Thursday, December 3, 2015

DEAR FRIEND/LOVED ONE - Update on Me+

I started writing this to a friend and realized that I should let more of my friends/loved ones know about what’s up with me this year and for 2016. Over the past 27 years my love for the Lord has only kept gaining momentum and on 1/1/2013 I saw that much more work needed done on my life and I let God know that I was totally surrendering ALL TO HIM (for the umpteenth time) and He could rearrange my life if He so wanted to. Within a few months my brother, Steve, introduced me to Celebrate Recovery and WOW… (http://somethingbyjuliana.blogspot.com/2013/06/celebrate-recovery.html)

No I am not moving away from CR, on the contrary, I am (and have been) letting God reorganize my life to have even more time for CR as we journey into a new year and a new chapter in my life!

In August, 2014, God moved Joe and I to Christian Retreat where He could do more intense work on me slowing down, finding His peace, and retreating even more from this fast moving world.

I am definitely being sent back out into the world with a bang, with two trips this month. First and foremost, Joe and I are celebrating 25 years of marriage, and breaking from this past with me in more intense recovery and from Joe seemingly breaking his neck to take care of us both, with a weeklong cruise. Sorry, no telephones either (Hallelujah). And, secondly with a trip to the Bahamas that Joe won from Popeyes chicken. So, Merry Christmas to you all now since we will be on the run for a month! God is so good as we have been learning much about accepting His blessings and teaching us that He’s got this…He is caring for us and meeting all of our needs! (Matt. 7:11b “…know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!””)

I don't know if I ever shared with more than one or two of you that God had been moving me to specialize in Encaustics and I have given away hundreds in art supplies! This could ONLY be a God thing since ONLY He could get me to do this when it seemed like for years I could have had a warehouse full of art supplies and still be looking for more. I will still be producing some very unique art pieces since with this medium I can play with one piece for some time.

Facebook/Blog? So far I will still have my art page (although transitioning a bit). I have closed two other pages more recently and I just announced to my group this morning that I will either be closing or turning over this group at the end of December. My blog remains and I should pick back up on its posts more regularly in 2016. Beyond this it’s one day at a time and God leads me forward. (http://somethingbyjuliana.blogspot.com/)
https://www.facebook.com/SomethingbyJuliana -

Other Writing? After years of prayer I have written my testimony with hopes to be giving it to Celebrate Recovery in the very near future. I also hope to share it on my blog. I have also written a shorter testimony at the request of our pastor regarding my healing of the CNS Vasculitis to be used at my church and I may share on my blog soon, too. I also have 3 more books started and I have got one about one third of the way finished so after the first of the year I hope to get back to it. I believe God will be using me with more speaking and writing in the not too distant future, too.

Etsy Shop? I have been in the process of a going out of business sale. It will be closing as of Saturday (12/5/15). I will have much of the artwork in storage for future endeavors. If any of you are interested, please check it out since all is 25% off now. Please don’t hesitate to make a reasonable offer. I will also combine shipping. https://www.etsy.com/shop/SomethingbyJuliana?ref=hdr_shop_menu

Housekeeping Hallelujah! We have hired bi-weekly housekeeping. It has been such a deterrent for me to improve mentally and physically, causing me more stress and physical pain than anything else. I felt as though a huge, dark cloud had lifted yesterday as they did their first cleaning. I can now be freed from such debilitating exercise to do more positive exercise along with being involved in various more uplifting activities. I know I have more healing to do in my future! Many thanks to our all-knowing God!

ONLY GOD KNOWS WHAT IS AHEAD. I appreciate your prayers! The e-mails, messages, and phone calls are much appreciated, too! Please help me get back out there after 15 long years! It is time!

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!

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

My Apologies and THEN SOME

Life has gotten quite interesting! Yes, I am up and around more and moving towards having a much more organized life yet the process is rather busy. I’ve noticed that I hadn’t been writing as much on here but I have had no words that I could share with you all at this time. I did spend some time writing yet it was for a testimony to give in Celebrate Recovery and I haven’t felt that I should share this one until after it’s given since I have several friends from there on Facebook and I don’t want to spoil it. There are parts that people know quite a bit in my life but some that they don’t know at all. I will share this testimony after it is given on here. My ladies’ Sunday school class are getting it first, for my practice they are playing my guinea pigs.

I have also written a small testimony about my healing of CNS Vasculitis that I might share on here. Still praying about it. My pastor asked me to write it to give at my church.

I must also share and ask for prayers for traveling mercies in December. We have been so very blessed this year. Our 25th wedding anniversary is in December so we are going on a week-long cruise to celebrate. This has been booked since March, so, you can just imagine our delight when my husband won the grand prize in the Popeyes Chicken sweepstakes. He won a trip to the Bahamas Bowl with all the bells and whistles. Prayers would be appreciated for this, too, since I am a bit apprehensive due to my physical limitations and they have all kinds of things planned for us there. I am honestly claiming *Phil. 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” I will share a few photos, etc…when we return yet I think it may be next year until you hear from me again after the next 2 things that I previously wrote to share.

