BEYOND to BETTER THINGS: 2011

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Why Do I Celebrate CHRISTMAS? - 2011

I’ve previously shared that on Sunday mornings I am now riding to church with my step-son. He lives about an hour north of us but used to attend the church we have been members of since 2006 when he was living with us and he was a part of the Worship team. He moved an hour north of us not long after he started working with my husband and then quit the Worship Team. In the fall he started attending our church again even though the long drive he felt it to be well worth his while and I’m sure he liked spending some time with us each week. Not long ago he began questioning God and our Minister of Music about rejoining the Worship Team. I also volunteered to become a part of the greeting ministry. This came to pass and now I know that this was a part of God’s plan. He and I had not been seeing as much of each other. This not only provides us with some quality alone time on our drive to church but I believe it is already (after just 3 weeks of doing it) bringing us closer.

While the Worship Team practices on Sunday mornings prior to our Sunday service, I pray and read my Bible until the time that I need to go and greet people as they come to church. When I found out that I would be getting to church more than two hours prior to the service, I thought this would be such a difficult thing to do. To my surprise (of course, God knows everything) it fits like a favorite pair of old blue jeans. He knows exactly what He made me for so I need to be obedient when He tells me what I need to do. It will be the best for me! I should also add that my step-son has been blessed tremendously through his giving in this, besides the fact that he loves being a part of the Worship team.

(We got custody of my husband’s son when he was 13 in 1999. He turned 15 just 6 days following my brain biopsy. I was home with him through the rest of his schooling. I was sick but I was there. I believe most mothers would understand that I would be sick all over again to be home for him. We are quite close. Most are aghast when I tell them he is not my biological son. I don’t think that makes a big difference to God. He needed a mom who gave him more attention and I had been barren and in need of a son.)

I was sitting in our church yesterday morning, praying and reading my Bible when God led me to:

*John 14: 25-31 (NKJV) The Gift of His Peace “These things I have spoken to you while being present with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. You have heard Me say to you, ‘I am going away and coming back to you.’ If you loved Me, you would rejoice because I said ‘I am going to the Father,’ for My Father is greater than I. “And now I have told you before it comes, that when it does come to pass, you may believe. I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming, and he has nothing in Me. But that the world may know that I love the Father, and as the Father gave Me commandment, so I do. Arise, let us go from here.”

*John 14:27 is my very favorite verse *“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

So I assuredly paid more attention and my heart softened. God’s peace is what drew me. At 28, I had no peace. My body, mind, and spirit had been spinning, twisting, turning, and bouncing up and down for years. I fought everything before me. I fought the world. I fought life. But God reached down and gave me peace, His peace, which is not the world’s peace.

I decided to look up this verse in The Message version because I’ve liked this version like none since the New King James which has been my old faithful version for more than 23 years. But this morning I read John 14:25-27 in The Message: *"I'm telling you these things while I'm still living with you. The Friend, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send at my request, will make everything plain to you. He will remind you of all the things I have told you. I'm leaving you well and whole. That's my parting gift to you. Peace. I don't leave you the way you're used to being left—feeling abandoned, bereft. So don't be upset. Don't be distraught.” And the tears came. And this realization came to me.
The definition of Christmas by Wikipedia can be found here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas But is it more than this? In the Bible, one of the most important and highly memorized verses is:

*John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

But what does this mean? Many Christians are upset about so many in the world wanting to turn Christmas into something it isn’t. A commercial “holiday” – removing the actual “Christmas” name. I know I am one of them that is upset by this. First and foremost, Christmas is just that. It is first and foremost a celebration of Christ’s birth, therefore it is (Christ)mas. It is not some other holiday. “A worldwide holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. Popular aspects of the holiday include decorations, emphasis on family togetherness, and gift giving. Designated a federal holiday by Congress and President Ulysses S. Grant in 1870.” From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federal_holidays_in_the_United_States.

So, with many of the world trying to take Christ out of the holiday, it is making it into something that it is not. To Christians, Christ’s birth means that we have attained salvation. He came so that we may have eternal life.

*1 Thessalonians 5:8-10 “But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation. For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.”

For me, along with all Christians even though some may acknowledge this more than others, the meaning of Christmas extends even further. And, I realized that this is a major part of why I am quite upset every year at this time by those who would make Christmas into something it is not.

Because of Jesus Christ I have salvation unto eternal life. I know my life does not end at the point of death but that I will go home to be in heaven with Jesus and all those who went before me. I know I will be spending eternity with my parents and other loved ones.
But, It also means to me and to all Christians, that we know we are not alone on this earth, NOW. We know Jesus lives with us through His Holy Spirit. Our life on this earth in the here and now is much more abundant.

*John 14:25-27 in The Message: "I'm telling you these things while I'm still living with you. The Friend, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send at my request, will make everything plain to you. He will remind you of all the things I have told you. I'm leaving you well and whole. That's my parting gift to you. Peace. I don't leave you the way you're used to being left—feeling abandoned, bereft. So don't be upset. Don't be distraught.”

If Jesus had not been born, I would not have the Holy Spirit living within me today. “I don't leave you the way you're used to being left—feeling abandoned”.

