Thought: I struggled to make it from the bed to my desktop as my laptop does not have access to older files on it. Makes me reflect on struggles in our life overall. Some of us have physical struggles, others have mental and some are blessed with both. We all struggle in one way or the other.

The House of Representatives just passed the health care reform bill...more struggles are ahead. I am not sure how we can adjust our health care system to make it work. Things have spiraled out of control. What I do know is my youngest son did his college final thesis on health care back in 2004. He was totally ALL for government health care for everyone. I held my breath and prayed as he researched that he would discover all he needed to find and he truly did. The more research he compiled the further he was pulled into health care situation in every nation in the world. He spent months in research and by the time he was completed, his thesis statement had drastically changed and he incorporated all of his journey into this paper. He was so convinced in the beginning that government control would benefit everyone and when he was writing the final paper, he was totally against it. He felt a strong need to return to what was before. Individual Responsibility and reform of the costs of medical attention both at the local doctor as well as at the hospital.

I shared my story of growing up and my parents only having Major Medical Insurance. As a family, my dad and mom paid for regular doctor visits, shots and medicine. The Major Med policy was for emergency situations or hospitalization. Where did this all change over the years? When did the American public decide they were owed health care by employers or the government? I can't answer that. Personally I was thrilled with our medical coverage with American Airlines when Terry and I married. Heck Doctor visits were only $8 and prescriptions were only $4. We slid right into the snare of health care and the health care insurance making millions off of companies and medical costs soaring under the burdens. Now we complain because we have to pay $350 a month for medical insurance through American. We do not spend that much in a year at all. That is over $4000. We go to the doctor maybe twice a year and even with the blood tests etc I doubt we ring in more than $1800. BUT we put in $1200 for someone else down the road that needs more. I know as we get older our needs will change. When you are 25 you probably do not need the same health care insurance as a 65 year old.

I have no answer but personally feel we have to take more responsibility for our actions, our choices and our own health of our bodies. If we have health issues due to being overweight or plugged up blood vessels from over fat foods, whose responsibility is this? God gave us this body as His temple. I clean my house and take care of it tons better than I do my body. I would not be in the situation right now with my back if I did not spend so much time standing to paint and then slaving over all the computer responsibilities I have between my business and my household.

Think about your car for a moment. We are required by the state of Texas to have auto insurance. They can tow your car and keep it and sell it at auction if you drive without car insurance in our state. Auto insurance guarantees that you can have coverage if you cause an accident. You have responsibility to pay for damages you have done to others. Auto insurance does not pay for your maintenance on your car, your oil changes, tire changes, belts, water pumps etc. That is what Major Medical Insurance use to do for our bodies and our lives. It covered the catastrophic things, not the everyday maintenance stuff.

For most of us, God provided us with healthy bodies in the beginning as we are born. Our environment and our choices affect what happens to our bodies. I challenge you to begin taking stock of your physical shape right now. Be proud of what He has given you and take care of it. Start exercising regularly and stop eating so much sugar and white flour. Cut back on your carbs and increase your vegetables. Think twice before eating beef more than once a week. Add more fish. We have it three times a week.

Start taking care of yourself today. I am not sure what health insurance will be there for any of us next year, private or public.

Laurie

“But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”- Joshua 24:15

'Innisfree Brilliant Sunset' Abstract Landscape by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Pace) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 13:00:00 +0000

'Innisfree Brilliant Sunset'

18 X 27 Oil on Canvas

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

The Painting: This is my first color pull of this year complimenting the pulls from 2007. Make me an offer if you like it! Don't be shy. Laurie

The Thought: The gift of Hospitality. My birthday dinner was at my mom's. She by far has one of the strongest gifts of hospitality I have ever known. The table setting was incredible with her 60 year old china and crystal... and the food was mouth-watering... and she made it all herself to bring her family together on my birthday. She told me a story of my dad returning home from the army base the day after I was born. His birthday is the day after my birthday. He had to fly into St Louis. He held me in his arms and said, "This is by far the best birthday present I could have wished for."

My mother is gifted with the best of the women of the north and the ladies of the south. She is blessed with the best of her European family as well. Everything in her being reflects the love of family and of friends be it through all her giving emotionally or physically. In everything she does, she does it two hundred percent and with a graciousness rarely seen in this day.

I was honored on my birthday by her love, touched by her tenderness, feed by her meal, warmed by her hospitality and graced by the fact that God landed me in the best family ever.

Give thanks for your family today.

Laurie

“And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment—to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.” Ephesians 1:9-10

'Flight' Horse Equine Art Daily Horse Oil Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Pace) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:15:00 +0000

'Flight'

24 x 24 Oil/Acrylic on Canvas

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

Click the image for close up shots and more description.

The Painting: It began looking like a dove in flight and using some of my newer palette colors for November:

Then came the overlays of oils and the final layers to finish this unique piece. While I encourage the study of art of others artists, I do not encourage imitating. Robert Genn talks often in his newsletters about the need for an artist to find their own unique creative style. This cannot come from imitation of other artists.

