The Heart of the Matter

photo of Laurie Pace working on a large floral commissioned painting

©Laurie Pace Graphics One Design 2025

Work in Progress

Oil on Canvas Commission by Laurie Pace

The Heart of the Matter

Life is a work in Progress

In every relationship—whether a friendship, family bond, or serious partnership—two people are often drawn together by shared interests, emotions, or experiences. Connection comes naturally. However, discovering a safe place within that connection is not always easy.

"When I am afraid, I put my trust in you." Psalm 56: 3

Trusting someone with your heart and your most precious inner thoughts requires vulnerability. It takes courage, wisdom, and time. Many people believe trust should come quickly, but in reality, it must be built carefully. Human nature, influenced by emotion, desire, and personal gain, can easily guide us off the right path. We are imperfect beings, and without discernment, we may place our trust where it does not belong.

Scripture reminds us that true restoration, safety, and joy ultimately come from God. Psalm 53:6 points toward hope—hope that deliverance, healing, and renewal do not depend solely on people, but on the Lord. When we look to God as the foundation of our relationships, we gain clarity about boundaries, intentions, and purpose.

In today’s culture, relationships are often viewed through the lens of “What’s in it for me?” This mindset prioritizes self-interest over mutual care, commitment, and integrity. When relationships are built on personal gain alone, disappointment and broken trust are often the result.

God calls us to something higher. Relationships were designed to reflect love, honesty, patience, and selflessness. When we allow God to guide our hearts, we learn when to open up, when to wait, and when to walk away. Trusting God first protects our hearts and helps us form relationships that are healthy, meaningful, and lasting.

True safety is not found in human perfection—but in divine guidance.

In the days ahead, I want to explore how human nature, boundaries, and faith shape the way we trust — and why God remains the safest place for the heart. Although my husband comes a close second. Elle

Shop other Available Artwork.

Follow the Spirit of the Paint... with Laurie Pace, A Texas Artist

Shop for Large Paintings | Shop for Prints and Gifts | Commissioned Paintings

INSTAGRAM : @LauriePaceBlog Facebook

Laurie is an international artist, her paintings are collected in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, Germany, DuBai, Portugal, Italy, France, Germany, the UK, Ireland, Sweden, Norway, Poland, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, St Thomas, Romania, Greece, Croatia, and Ecuador.

Mixed Media Collage Horse Paintings by Texas Artist Laurie Justus Pace

© G.O.D. Laurie Justus Pace Graphics One Design 2013 Horse Collage Fall 2013 12 x 18 inches Mixed Media on Canvas. This was an intentional paint to imitate one of the 100 ponies I did in 2012. That poor little 8 x 10 pony was loved by a company to do very large prints and it was not here for me to even use to scan... so I created something with the same heart, a kindred spirit. The underlays are pages from a western book and then torn papers of different varieties were added along with stains of paint and purposeful areas of paint. This would not be a painting I would do today, but the goal was to capture the spirit of the first painting. This is available for purchase. Please click here to see pricing and painting. Laurie Pace A Texas Artist Pace Studio Graphics One Design My Blog My Website Gicl...

EXHAUSTED Woman Figurative Oil Painting, Art Deco Painting, Art Abstract Painting, Women in Kitchen Oil Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Exhausted' 24 x 24 Oil on Canvas Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie © Laurie Justus Pace Graphics One Design 2010 My Website Thinking ahead to the Thanksgiving celebration next week, I remembered back to those previous dinners that I cooked, served, ate quickly, and cleaned up. This is how I felt. It is probably strange...even for me but I had the best fun sketching it out and painting it. We lost another dear family member this week. She has celebrated her 'continuation' day and is now with her mom and dad and her other cousins. She leaves behind a family that will always celebrate her gentleness. My aunt was special to all of us. She loved each of us dearly for who we were and was always ready with a hug or a 'good job'. My memories are of breakfast pastries smeared with butter on top. It was not like they were not sweet enough as they were, but at her small kitch...

Sleeping Cowboy . Ernest Hemingway . Sunday, a day of rest . Western Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

© +Laurie Pace Graphics One Design 2019 Sleeping Cowboy Commissioned Painting for one of our oldest friends. 2004 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOLLOW MY BLOG ON INSTAGRAM @lauriepaceblog Available Paintings by Laurie Pace “I love sleep. My life has the tendency to fall apart when I'm awake, you know?” Ernest Hemingway I really enjoyed painting this scene. It was restful to me as the artist and loved by our friends. Sunday is the day of rest. I smiled when I found this in archives and thought it perfect for this day. If you live in Texas you know that we still have 'rules' about not selling liquor before noon. If you live in Texas and are in your late thirties and up, you might even remember Blue Laws. Stores were simply NOT open...

Laurie Pace - Fine Artist

Search This Blog