To explain the ramifications of this would take me an entire book. I know after 23 years of KNOWING He is with me always has made such a difference in who I am. I would still love to shout it from the rooftops.
One of the first songs I found that says it how I feel is God by Rebecca St. James. (1996 - Lyrics: http://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/lyrics/new/track.asp?track_id=322 )

I would also recommend reading books by Kenneth E. Hagin. All of his books are good and I read most of them. Some I read numerous times. To name just a couple:
“How You Can Be Led by the Spirit of God” at: http://www.amazon.com/How-You-Can-Led-Spirit/dp/0892765410/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I2OVXEIVY9YOVK&colid=1N7CUI3AO73LC
“Seven Vital Steps to Receiving the Holy Spirit” at: http://www.amazon.com/Seven-Vital-Steps-Receiving-Spirit/dp/0892760036/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1324475170&sr=1-1
But, all of his books are good:
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_0_12?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=kenneth+e+hagin&sprefix=kenneth+e+ha
Also, 120 Kenneth E. Hagin titles available to include some on CD:
http://www.impactchristianbooks.com/Products.aspx?GroupMedia=1&Auth=583
I'm praying that you all have come to the realization of what Christmas truly means!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

May God bless you through my writing. If He has especially touched you in any way, please leave a comment below. Your comments are so very encouraging to me to help me to keep writing. Also, click on the “Uptweet” button on the above right and share! I pray you will keep coming back. I fully believe that my writing is by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit so if I am writing, there is someone that needs to read it! Maybe it’s you? Also, please be sure to share any questions you might have with me and if you would like to keep them personal (just between you and me) please don’t hesitate to e-mail me at juliana.pace@gmail.com. If I don’t know how to answer you, I will may every attempt to refer you to someone for more information. Thanks and may God bless all your days

Friday, December 9, 2011

Is He Reaching Out to You?

I started my day today with my Bible studies. Even though I wrote yesterday I still feel compelled to share this with you. There must be someone who needs to see this since I sure can’t get it off of my mind. I am doing a study on creativity which asked if I had a favorite Psalm and I knew right off that it was Psalm 27. And the study asked why, to which I wrote the first title of "God is All Powerful and Steadfast", to this post. But, then I read through the Psalm in the New King James Version, which is my favorite, and I was surprised at the verse that stood out the most to me.

*Psalm 27

¹ “The LORD is my light and my salvation;
Whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the strength of my life;
Of whom shall I be afraid?
² When the wicked came against me
To eat up my flesh,
My enemies and foes,
They stumbled and fell.
³ Though an army may encamp against me,
My heart shall not fear;
Though war may rise against me,
In this I will be confident.

⁴ One thing I have desired of the LORD,
That will I seek:
That I may dwell in the house of the LORD
All the days of my life,
To behold the beauty of the LORD,
And to inquire in His temple.
⁵ For in the time of trouble
He shall hide me in His pavilion;
In the secret place of His tabernacle
He shall hide me;
He shall set me high upon a rock.

⁶ And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me;
Therefore I will offer sacrifices of joy in His tabernacle; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the LORD.

⁷ Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice!
Have mercy also upon me, and answer me.
⁸ When You said, “Seek My face,”
My heart said to You, “Your face, LORD, I will seek.”
⁹ Do not hide Your face from me;
Do not turn Your servant away in anger;
You have been my help;
Do not leave me nor forsake me,
O God of my salvation.
¹⁰ When my father and my mother forsake me,
Then the LORD will take care of me.
¹¹ Teach me Your way, O LORD,
And lead me in a smooth path, because of my enemies.
¹² Do not deliver me to the will of my adversaries;
For false witnesses have risen against me,
And such as breathe out violence.
¹³ I would have lost heart, unless I had believed
That I would see the goodness of the LORD
In the land of the living.

¹⁴ Wait on the LORD;
Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the LORD!”

The first verse just always stands out due to it being my recognition point of this Psalm. But as I read through it, it was “⁸ When You said, “Seek My face,”
My heart said to You, “Your face, LORD, I will seek.”” that stood out to me and just is so endearing to my heart. He reached out to me. In my times of trouble, He sought me to come to Him. In my book “Beyond to Better Things” I wrote of a time not long after being arrested in 1988 where I had turned on a TV church service on Sunday morning and during this service I remembered feeling God’s presence as though He was filling my whole apartment. He reached down to me.

Is He reaching down to you right now?

And, a song that has gone through my mind the whole time while writing this is another one from the Our Hymns cassette tape that I learned to love while in prison. I wonder why? Enjoy:

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Forgetting the Past – God’s Ominous Power

*Philippians 3:13 “Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,” and

*Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.”

I haven’t written for some time so I’ve been thinking and praying. During this time of year there are many memories, some good and some bad. So many countless memories God has healed. I’ve been told time and again that it seemed that I brought up the past too much as if I wasn’t forgetting and moving on. But, I don’t believe that is exactly what this scripture means. How many of you fondly remember times past? I believe memories of many things are good for our hearts. It’s the sting of bad memories that we need to forget. That is where the healing comes into place. If, while remembering, we have an awful time with tears, resentment, guilt and on and on, then this is where we should go to our Father in heaven and ask Him how these memories may be healed. I have written through some while in prayer. I have just thought through some while in prayer and the sting never returned. And, I have started to remember awful things from my past that He just completely removed all of the hurt and pain from without me even having to work through them.