My brother replied to an e-mail that I wrote April, 2014 that had a good message in it so I thought there are some words to share on my blog!

“This kept coming to mind. Joe quit smoking on the night of my brain biopsy 1/31/01. He literally harped on me for another 6 ½ years to quit until I finally did. Many times over he would even tell me about the health issues, etc… but I knew ALL of that. In that 6 ½ years I don’t think he ever told me one thing that I didn’t know. He ran out and just never touched another one. For me, I tried going cold turkey and after 4-5 days I was throwing things and yelling ‘how can God help me if I can’t even find Him’. It took me 6 months of working slowly at breaking the habit until I could finally set a date and then quit (matter of fact, I probably should write it down sometime cause it could help someone else). It was so upsetting and Joe & I had numerous arguments over it. He actually asked me to do it for him a couple of times which you should know, too, that it won’t work. He even thought after I finally quit that I should not want to smoke for the exact same reasons that he didn’t want to. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could always want something for someone else and it worked? I kept telling him to pray. For me, I need to remember that my words will not change them even 1/10th as fast as prayer will! Wow…I think I’m writing a blog post (LOL)…I will have to at least save this and make it into one, huh? Cause you could actually use this for anything, especially accepting Jesus. We think we know how much it would mean to someone else but really only they will know when they finally do get it! And, we really don’t know what will make them finally soften their hearts to Him! But, the Holy Spirit knows so prayer is totally where it’s at! If only we (and I’m saying me, too) would get it through my head once and for all that when I’ve said enough (maybe not said anything) and I’ve come up against a wall to just shut up and pray! I love that I have prayer!”

For my latest find:

Thursday, September 3, 2015

BE STILL AND KNOW - Psalm 46:10

Please forgive me for taking so much time "running" between these posts!

I am always learning, thank the Lord! He never fails me! He wants to spend time with me.

An excellent book to read, and it's free at this website: Good Morning Holy Spirit by Benny Hinn If you need something to read it on try Kindle or iBooks. Learn to know the person of the Holy Spirit. This book was more confirmation to me since He drew me to Himself in 1988 when I was crumbling, yet it did give me some new insight and since this I got a clue, too!

A couple of days ago we had a flat tire in my car. This was right at a time when we were lower in funds. First, one might think that something is wrong because He has not made provision for my tire and there are all of these things that I need to be doing. But, for some reason I didn't see it that way. I had a peace about it. I also was on the 7th day of a lingering cold with an awful sounding cough. This made me think that maybe I was supposed to slow down, lay low, and let God's healing catch up with me. After talking to my husband and figuring out that on the next payday I could get a new tire and the car wash was close by (that it needed so badly) so I would also be able to get my car cleaned up, I felt fully satisfied. As I cancelled nearly everything I was in an amazing state of peace!

After a couple of days at home, TV off, worship music on, getting things done but moving slowly and resting in His peace I awoke this morning to waging warfare against Satan, telling him where he could go (back to hell where he belongs in Jesus' name) and beginning to feel much better physically, with a wonderful "knowing" in my heart. He just wants to spend time with me. How many of us miss out on so many blessings because we won't just be still and know that He is God?

*2 Corinthians 11:2a "For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy."

He had moved me earlier this year to giving away most of my artwork amd cleaning out our house, so I could spend time learning to rest in Him and finding more of His peace and I'd taken His wisdom that I was learning to move back out into life, ministry, and more of this world and ran with it like a chicken with its head cut off! Wanting more is good if it moves you to prayer and keeps you wanting more of Him but slow down and:

*Psalm 27:14 "Wait on the Lord. Be of good courage. And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!"

AND there's that word Strength again. I'm learning through my writing once again. Waiting on Him will give us strength? Hallelujah! There's another one for my "His Strength" art journal!

The song that I awoke to going through my head was My Redeemer Lives as sung by Nicole C. Mullen

Sometimes we just need to slow down:

Psalm 46:10a "Be still, and know that I am God;" Listen to the words...great video, too!

An old faithful song that the Holy Spirit has used so prophetically in my life over the years has kept coming to mind, also, and it fits:

Enjoy!

Friday, July 24, 2015

I AM BLESSED

A few days ago I had a similar idea to this writing but I just kind of ended up blowing it off due to time constraints without even writing it down or sending the writing idea to myself. Yet, I just saw someone share on Facebook all the “perfect” things about their life that made them feel blessed and it called that writing idea to my mind again. Praying I do Him justice when sharing it!

CURSES:

I was given up for adoption at 18 days old.
I drank alcohol and did drugs for 18 years of my life.
I went through much abuse; physical, verbal, mental, emotional.
Along with all of the above, I attempted suicide 5 times, I totaled 4 cars, I went through 7 suicides of friends along with seeing other attempts, I was arrested several times along with spending 16 months in prison and on and on and on.