From Robert Genn's last letter: "Esoterica: The more I study the successes of self-actualized artists, the more I come to understand how they value themselves. People with a decent amount of self-esteem tend to find quality within their work and within their lives. It's this trust of the universe that leads to great art, great fortune and great happiness. "Deal with yourself as an individual, worthy of respect and make everyone else deal with you the same way." (Nikki Giovanni)"

The Thought: Enriching your life. What can you do to enrich your life? Sort of one of those questions of "What do you need from me?"... what do you need to enrich your life? I cannot answer this for you, only for myself.

I struggle with issues deep inside just like you do and rarely think about enriching my life. What does that mean? I know through prayer my life is much better. It seems to open up a hope and potential at least. Having the Holy Spirit indwelling give me the comfort of knowing I am cared for 24/7. Through my prayers I know God's presence and peace surrounds me and He is there to guide me.

I don't always see what He has laid in front of me and sometimes I take off the wrong direction, but prayer keeps me centered and immersed in His love. My heart is open to new relationships and experiences. Eventually I find myself back on the right path.

Prayer enriches my life. I pray today that you will take the direction and begin today to enrich your life.

Laurie

"Strive for the greater gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way." 1 Corinthians 12:31

'November Days' Modern Equine Art Horse Daily Oil Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Pace) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:15:00 +0000

'November Days'

18 x 27 inches Oil on Canvas

SOLD FROM THE BLOG!

Thank you. This beauty will be leaving for Colorado next week!

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

Click the picture for close up shots and additional information.

The Painting: The colors of my personal palette in this birthday painting celebrating life and my love of art and painting horses. 18 x 27 inches in size, painted in Holbein Duo Oils, this is now one of my favorites. Again, not a palette I normally paint in, but you may see more of it.

The Thought:

Ecclesiastes 11:5 NIV
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.

I found this unique place on the internet for birthday verses: Birth Verse

Our Father uniquely created each of us as we are knit in our mother's womb. Our lives are already written in our Father's plan and there is a purpose for each of us. He created each of us in His image.

With our creation at conception and the intercession of the Holy Spirit into our early cellular forms... our body and soul came to be in existence. We remain from that split second of cells uniting and dividing, a unique person through out eternity. We have to understand at that split second God formed us to be who we are.

During our lifetime we only begin to grasp the divine nature in our beginnings and the reality of the true uniqueness of each person living here on this earth. Every individual has an inherent dignity for life.

Celebrate your uniqueness today...I am celebrating and giving thanks for my life and how it is truly blessed and filled with so much joy. God is good. He truly blessed me with fabulous parents. Thank you Mom and Dad.

With love,

Laurie

"Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord." Psalm 150:6

'Other Side of the Earth' Abstract Landscape Day and Night Daily Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Pace) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:15:00 +0000

'Other Side of the Earth'

18 x 27 Oil on Canvas

SOLD to Collector in Virgina

Contact me for Holiday Commissions. Laurie

The Painting: I found another one from this earlier series...but this goes back to 2006. Sometimes it is fun to go back and look at the progress of art over the years. This would be ALMOST 4 years ago.

The Thought: Looking back over life experiences can be both joyful and depressing. When I turned fifty I remember sitting in the chair gazing out at my garden and recognizing I had lived five decades and each of them seemed relatively different... different stages in life. I knew at that moment if I died I had lived a wonderful life to that day. It would not have been the perfect life in any way shape or form, but it was mine and it was full and I felt joy looking back even at the hardest times.

With my birthday this week I am turning 57. Egads when did I grow so old? I told the kids this weekend they had to stop aging as it was making me older. I believe as you grow older the hardest thing to do is accept the things you can do and stay away from the things you only THINK you can do. (Sally Fields as NORA on Brothers and Sisters is getting old too...I still remember her as the Flying Nun.)

We are not meant to act 45 at age 57. We are not meant to act 65 at age 80. We are not meant to act 12 at age 18. etc. etc. Contentment is accepting who you are at this time. You can have a joyful youthful mind at an older age, but you have to have the wisdom to accept your body limitations as well. God did not create this body to withstand the sands of time...but to change with it as everything in nature does. So life and things in life have to change. Take care of your body and your mind. Age gracefully.

Our pain and frustration is tied directly into our unwillingness to accept the changes we face at any age. Why should I want to turn 18 and be responsible? It is easier to let Mom and Dad do it all. Why should I want to be responsible for myself at 30? Yeah, it is still easier to allow Mom and Dad to do it. What is wrong with this picture? Mom and Dad are not accepting the changes they need to make as well as their child's changes, especially at age 30.

Our society here in America continues to evolve. More grandparents are raising grandchildren. More parents are still caring for boomerang children. (I was/am one of those.) Letting Go and Letting God at every stage-AGE in our life is important.

Be smart, evaluate where you are right now and what you should be doing. Are you living a contented life or a frustrated one? I would not want to missing any good moments in life at any age.

Make it a good day...let it all go and let God in to work. Take a break from worry and get your life back.

Laurie

"As servants of God, live as free people." --1 Peter 2:16