*1 Corinthians 10:13 “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”

Many of my memories come to mind to share from my past prison experience from 1988-90. I’ve had friends come to me with worrisome looks regarding this. But God healed any and all of the sting from these memories years upon years ago. The memories that are noble, just, pure, lovely, and etc… from this experience are too numerous to count. I’m learning through not only my experience but also the experiences of others (namely a cousin who was stationed with her husband in the service in Saudi Arabia) that the work of the Holy Spirit as comforter, teacher and friend seems so much more profound in times of absolute need. Prison is a place where God became more real to me than any of you are or even my husband, mother, father, brothers. He walked with me and talked with me. I sat on my bunk and learned from Him as if He sat beside me in the flesh.

*Philippians 4:19 “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

And people slight God. And I slighted God. I was reluctant to believe in His power. I can honestly say that I never doubted His existence. I doubted His power! Until prison I just didn’t get His power and His love shown to me through His willingness to provide for ALL OF MY NEEDS no matter what those needs are.
We look in our own wisdom and give Him limits but by His wisdom and knowledge He created us and this entire world.

*Proverbs 3: 19, 20 “By wisdom the Lord founded the earth;
by understanding He created the heavens. By His knowledge the deep fountains of the earth burst forth, and the dew settles beneath the night sky.”

By His wisdom/knowledge He is able to do anything! I could go on and on about prison and all of the ways He blessed me in there. But, one instance that stands out amongst so many is a time in 1989 when the sun hadn’t shown for days, weeks, well it had been probably 3 weeks (if you know Ohio, you’d understand). I was walking to the cafeteria, talking to the Lord in my mind about this fact. I told Him that I’d just love to see the sunshine. Right at that moment, the clouds parted and the sun shone down on me, just me. I had two friends with me at that point that watched it happen. Why would I want to forget that? What good would be done by me forgetting that? But, what good may be done by me remembering that? I remember how willing my Papa was to provide for my needs and even some of my wants because He is my Papa.
*Matthew 7:11 “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!”

Yesterday, I remembered and looked for a used CD to purchase called “Our Hymns”. A song came to mind from it that comforted my heart so much during this time of need. My folks had send me a walkman and periodically send some cassette tapes. I remember lying on that top bunk listening to that cassette tape and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit I was (in my mind’s eye) transported out the window onto the roof and free within my spirit. It was like that prison disappeared!
And, when I am sitting here at my computer, disabled by the world, alone in this computer room/studio for the umpteenth hour this week I can remember those times and He brings His peace once again.

*John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

And through this PAST experience, I KNOW that if I could find His peace in that situation, that I or anyone can find His peace any time. We need to work with our Father to gain healing from past experiences so we may forget them. But to learn from them, remembering those things that help us to meditate on things that are pure, lovely, etc...

*2 Corinthians 12:10 “Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

If any of you ever have any questions, concerns, or just need someone to talk to please e-mail me at juliana.pace@gmail.com.

Monday, November 14, 2011

Obedience and Devotional Share - Update

Update: I thought I should let you all know that I started greeting 2 Sundays ago. Teeth are still in the repair stage since they now say I need a new partial plate so I'm back to the dentist to start over. Doesn't seem to bother me with the old, loose plate that is the wrong color, too. The people at my church seem to accepting. So many are praying for me and the main reason why I fell for this church still seems valid (the first Sunday I went there in 2005 I felt like a rolly polly - still blown up like a balloon from the steroids - the pastor hugged me & it was if he looked right through me...didn't bother him at all). And, I am truly in my place. I always shared with my step-son (while raising him) that when you look for God's place for you in life, it is where you will be most happy because that is what He made you for. Was I ever right! Doing the greeting and even sitting in the chapel during the worship team practice feels like it fits like a comfortable pair of old blue jeans! It doesn't even bother me getting up to leave the house by 7:30 am. A perfect fit! One to remember...Obedience! He knows what's right for me because He made me!

Original Post:
Good Morning! For those of you who have been following my blog I just realized that I should let you know a bit more about what’s been going on lately.

About 2-3 weeks ago I was in church praying about why it was taking so long for the dentist office to get my partial plate ready so my teeth could be pulled and get on with the whole process. I truly believe that God asked me what I was willing to commit to after this all transpired. Just then, an announcement was made in church that they were in need of greeters. So, I said I would volunteer to be one. Then, I kept hearing the word ‘patio’ where the greeter hands out the name tags to our regular attendees. I told the Lord about how awful I am with names (like he didn’t know…LOL). I heard him ask me how was I planning on getting better with it? HA! I guess that’s it, huh? So, I volunteered that morning to become a greeter as soon as I’d had my teeth pulled and gotten through the adjustment process.

Funny thing to note, the present greeter at the name tags says she’s also terrible with names. But, she seems so good with them.

The same Sunday my step-son talked to our minister of music about getting back on the Worship Team. (He had been off of it since his move to Tampa last year but had started coming back to our church in Bradenton in September of this year).