BLESSINGS:

I was adopted not only once, but twice. The first time by my adoptive parents who could not have any more kids but were given me. They thanked God for me. The second into the family of God. *Romans 8:15 “For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.””
I learned the power of a loving God to not only remove the longing for drugs away but to also remove all of the guilt and shame from that life that I lived that cause me to run for the alcohol, drugs, and so many more things that I’m happy to run from now! *Psalm 55:22 “Cast your burden on the Lord, And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.”
I was just 13 when I accepted my need for Jesus and He then became my savior. Even though I ran for another 15 years until finally slowing down enough to let Him have me, I learned so very much to share with others about why many “people” not just me, do this so that we may help them.

Even though I felt like I was crumbling, I found a God who is so powerful that he can heal any heart, never leave me no matter how nasty I get and Who will meet my every need; not just the needs that I know I have but He goes before me.

*Matthew 6:8 “Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.

*Isaiah 58:8 “Then your light shall break forth like the morning, Your healing shall spring forth speedily, And your righteousness shall go before you; The glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.”

*Hebrews 13:5 “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.””

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

AND, I am blessed because I know beyond a doubt that He exists! Let me tell ya, even though I thought that I knew that He existed all of my life, when I sat on my bed in my prison cell in 1989 and I heard Him, audibly, tell me “You are a blessing to Me, My child”, even sitting in a prison cell, I was blessed!

I AM BLESSED!

*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 you would love to know of how to live a life full of blessings today, then read, consider, and pray the following prayer:

Dear Jesus,

I want to know more of You. I want to turn away from this life that is just hurting and confusing me and come into a life with You. I believe that You died for my sins and want to live in a relationship with me forever! Show me Who You are and how I may live with You at the helm of my life!

In Jesus’ name, AMEN

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!

Wednesday, July 8, 2015

BLOG UPDATE + Explanation

I believe that God has revealed to me that my purpose is a two-part one.

1. The mixed media artwork that comprises the background was inspired by a dream that I had. It is symbolic of a life lived not un-similar to my own where I kept running into dark, dingy walls but found beauty in Jesus beyond those walls.

2. The scripture added “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” James 4:8a was given to me by God as the 2nd part of my mission. It is by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit that I have found the only way to achieve 1. Is by Drawing near to God.

*2 Corinthians 1:3-4"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 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."

Saturday, July 4, 2015

REWARDS FOR BEING DILIGENT?

*Hebrews 11:6 "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him."

I rededicated my life to the Lord in 1988, nearly 27 years ago. I am not telling you this because I think it is a short or a long time. For you or anyone else it might be 2 years or 37 but for me it has been nearly 27 years. I know I have never been perfect nor will I be until I am in heaven with my new, heavenly body within the presence of Jesus but I do know that that I have diligently sought Him. I was so done with that past life that I would not be here if it were not for Him. I did not want to look anywhere else. I prayed for Him to help to keep me from slipping; to help me keep from back sliding. Yes, there were many pleasures but there were far more detriments, painful events, heartbreaks, abuses, and I could make a list of the many negatives that remained a part of my life for 28 years but I do not long to go there. I did long to run to Him! I did not do as Lot did, I did not look back!

Even though my life has been a whole lot of work since, He has been with me helping me, guiding me all along! His way is perfect…far better than my way!

*Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”

This year we have felt notably blessed! We felt like we were living in a life of trials and hardships for literally years! And, I am not saying that to be ungrateful, just honest! Sickness has been my friend (not the best friend to have). And I have learned greatly. In those first few years after I rededicated my life to the Lord it was a huge dark cloud that I felt like I walked out from under, no, I usually reference it to Jesus pulling me out of the bottomless pit and watching so many of my friends keep falling (thankfully now, many of them know Jesus, too. Sadly it wasn’t long before 2 were claimed by suicide (including my closest girlfriend) along with others losing their lives and yet others are still falling yet now have brain damage and other maladies). I have so much to be thankful for that I LET JESUS pull me out when I did!

*James 1:2-8 “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”

So we are still counting it all joy that it’s been nearly 27 years since I was “falling”. Oh, the lessons we’ve learned, OH MY! BUT I NEVER EXPECTED THIS! (Remember? ‘He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.’) 2015 has been my best year for my mental state since I was at least in grade school, maybe earlier, and I’m 55. I have had no depression this year at all! I praise and thank Him with really no words to fully express how joyful this makes me! I live a life feeling like I’m walking in a dream most days! I believe He has promised me to have more peace. I started working on the journal mentioned in my last post the beginning of this year on HIS Strength and He has certainly given it over and over!