Well, finally, last Thursday I got two teeth pulled and got my partial plate. Now I’m working through adjusting to them, which I’ve asked for many prayers for. I’m already starting to eat with them, just this morning on a little harder food.

My step-son starts back on the Worship Team with practice tonight. I have just committed to start being a greeter in almost 2 weeks, the Sunday following Thanksgiving. My step-son and I will be riding into church together. I will be able to read my Bible and pray over the congregation, etc….in the sanctuary before having to go out front and greet people. We know this whole thing has been ordered by the Lord.

And, more to come!

And, I received a devotional this morning that truly spoke to me and I believe goes along with this blog entry. Hoping you enjoy it as much as I do:

GIVE UP ON MEASURING UP
by David Wilkerson

“The people feared the presence of the Lord . . . and they came and worked on the house of the Lord of hosts, their God” (Haggai 1:12, 14). The Israelites were convicted of their self-interests and returned to working on rebuilding the temple. They were back where they should be—building the house of God! They stood before the foundation of the temple and the walls were beginning to go up. But something was wrong and many of the older people began to weep! Why?

Because they had seen the splendor of Solomon’s temple sixty-eight years before and this new one did not measure up. In comparison, it seemed as nothing! The people began to talk of past glory, saying, “This temple has no ark in it, no mercy seat or cherubim. There is no consuming fire on the altar, no Shekinah glory coming down on the house. After all our hard work, all our sacrifice and obedience, all our putting God’s interests first, we don’t measure up! This is nothing compared to what we once saw. Why struggle, why go on, when we see so little for all that we’ve done?”

A host of God’s people today are giving up because they do not think they will ever measure up! Like the Israelites, they have gone back to God, back to putting Him first, seeking His will, building His house. But when they look at their lives, they say, “I have so little to show for all my struggles! I have so little of God’s holiness, so little of His glory in my life. Compared to other Christians, I’ll never measure up. What’s the use of struggling? I’ll never have victory.”

I am convinced this is why many devoted Christians give up the fight. They compare themselves to other believers and become discouraged because they feel hopelessly inferior! If you will just stay true to the Lord and not try to measure yourself by anything except your own love for Jesus, you can be assured that you are growing—and God promises to be with you!

Beloved, you can mark this down, because it is God’s promise to you! From the very hour you focus again on building up Christ’s body—setting aside all thoughts of measuring up and all selfish ways, letting Him become your all—you will begin to see His manifold blessing. You can literally mark it down! You will know He is favoring you, smiling on you, rejoicing in you!

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

PRAYER REQUEST SHARE & UPDATE - A MUST READ

YESTERDAY’S PRAYER REQUEST: “Hello! I just realized that even more than prayers for the procedure that I feel the need for are the prayers for my adjustment to having teeth again and adjustment to the plate. I haven’t had the means of talking correctly for more than 10 years so I’m a bit apprehensive right now and I’ll be honest, scared! No matter how much I tell myself the truth, quoting scripture and all, I’m still fearful!

Thank you all for your prayers! XOXOXOXO”

UPDATE: Oh my…thank you, Lord! Just had to share that I was sitting here and it kept coming to mind to read this little devotional that I have by Sarah Young who also wrote “Jesus Calling” which I loved. This one is called “Dear Jesus” and you will see how much this goes along with my urgent prayer request from yesterday (typing it helps me to drive it into my mind, too):

“Instead of striving for a predictable, safe lifestyle, seek to know Me in greater depth and breadth. I want to make your life a glorious adventure, but you must stop clinging to old ways.

Dear Jesus,

You know how ambivalent my heart is. I long for the glorious adventure that a life abandoned to You can be. At the same time I cling to old ways, because change frightens me. I feel safest when my life is predictable and things seem to be under control. Help me break free and discover the adventures You have planned for me.

Beloved the greatest adventure is knowing Me superabundantly, discovering how wide and long and high and deep is My Love for you. The Power of My Vast Love can feel overwhelming. That is why Many people choose to limit their knowledge of Me, keeping Me at a safe distance. How that grieves Me! People settle for mediocrity because it feels more comfortable. However, they continue to battle fear. Only My Love is strong enough to break the hold that fear has on you. A predictable lifestyle may feel safer, but it can shield you from what you need most of all…Me!

When unexpected events shake up your routines, rejoice. This is exactly what you need to wake you up and point you toward Me. Recognize that you are on the threshold of a new adventure, and that I will be with you every step of the way. As we venture out together, cling tightly to My hand. The more you abandon yourself to Me, the more exuberantly you can experience My Love.

And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ. Ephesians 3:17-18

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. 1John 4:18

My soul clings to you, your right hand upholds me. Psalm 63:8”

I must also share that yesterday I shared with a friend that the one thing that can set off anger in me is being interrupted. It doesn’t bother me like it once did, but it still can get to me. I can also sit here feeling bored when I’ve got plenty to do, I just want more out of life…that’s Him!

Also, on Sunday, during the Boldness sermon exercise I shared in church that God is calling me to fasting and pressing in closer to Him. I bawled when I read this! We certainly serve an awesome God! Hoping that this is some small way, blesses your day, too!

Thanks for the prayers, and notes, too! XOXOXOXOXO"

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

My Mom-in-Law Share

I’ve decided that I need to share this finding with the followers of this blog. Hoping it will give you an “ah” moment in your mundane Tuesday. My mother-in-law was promoted to glory on 8-16-11. She was 80 years old, had a short lived elevation in her illness and went home to be with the Lord where she’d dreamed of being for some years now. I’m thankful that she was seemingly comfortable for a good long time here on this earth and that we know that she is now even more comfortable, pain and tear free in heaven.

While going through the things at her home we came upon a poem that she had written for me. My mind fails me as to whether I’d been given it before since I can’t say that I recognize it. I can say that it brought tears when we found it this time.

Juliana

You came into the life of my son
God assured me my rearing was done;
When you met him, and brightened his life,
Later, you became my son’s dear wife.

So here you are, a ways down the road,
You have both shouldered a heavy load;
Though Devil has thrown some nasty darts,
He can’t penetrate your Godly hearts.

Don’t dwell on the sickness or rough times,
Just trust in the Lord, and you’ll be fine;
Jesus is there, in laughter and tears,
He will stay with you, throughout the years!

Happy Birthday!!!! (#29 and holding)
Love, and God bless you, Mom

The one thing that I’ve never forgotten in our 20 year marriage and will undoubtedly remember to my own grave is that my mother-in-law found out about my past, including the prison time during the week of our marriage. She didn’t bat an eye. Mom just said that she was happy that her son found a Godly wife. And, that is the way that it should be!

I don’t have a specific video to go along with this post but thought I’d just share a song that continues to bless me and I truly believe is my favorite of all time. I’ve been told again and again of its heavy anointing. Praying you are blessed!

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Excerpt from October Newsletter - F.I.T. (www.100hour.org) UPDATE

After writing this I realize that I should give some explanation. F.I.T. meets in a room at my church on Thursday nights at 7 pm. This meeting is attended by people who have been recently released from jail or prison and others who love them. The same classes are taught in these meetings that are taught in the jails/prisons. I attended these meetings for several years, taking classes over and over again. I also took the training, twice, to be able to facilitate these classes. I and one of my closest girlfriends, Bonnie Tapley, facilitated Parenting to the women in the Sarasota County Jail for more than a year. Even though I am now in the background, keeping them in prayer, this ministry is constantly on my heart. 20% of the full purchase price of all of my artwork is donated to this ministry. To purchase something and make a donation, please see my shops at:

Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/julianap

Groove Press: http://somethingbyjuliana.groovepress.com/

And/Or at the Muse Galleria in Sarasota (Boutique/Gallery website: http://www.musegalleria.org/default.html)

If you are interested in learning more about this ministry, please see:

http://www.100hour.org and http://journeyassembly.org/2011/03/100-hour-program/

FEATURE ARTICLE By N. Elizabeth Holland, M.D.

At 13 lessons, Godly Parenting is the longest

course in the FIT Curriculum. This series

emphasizes parenting and disciplining based

on the stages of development. There are

separate lessons on each stage of

development from prebirth to adult children.

This book was written by an MD and is

appropriate where extensive, age-appropriate

materials are needed. Thirteen lessons.

Author of Godly Parenting

Published by Living Free

Unit 13 of the FIT Curriculum

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DR. HOLLAND’S CREDENTIALS

Medical School- University of Tennessee

Medical School; Internship, Residency - St.

Jude Children's Hospital, Medical College of

Virginia, Hospital for Sick Children,

Edinburgh, Scotland; Practice - Pediatric Associates, P.C., Memphis, TN. 1975 to present; Board Member - Teen

Challenge Memphis; Living Free, Chattanooga, TN

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The young mother stumbled into my office. Frustration, anger and general misery were etched into her face. She was accompanied by a 5 year old who was ignoring her as he played with a miniature car, a toddler who wailed as he pulled at her hand, and a 6 month old baby perched on her hip. Her question both astounded and rattled me. "We are a Christian family, we attend Church, we try to honor God, but I have no idea how to make my Christianity work while I deal with a husband who works all the time, and is so distant when he is at home, and I have to constantly deal with these three." Her gesture included her children, who now were all crying, and were pulling her in different directions. "How does God want me to deal with all of this? Can you help me?"

The reason I was rattled was that I had no idea how to answer her question. I didn't know God, and had never considered that He might have an opinion on the subject of raising children. I was in my late 30's, a pediatrician working
in a busy urban pediatric practice, a confirmed alcoholic, a "dabbler" into several different types of drugs and promiscuity. Actually, I was more than ignorant concerning God's opinions. I actively avoided anything that even
bordered on the question, because I was sure that He would have a less-than-favorable opinion about my lifestyle.

My life changed dramatically in 1981, when I was 41 years old. I had reached the end of my rope, and had even considered ending my life, when I finally made the decision to surrender my life to Jesus Christ and began a long-term,
vibrant relationship with Him. I plunged into a study of His Word, and made many trips into the Third World to deliver medical care to those in refugee camps, slums, and garbage dumps. These trips lasted anywhere from 1 year to 1-2 weeks. Obviously the physical circumstances were different than those to which I was accustomed, but the amazing truth I discovered is that people had the same basic questions and desires the world over. "How can I make a better life for my children and my family? How can I deal with the difficult circumstances that I face day to day?"