I was sharing with a friend who I hadn’t seen in some time about what God was doing in my life this year and I know His anointing just came over me because I started talking about something that was not even on my mind. I went back to memories from 1995 when I had a 10 hour spine surgery. When I was fully awake from it in my room (several days later) I looked down and saw finger shaped bruises all down my arms. I started crying, wondering what had happened to me (still under morphine). Then I vaguely remembered waking up in pain in the recovery room. I was told that I’d woken up before they had the morphine pump hooked up to me. I vaguely remembered waking up in pain, getting mad and raising up off the bed. I was always told that I was a fighter. Not mean yet a survivor! And while I was telling the lady this whole story I heard in that still small voice that it would be NO MORE. God said that it was over! No more fighting because of someone else putting me in pain!

It is finally over. And His peace is with me 24 X 7. Even to the point lately that I’ve woken up several times with a sweet presence of His Holy Spirit filling my bedroom to the point of it feeling even tangible as if I had been sleeping in clouds…with this sweet song playing in my head.

Now, I don’t think this means that I will never have any trials, pain, etc… ever again. I actually believe that this is a precursor to Him using me in the future yet He is now showing me where to find refuge!

*Psalm 17:8 “Keep me as the apple of Your eye;
Hide me under the shadow of Your wings,”

*Psalm 91:4 “He shall cover you with His feathers, And under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler”

*Psalm 61:4”I will abide in Your tabernacle forever; I will trust in the shelter of Your wings. Selah”

*Psalm 63:7”Because You have been my help, Therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice.”

*Psalm 57:1 “Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me!
For my soul trusts in You; And in the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge, Until these calamities have passed by.”

AND, MY FAVORITE SCRIPTURE SINCE NOT LONG AFTER I REDEDICATED MY LIFE TO THE LORD, BECAUSE I KNEW NO PEACE UNTIL I FOUND HIM!

*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, EVEN BETTER IN THE MESSAGE VERSION:

*John 14:26-27 The Message (MSG) “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.”

Now, this does not mean that all of this will happen the same to you. But, it does mean that He gives you whatever you need!

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

I continue to get stronger. I have given away most of my art supplies and will be specializing in Mixed Media Encaustics (I did keep a bit back for gifts, household repairs, etc...) With God’s help I am getting out more and getting more exercise. I’ve gone from almost always having to use an electric cart to actually walking a little on the blacktop, which I’ve only been able to do very little of for 14 years. Many new-to-me things are happening lately. I am spending hours upon hours alone with Him in study, relaxation, strengthening, and worship! I have enough faith for ‘one day at a time’! And I am watching and waiting for what He has next for me!

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!

Monday, June 22, 2015

ONE SPECIAL CELEBRATE RECOVERY MEETING

I left home at 9am and now it was 3pm and I was just getting home to eat lunch. I’d believed all day that I was going to Celebrate Recovery at 7pm that night despite the fact that I had not run a day like this in literally years. I usually went with my BFF but she had told me that she wasn’t going to go to top things off. God’s strength was with me, Hallelujah! I relaxed for a little bit before heading to the kitchen to pack my hubby’s lunch. Still running, I got him on his way, changed my clothes, and started to head off to Celebrate Recovery but I heard 3 times to pick up my “His Strength – Strength” art journal without knowing why.

My "His Strength" Journal

(I got a blue chip for this act. The first of the year I believe God showed me to give Him my strength and devote extra time to making this journal from scratch. I am now filling it with artwork, scripture, quotes, song lyrics, etc… that either speak of His strength or direct me to His strength. Not every single day but some days even more than once I am giving Him my strength in exchange for His strength.)

I got to Bayside Community Church where Celebrate Recovery is held just a few miles from our home where worship was ready to start. It seemed like a Friday night like any other and I went down to the front row and took a seat (just love to worship). In just a moment the leader came up on stage and announced that as soon as we recited the serenity prayer that Sheila Raye Charles was going to lead the rest of the meeting. My mouth dropped. The last time she addressed the CR that I attended locally I was unable to attend and quite disappointed. Here was God making a way for me!

I had my His Strength journal lying on my chair and quite shortly I heard Sheila quite exuberantly holler “Power”, talking about God’s Power above all other. This was the reason that I brought my Journal. She gave a powerful, life altering message regarding God’s word for her to share with others, forgiveness, redemption, and on and on for a good 1 ½ hours.

As I looked around it certainly seemed that not a one person was untouched. God’s power had fallen through the presence of the Holy Spirit. I would be surprised if any ever forgot this night. As we all made it to the back I was definitely looking to speak to Sheila and tell her the story of why I was toting along my Journal. A lady stopped to ask me my thoughts on the night and to my surprise within about a minute, Sheila runs over to her, wraps her arms around her neck shouting “Mom”. To my surprise I had been talking with her mother. We naturally started talking so I showed her my journal and shared how I came about bringing it, her mouth fell open. I asked her to sign it, of course. (I will put this post with it in the my journal which is rough but it is not finished and is really only for me – my only attempt at making my own journal so still kind of fun, huh?)