Back at home in America, in my pediatric practice, I continued to find great confusion concerning how to deal with children. Medical science was making great strides in dealing with issues such as types of feeding, methods of discipline, safety precautions in cars and other places, and other similar questions. But even with the advances in medicine, I found greater principles outlined in the Word of God. As I studied His written Word to us, I was astounded as I came to see that the way God deals with His children was an exact description of the way He wants us to deal with ill children. As we come to understand how He has parented us, we can grasp more and more how He wants us to deal with our children and our families. His principles are unchanging, and His methods cannot be successfully challenged.

Even though there are a multitude of parenting books available today, I had seen none that approached the subject from this perspective. As God parents us, so we can learn to deal with our children. This was the inspiration and vision for the book/workbook that I have written called Godly Parenting. I looked at each stage of a child's life, from infancy through adulthood, and drew parallels with how God dealt with us at that stage of our spiritual growth. In addition to Biblical references and study points throughout the book, I also included practical pointers from a pediatrician's perspective - especially from a pediatrician who had noted a real need for many practical bits of information in her practice. Growth and Development information, as well as Safety Considerations are presented in each chapter, and correspond to that particular stage of the child's growth.

I hope that this simple book and workbook will meet a need in today's busy society. First, for those who were raised in happy, stable homes and have an excellent sense of their own value and self worth, this book should offer
encouragement, advice, and practical tips on raising children in our modern world. But, for those whose childhood did not fit this pattern, who perhaps were neglected or abused, or who simply never grasped the fact that they were loved and secure, this book can give a sense of value to each person that God has created and loved. Many of those who are using this parenting course have never understood that simple fact - that they have value, and that they are loved. Many were abused and are now trying to break that pattern with their children. Many are incarcerated in our jails and prisons
and desperately need an understanding of God's forgiveness and love, as well as an understanding of how to pass something to their children that they have never received.

In the first chapters of this book, we come to understand how God deals with us in our helplessness, how He cares for us and protects us. In the same way, we learn about the rigors, as well as the joy, of dealing with helpless infants. As we grow, we start to understand God's methods of discipline, and to realize that God's always disciplines His children because He loves them. His discipline is never harsh or unloving, but is given in love to teach and train in right living. Knowing how to discipline our children in love, never in anger, is an extremely important thing every parent needs to learn.

Later we see God's pattern of instruction, and how we can pattern this in our children's "learning" years. Finally we learn how God allows His children to move into adulthood, to begin to make mature decisions, and to take responsibility for their own actions. As we come to understand His parenting in our own lives, we can better know how to pass this knowledge onto our children.

It is my hope and prayer that everyone using this material will be better able to guide their own children in our modern, difficult world, as well as be better able to see and understand God's involvement, guidance and love in their own lives.

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. Caesar Salad (served)

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. Sugar-Cured Hawaiian Ham

. Roast Top Round of Bee w/Mushroom Gravy

. Rolls/Butter/Coffee

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Thursday, October 6, 2011

He’s Blessing Me, Healing Me, Helping Me, and on and on...

     I told you all that I’d be updating you and I know that it’s been some time since I last wrote. So much good going on that I’ve just had so little time but here I am and I’ve finally slowed down a bit (although I’m truly itching to get started on a painting.

     You all know that I believe in being transparent, if you’ve read my previous entries. I just know how my pastor’s transparency truly helps me to feel not so alone in this struggle that we call life. It’s always good to find out that others aren’t perfect either, huh? So, this entry has an extra bit of oomph from the Holy Spirit so please pray to have an open mind if this is something that you struggle with…I assure you that I would not intentionally lead you astray but I know that I am also not perfect either so you all must check with the Holy Spirit yourselves to know within your hearts what is true as I do with anyone’s writings that I read.

     Not long after the start of my teeth being prepared for the partial plate, I was asked to place some of my artwork into a gallery/boutique in Sarasota, Florida. Sarasota, for those of you who don’t know, is said to be the art hub of Florida. So, this was very exciting. But along with it came more prayer and questioning due to the fact that the gallery wanted to sell my mosaics but most of all my mosaic crosses. I’ve not avidly done mosaics for several years mostly due to the fact that grouting is perplexing with the Florida humidity and if done inside in the AC, the mess is more than I’d like to deal with. But, I moved forward in faith believing that if God was in this that He would open the doors to whatever I was supposed to do or close the doors to something that may become a potential hazard in my life.

     First of all was tackling my husband’s acceptance of this, which I knew could just slam a door shut in a hurry. It took a couple of fret-filled days on my part for him to agree to this. These days were certainly filled with much prayer and leaving it in God’s hands over and over and over again. My hubby and I have had an amazing, Godly organization for nearly our entire marriage. When I come upon certain decisions (but not enough of them) I ask for God to bring my husband and I into agreement of His will. So, I know if I’m supposed to do something and he agrees that God’s will is in it. I believe this is the main reason why he and I have been married for nearly 21 years after only dating for 9 weeks. God has proven this to me time and again, but that’s another blog entry entirely! He did finally go for me putting my things in this gallery which I shared with the owner and went on to prepare a display of my artwork (if you’d like to see the art that I have down there, I have an album with photos of all the items on my fan page at: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/set=a.271812482840125.68891.112759922078716 I will soon be adding some photos of the Muse Galleria to share with others, also).