Her Signature

I spoke with her for a few minutes after, which is again a true God thing. (Not long after our move to Florida in 2005 I was prayed for and delivered from a spirit of fear. I was horribly shy even to the point of only praying out loud in front of people enough times to count on one hand since I was a toddler. – God has now been teaching me how to walk without that fear. I do count it all gain since I do know so much of the time when it is truly not me and it is for sure, GOD!) I also shared with her my word from God that I know I am to share with others, James 4:8a “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” Sheila Raye Charles is quite down to earth and so comfortable to talk to. I felt like she and I could be girlfriends, sisters in Christ! It was all so very welcoming!

2 Corinthians 12:9 “And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

I “floated” out of the venue not coming down from the presence of His Holy Spirit until around 1 am (nearly 4 hours later). Also, having a confirmation in my heart that God had given me a glimpse into my future, knowing that prison ministry is where I belong at least part time in the future. Those lost souls are my heart. I truly know no other way to explain it! “I once was lost but now I’m found!” ONLY GOD knows what’s next and how all of this will fit into my future yet I thank Him for His glimpses that truly help to keep my spirit seeking!

GOTTA GIVE A SHOUT!

I have learned to see this not only as a testimony of major miracles in my life but also as a testimony to His immense mercy. I’ve learned more recently how He has been there for me even when I was not surrendered to Him. He loved me even when I did not even show any regard for Him! He showed me mercy yet I was puzzled by who He was, even though I did believe in Him.

In 1980 I had been saved for 7 years but I was not living a life in the church. I was 20 years old and involved with a wayward, unsaved young man, and definitely walking in the ways of the world. At a party I was given 151 Rum and Coke mixed with Valium and I took it knowing that I had had neither before. Within a few hours I’d fallen off the roof at my boyfriend’s folk’s house. I crushed a vertebra in my back and remained in the hospital for several days not even remembering the first couple of days most likely due to my severe intolerance of the drug and alcohol combination.

I went on to having another 15 years with an exceptional back until I finally could hide the intermittent problems no more. I was working in the Emergency room, now a devoted Christian, and having such problems showing up in my feet, yet they were spine related. By the time I got to an orthopedic doctor I was told to lift my legs one at a time but the left one would only raise a slight bit. I was eventually told that I would more than likely be in a wheelchair in diapers within a few months since this old break had calcified and was pressing into my spinal cord. I needed surgery yet no surgeries of this type had been done in Ohio in 1995.

By the recommendation of a family friend I ended up seeing an orthopedic doctor in Chapel Hill, NC who had then performed surgery on people in 27 states and 5 countries. Surgery had to be done quickly so arrangements were made by my folks to rent an efficiency apartment in Durham, NC where the surgery would be performed in Durham Regional Hospital. Joe would be driving back and forth from Ohio to NC as he was able during the month that I needed to be there. I was told that no surgery of this exact type had been done before so there was no prognosis or even an absolute of other than a 50/50 chance of survival.

During this month I had such amazing peace from the Lord. That peace that passes understanding. My family was much less than peaceful yet holding on to their own faith in God.

I was put off work a good 6 weeks prior to surgery and my work was told that I would not be back to work until 6-9 months after surgery. The surgery was performed in June 8, 1995 and took 10+ hours. Undoubtedly due to the grace of God, I was back to work in just a little more than 4 months. A U shaped steel rod and 4 screws are now holding my spine together and have been for just over 20 years now. My most recent MRI was just a little over a year ago and showed that the hardware is still stable and I am believing that with God’s help that it will be for some time to come.

And I just love this song & I want to shout daily from the Rooftops about my Heavenly Papa so this song has been quite timely in my life:

Friday, May 15, 2015

HIS FAITHFULNESS

I awoke this morning in the middle of having dreamed that I was in the movie A.D. The Bible Continues. Jesus had already ascended to heaven and I was being enthralled by Peter preaching about Jesus.

I heard the words “get up” and I did. Soon I was inspired to write. I was so very inspired by the way He so often speaks to me in my dreams in one way, shape or form. I’ve shared with friends that almost daily I see Him in my mind’s eye either directly waking me up or sitting by my bed watching for me to open my eyes. You might think I’m nuts, but you’ll know you’re not if it happens to you. I believe this is a direct answer to my prayers way back when I was in prison in the late 80’s. I was so scared of falling back into that awful life where I lived in the dark, ignoring Him!

(Long interruption)

I’d found LOVE as it ONLY exists in Him and I never wanted to lose that again. So, I prayed and asked Him to bring me reminders by His Holy Spirit so that I would not slip away. And, I awake remembering He was there more nights than I awake feeling like I didn’t even dream or just nonsense dreams. AND…

I have been dreaming similarly since I was saved in 1973 at 13 years old. I wandered for another 15 years with no clue where I was supposed to go or what I was supposed to do, living in deep, dark places. He showed me in recent years that is was how He helped to keep me alive. I lived in Dejavue moments due to dreaming all the many apartments I moved to (30 some in just 11 years).

I learned in so many ways how the 70’s, my teen years, were basically a major nightmare of physical, verbal, mental, and emotional abuse; suicide attempts; severe accidents where I broke my back along with numerous others but He sent me an angel in my psychologist who I saw from 1979-1988 (plus a few times with my step son in the 2000’s). I stayed intoxicated due to self-medicating yet this did help to keep me alive even though those years were very unproductive in so many ways! I internalized everything. I’d get upset with someone, stuff the feelings, and go get high. Did I ever think of the consequences? Of course not, people put me down for so many years that I thought I deserved any negatively that I ever got.

By the time that I was arrested in 1988 for selling LSD, I thought I was the scum of the earth. I thought ‘well, the world is letting me know one final time that I’m worthless and they’ll throw me away in prison.’ And until just a few years ago I had no idea how valuable I was to God and how He’d been there with me all along! I had pushed aside much of my past, pushed it back into my memory to where I thought it was all my fault that I acted the way that I did and I remembered very little good that I ever did.

*Deuteronomy 31:6 “Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.”

When I was arrested in 1988 I fell into a deep, deep depression. There wasn’t a day that I didn’t cry at my desk at work (I was fully functioning in a white collar world so no one really knew.) I was scared to death of prison, it was my bottom, so I figured I’d just put myself away. I figured I could not even commit suicide right since I’d attempted 4 times but never made it fully. I was actually headed out the door from work to my psychologist’s office to be put away when my co-conspirator and his mother showed up at my work to stop me. I now know how God worked through them. After all, it was she that had read the Bible to me over the phone when I sat at my kitchen table in my underwear unable to shower. She started the ball rolling and if you want to read more, then you’ll have to get a copy of my book (Beyond to Better Things by Tricia Marie) that is only available through August, 2015 when my contract runs out. (I am looking into possibly e-publishing or putting it on Kindle, etc…).

And, He has been FAITHFUL to keep me reminded of Him always being here for this full 26+ years. Daily I live in His presence!

*1 John 5:14-15 “Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 15 And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.

AND

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

If you or someone you knows is currently in the condition that I was previous to finding Jesus as my Lord and Savior and Constant Companion then please reach out to Him, yourself and/or share this with that friend. He is there anxiously awaiting for you to let Him be there for you and you will find what I did those 26+ years ago:

*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, not long ago I looked up this passage in The Message Bible and I just loved it. No wonder this verse has been my favorite since I rededicated my life to the Lord!

*John 14:25-27 “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.”

God may not give everyone such dreams as He gave to me, but He will provide for all of your needs as an individual, which means if you need it, He will provide it.

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

If you’d like to turn to Him now, please say the following prayer, truly meaning it in your heart:

Dear Jesus,
I want to know more of You. I want to turn away from this life that is just hurting and confusing me and come into a life with You. I believe that You died for my sins and want to live in a relationship with me forever! Show me Who You are and how I may live with You at the helm of my life!

In Jesus’ name,

Amen

My newest video find:

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!

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

I’VE JUST GOTTA LET YA’ ALL KNOW – ‘CAUSE IT’S ALL MY GOD!!!!

Just taking a break from cleaning while a room is occupied for a few that I need to clean next and as I start looking around on my computer it came to mind that I have yet to share what’s up with me. Well only slightly with a few people.

The Fall of 2014 after the move was rough. Actually from mid-October of 2013 through the whole of 2014 for the most part was the roughest in our 25 year marriage. We believed that Satan was on the rampage. He knew that I was coming into this time and he didn’t like it. BUT

*1 John 4:4 “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world."

And, I am on my way back.

I could go on and on telling you about all of the many struggles but as my bestie says, “you couldn’t make it up!” and as our leader at Celebrate Recovery reiterated to me once again last night, “It’s much better to concentrate on the victories than on the struggles!” I started to find a scripture befitting of not doubting but they are so numerous and so to pick just one might be a tough one. And too numerous, once again, regarding God’s faithfulness yet this song has kept playing through my mind by Lincoln Brewster:

GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS

[Verse:]

Great is Thy faithfulness

O God my Father

There is no shadow of turning with Thee

Thou changest not

Thy compassions they fail not

As Those hast been Thou forever will be

[Chorus:]

Great is Thy faithfulness

Morning by morning new mercies I see

All I have needed Thy hand hath provided

Great is Thy faithfulness Lord unto me

(Verse2)

Pardon for sin

And a peace that endureth

Thine own dear presence

To cheer and to guide

Strength for today

And bright hope for tomorrow

Blessings all mine

With ten thousand beside

Since the beginning of 2015 my husband and I have had numerous prayers answered and life seems to have done a flip flop. We had prayed about my husband’s job for several years since he had several pay cuts and seemed to have no room for advancement among other seemingly poor business practices by his employer. Yet we did know that he was blessed to have a job through the years of recession in the US. He kept working and we kept praying, knowing that God was making a way even when we saw no way. I applauded my husband for his faithfulness, working in a job that he was not happy about going to daily for 8+ years. Then his new job took 2 months with interviews, e-mails, phone calls, and on and on. When he got the job we were so overjoyed and we knew that God was showing him favor for his longsuffering. The job he ended up with was more than we even dreamed of and he is quite happy there. This job has taken an adjustment to 3rd shift hours but we have known it was from God so He would help us with that adjustment.