     In the midst of all of this I received an e-mail with a disabled artist opportunity (don’t like being called disabled since I believe that God enabled me, but I will use this to promote my art if given the opportunity). I could submit 1-2 pieces of art, to be on in an exhibit and on sale at the Governor’s Convention on Volunteerism. Which I ended up planning on after this, even though I only had one week to choose/prepare, etc… the artwork that I would submit. So, I actually called on prayer warriors from my church to make sure that I had God’s wisdom & knowledge on all of this and His will be done.

     To make a long story just a little bit shorter, I submitted 2 paintings (one old and one new). The really cool thing is that I’d only started playing with watercolor two weeks prior to this point and I had the inspiration for a painting that is watercolor and acrylic. I submitted them and they were chosen for the exhibit. Praise the Lord!

"Sonshine" 18X24 Watercolor/Acrylic

"Where My Heart Belongs" 11X14 Acrylic

     (I think something should be said here. My husband once asked why there are crosses in all of my paintings. Well, to start out with God does not ONLY give me the inspiration for artwork with crosses in it so they do not ALL have crosses in them. But, many do because that it who I am. I have received this talent from God and I use it to glorify Him, however He shows me to do it.)

     So, as I said, many awesome things have been happening in my life. Last Sunday in church I was elated. God reminded me of a promise He showed me in His word way back not long after I rededicated my life to Him. I was so done with the world and I certainly thought that the world was done with me. Then, He showed me: *Proverbs 3:3,4 “Let not mercy and truth forsake you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart, And so find favor and high esteem In the sight of God and man.” And, I’d prayed for many years but actually forgotten for the most part about this promise that He was now bringing to fruition. I’m so far from that person that I was when I rededicated my life to Him that it even seems like a different person.

     I was elated! Then Monday came and I was depressed, lacked motivation, uninspired, agitated and on and on. Why? I questioned God all week. No clue as to why all this good was happening in my life but I was feeling so sad. On Friday morning I left the dentist office, finding out that it would be less than 2 weeks before getting my smile back. And, I was so very upset. Why? As I drove to a restaurant for lunch, I contemplated. I ate lunch and headed for Sarasota to set up the display of my art and it hit me, I wanted to call and share it all with my mom. I’d never had so much going on in my life before at one time without having her there to talk to (for those of you who don’t know, my mother was promoted to glory on 1/12/11), and I cried most of the way to Sarasota. But, that dark cloud started to lift as soon as I realized why it was happening which seems to always happen. It is my belief that this is according to *2 Corinthians 1:4 “who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” It is more for others than for even me. I believe I am blessed that it seems that God believes that I can handle it…Hallelujah!

     On Sunday in church we were experiencing a tremendous time of worship during which I held my hands to my heart in the midst of a special Papa moment when I feel a deep sense of closeness to our Father. I was telling Him all about these old habits to do with my folks and how I didn’t want them anymore. After a minute or so my mind told me that I should have my hands in the air in worship, but I tried and I could not get my arms to move. Then I saw in my mind’s eye that He had His arms tightly around me and He told me that He was healing me. He was healing my heart of these habits. And I bawled! It has been quite hard learning to live as the top of the totem pole here on earth with both of my folks gone to be with Him. My mother in law was also promoted to glory in August of this year. But, I now know that I’m just walking into a different season of life and I also know that there is no one vying for my attention (except for my husband, of course but he knows that it’s also our heavenly Father that has helped us to maintain this relationship for more than 20 years). He is the Rock in which I lay my foundation.

     And, I just love sharing a video with all of you that has blessed me recently. I've heard this song time and again on the radio but had not yet purchased the MP3 until recently. Just love it! This is by Todd Agnew and Rebecca St. James. I saw her in concert twice in the 90's and even took my step-son. We were majorly blessed! Enjoy!

May God bless you through my writing. If He has especially touched you in any way, please leave a comment below. Your comments are so very encouraging to me to help me to keep writing. Also, click on the “Uptweet” button on the above right and share! I pray you will keep coming back. I fully believe that my writing is by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit so if I am writing, there is someone that needs to read it! Maybe it’s you? Please be sure to share any questions you might have with me and if you would like to keep them personal (just between you and me) please don’t hesitate to e-mail me at juliana.pace@gmail.com. If I don’t know how to answer you, I will may every attempt to refer you to someone for more information. Please feel free to share this writing with others! Thanks and may God bless all your days!

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Transparency and Praise Report

I felt at a loss as to whether I should share this but the Lord kept bringing to my mind the fact that I’ve been thanked for being so transparent in my blog. I need to share that I certainly can’t take the credit for this. I’ve always believed in being open and honest knowing that if I’m out there with it all that no one can say I deceived them as to what I’m about. But, I wasn’t 100% sure that this was a good thing until I attended the church that my husband and I joined after less than a year (2005). (http://journeyassembly.org/). Our pastor, Don Carter and his wife Janet, have always been very transparent and not only I but others that are also members have exclaimed how truly comforting this is. It lets us know that we’re not alone in our struggles and also helps us to be more transparent with others, too. *James 5:16a “Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed.”

.I’ve written recently about the work that needed to be done on my teeth. Yesterday was the first of several appointments that it will take to get my mouth in good condition again. As normal, I was petrified. I have a history of my teeth not numbing or it taking much Novocain, Nitrous and even being fully knocked out to have any work done. I pray as much as possible during these visits but even so I’ve had so much apprehension that even the last time during just an evaluation and x-rays, I was nauseous the entire time I was in the procedure room. Praise the Lord, yesterday was different and so much better than in the past. I shared this with a few friends: “Thanks for the prayers. How could I do badly? Had prep for a crown & 3 fillings today. Took Novocain and Nitrous but they were still amazed at how relaxed I was. Could've been my infatuation with the angel that was hovering over me? Ya think? Praise the Lord!” and with one friend I shared “I knew that I was supposed to stop my car and email several people too and you were one of them. Joe acted skeptic like it was the gas but I knew better! I knew what was going on in my heart! I don't like going to the dentist and I honestly get a bit freaky. And I ran to Him (God) so He helped me! I've told people that I've known that walking away from the Lord for me would be like pulling my own plug to my life support! By Him is the ONLY way I make it! I've also shared that the smartest thing I ever did was to admit how weak I am!” I know He will sustain me, whatever it takes! And He is most definitely worthy to be praised!

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Showing My Thankfulness

And yet I feel like I’m fully inadequate in this…I just can’t thank Him enough! I got up this morning and headed for the sofa and my Bible app. on my iPhone and I read:

Psalm 28:7 NKJV "The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, And with my song I will praise Him." (See it at YouVersion.com http://bible.us/Ps28.7.NKJV)

I shared this in groups on Facebook, in comments, in my status on Facebook, and by e-mail to several people and I still felt lacking. I wanted to shout it from the rooftops.

God is good. His mercy is everlasting. So much has happened to show His goodness toward us in the last few months that I do not know how to say enough. We have waited, travailed, prayed without ceasing, and on and on. There are those of you who know of the many, many trials of my life and for the most part since the 10 hour spine surgery that I had in 1995. Many trials and tribulations have marked my marriage but we have kept trusting Him, ever moving forward. I can honestly tell you that there has not been even one day that I have not praised and thanked Him for His presence in my life since my re-dedication to Him in 1988. (In this is a lesson to be learned in that I know that even if I don’t feel like praising Him that in the act of doing so, I start feeling like it).

I just simply must share my biggest news lately. I don’t know how many of you will find this to be an almost as joyous occasion as me, but I do know that some of you will share in my elation. Reading back over some of the archives of this blog may be helpful for you all to know more of my background. But, to put things briefly, in 2001 I seemingly had a stroke at 40 years old due to the onset of CNS Vasculitis. This started a tremendous amount of slurred speech along with other symptoms/side effects that impeded my speech. Then, due to an over-abundance of medication (26 prescriptions in 2001 alone) and their side effects, fillings started popping out of my teeth, my bite changed rapidly, teeth started breaking and crumbling, and on and on. A frightening display that I could not run from but God kept me so strongly within His arms (tears) which IS the only way I withstood it.

Good teeth was something I took for granted. I did not have a cavity until I was 18 and then I saw a dentist regularly with no apparent problems at all when I fell ill in 2001. I couldn’t get away from it, my tongue forever moving to the associated areas daily, hourly, minutely! And, I’ve fought every time I’ve opened my mouth to speak to anyone! And, I cannot adequately describe the amount of prayer this has invoked!

And, as if this all wasn’t enough, the loss of my full, open lipped smile has been the worst. I’m a happy, God loving, positive person who is so full of the joy of the Lord and I’ve felt that I’ve had to fight to show that (more tears)! The worse of my teeth have been right in the front so I cover my mouth, jerk, retract my face, and do whatever I can to not have them seen feeling like running in horror if I feel I’ve not hid them adequately. Yet, God has brought me into being even more extroverted and less self-conscious than prior to the illness that brought this on. He has always been there encouraging me, urging me on, comforting me!

Yesterday I was finally able to go to the dentist knowing that He had adequately provided the necessary funds to have my teeth repaired. I spent an hour long evaluation with full mouth x-rays and explanation of the possibilities. I was told that by the holidays I’ll have my smile back. I’m elated, ecstatic, so joyous beyond words! And, I’m looking forward to learning to talk right again! And, once again:

Psalm 28:7 NKJV "The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, And with my song I will praise Him." (See it at YouVersion.com http://bible.us/Ps28.7.NKJV)

His goodness has been so amazing this spring and summer that I don’t fully know how to explain it all. You’ll just have to keep watching and reading my blog. I can only explain further at this point in time by sharing scripture that the Lord gave me not long after my re-dedication to Him in 1988:

*Proverbs 3:3-4 “Let not mercy and truth forsake you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart, And so find favor and high esteem In the sight of God and man.”

And, He’s given it to all of you who trust in Him, too!