Along with the new job there is newness in the financial management of our household as well. I had been prophesied over in the not too distant past and was told that I had a gift of giving and that God was answering my prayers in the exact words for Him to bless us so that we could bless others. We have been able to bless others, not only from our own household but also in being shown deals that can be shared with others in need!

AND, a big AND, my hubby announced at his birthday/new job celebration that he thought that we’d see about going on a cruise for our 25th wedding anniversary (12/8/15). A cruise was on my (not actually written down) bucket list! So excited and it is now booked so looking forward to an entire week away with my honey, my precious gift from God who has lived a life of longsuffering coming alongside me, too, in all my illnesses and quirks (LOL)! Hallelujah!

And, with that it is time to go back to my cleaning and I will have to write a bit more later!

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Well, here I am doing just what I figured would happen. I had a dream where I ran into the lady who helped to lead me back to the Lord in 1988 and we were giddy, then I awoke just wide awake knowing I needed to get up and write! Hallelujah! As I walk with the Lord longer I’ve started to see a pattern now and then. ALL THE TIME, He is God and I cannot second guess Him because He will prove it to me yet I DO KNOW HIS LOVE FOR ME and like I might guess my Heavenly Father was up to something loving, kind, and daddy-ful (just made that up) I sometimes see my Heavenly Papa’s hand in the midst all too lovingly! I have felt that things were falling together as in puzzle pieces at times. He is here…He is with me…He is:

* Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”

*1 Corinthians 2:11 “For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God.”

I’m always in awe! He never ceases to amaze me!

And my writing feels like dictation this morning, which doesn’t always happen but it’s quite cool when HE CHOOSES to do it! That’s just it IT’S ALL GOD! His revelations are edifying to me which is most probably why He shows me His amazing work so notably! He lets me know that He is walking with me and talking with me!

Kind of old and corny? Well, that’s because I learned it when I was a little girl and when I went to prison in 1988 it rang through my head and heart almost daily for that entire 16 months. He helped keep me alive and sane in that scary place with that song, those words. (Palm Sunday our church started the service with it. We heard it on the outside speakers as we were walking in and I entered in tears and remained that way until the greeting. The memories of Him truly becoming that ALIVE to me all those years ago were just overwhelming! (And still are overwhelming this morning as I’m moved to tears again!)) He truly is a companion, the best companion. I hope to convey that to you who are reading my blog at this time! I pray you never neglect to seek Him out because as the Bible says:

*Proverbs 8:17 “I love those who love me, And those who seek me diligently will find me.”

"My Momma's Home" w/added digital art - by Juliana

Back to the share at hand. Things are falling together, it seems, like the gathering together of so many thoughts and prayers over these 26 (nearly 27) years since I started walking with Him again. I see it almost daily! And even since I started writing this blog post, I’ve had the realization of another miracle in my life. I have had another healing that to me one of the most amazing of those entire 26 years. In my past life of degradation before I ‘woke up’, I fell off a roof and broke my back. I crushed my L2 Vertebra. I could go into a long sorted ordeal of all that has transpired since yet I am mostly alive to share of His glorious works and not to go into all the gory details of my past. The memories are good for testimony’s sake and as a reminder of what He has brought me through but when the sting is still there (which it is not) then healing is needed! This whole fall ended up in a 10 hour spine surgery in 1995 where I truly learned of my assurance of my salvation and eternal life. It seemed that most people expected me to be fearful of dying since I was told that I had a 50/50 chance of survival but that wasn’t it at all. The only fearful thought I fought was in awaking paralyzed or similarly handicapped. I KNEW HEAVEN WAS IN MY GRASP if I did not make it through. Yet, I was left with back pain. I woke up, even daily, for 17 years feeling stiff and so many ramifications of pain…BUT WALKING!

(I sure wish I’d see these peacocks that I’m told by the sound that I am hearing – beautiful!)

In 2012, my husband was led to the “Wheat Belly” diet and we quit eating wheat and to my surprise within just a few months nearly all of the “chronic” pain had left me along with other various arthritic pain in my body. Hallelujah! I did prove this when I, out of true stupidity, fell off the wheat free wagon in 2014 when on vacation in my home town of 45 years. Sentimentality can seemingly be true stupidity at times. I “had to eat” certain things that I loved and by the time I’d thought that just a little over time wouldn’t hurt, I was on the couch several days a week in severe pain with the knowing that if I kept it up that I would be in that wheelchair far sooner than I’d had faith to walk out against! Within another few days, I was back off the wheat and even mostly fully gluten free. (If God so touches your heart, please check out the Wheat Belly diet at http://www.wheatbellyblog.com/ There have been many more positive resolutions from this diet than just the loss of pain.)

Yet in the last couple of years I’d started developing a case of pretty intense Sciatica so I sought the Lord and an orthopedic doctor that to the surprise of my chiropractor, even agreed with my returning to him for relief versus surgery so I had been seeing this doctor again for several months.

To make a long story short, I will share a timeline of last week:

Our refrigerator/freezer failed about a week ago with the subsequent 3 days of work standing on the ceramic tile to finally end up knowing that we had several more days before the mess would all get back to “normal”. By that time I was on the couch with my legs feeling like jelly. I had to stop! That day I prayed like never before about my back telling my Heavenly Papa how I just couldn’t stand it (remember David in Psalms?). Thursday night I went to bed with this strange feeling that I hadn’t had that back pain all day (?). On Friday night as my bestie and I walked down the hall at Celebrate Recovery I remarked to her that the pain had still not returned and I ended up sharing it in small group that night. The following day was when I started writing this and I had a little pain when fixing dinner but it left me with just knowing that it was time to stop and that has been the way this has been ever since. I have had less pain than possibly since the fall in 1980 when my back was broken. I am still in awe and knowing that if I do have pain that it is merely a warning sign to slow down.

When we moved to Christian Retreat, I kept having the word “restoration” go through my mind. I knew God was up to something. This place is amazing. The grounds are perfumed with His Holy Spirit. I drove into this place in 2005 with my brother and I knew from then on that the fullness of God was here. The only way I’ve known how to explain it is that prior to living here we were in a community where there were few of us home during the day due to most being away at their jobs and (so it was quiet and peaceful) but it felt empty, except His anointing upon our home. Since our move here, it never feels empty! I never feel alone! In my studio is the strongest sense of His holy presence!

And, I know even more than I’ve known all along that He is preparing me for more. This year, so far, I’m learning to walk in “One Day at a Time” like never before. I have an extra-spiritual faith that won’t quit, knowing that He is working in me. I’m experiencing More Healing, More Joy, More of His peace, More, More, More of Him! Come along for the ride…only He knows what He is doing:

*1 Corinthians 2:9 “But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard,

nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”

*1 Corinthians 1:27 “But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty;”

I AM ON MY WAY BACK!

Saturday, April 11, 2015

ARE YOU TURNING YOUR NOSE UP TO CHURCH?

Are you sure that you know why? If you think church is the same as it was even 30 years ago, then you need to find out what you’re missing!

(I finally just got settled down to write. My husband changed hours and I’m just now getting more used to the much, much different time schedule. He works nights and with driving he is gone for 14 hours yet just 3-4 days per week! We are praising God and know that this gift in his new job comes from none other than our Papa God! It is more than either of us could imagine, which is actually quite normal for our Papa!

*Luke 11:13 “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”

So, I am still at work, one day at a time, to reorganize my hours so that I can do most of my work while he is gone except for some that I need his help with. I’m learning to go to bed earlier and get up earlier which also seems to suit my own system for some reason. And, I think in the long run it will become quite conducive of writing, too, since I love to write in the wee hours of the night. I’m working toward mostly being up by 5am (so I can also exercise) but will get up a bit earlier when writing. It’s so quiet with the world mostly asleep yet in my home with just me here I can turn on my worship music, softly, to make a good environment for my writing with the Holy Spirit as my inspiration).

Earlier today I went out to run errands. I do so much writing while out driving in my car, enjoying the sunshine and normally listening to Christian music. The kind of music I listen to depends on my mood. When I’m awake and alert I normally listen to people like Jesus Culture, Kari Jobe and similar but when I need empowered or even just woken up, it’s Red, Thousand Food Krutch, Kutless, Skillet and various others. Today I was feeling like getting out of the house, being young and energetic, and cranking my music. I was a teenager in the 70’s so for some reason it’s stuck even into my 55^th year. As I listened to one of my favorite tunes by Thousand Foot Krutch:

I thought how wrong I was and how I am surprised by the response of the world (comments on YouTube). Before I rededicated my life to the Lord in 1988, I thought being a Christian must be boring, hum drum, blah blah blah…was I ever wrong. Here I am 26+ years into living for/with Jesus and I believe I’m bolder, more alive, freer, and happier than I ever was in my youth (Youth?). Yes, there wasn’t the Christian music of today in the 70’s & 80’s when I would consider myself being “youth” & “young adult” aged. But, that’s not all. There is a fire deep inside that has a need of being fed.

If you still think that being a Christian must be boring, hum drum, lack luster, then you truly need to become educated. I always, always keep myself educated and open about the world, as much as possible, so that if someone asks me about something I can tell them with total honestly, my opinion. So, why not become educated about your ideas on faith, if they are antiquated? You may be surprised by what you find! And, if you are hurting deep down, you may also be surprised by the peace, the comfort, the love that you find that is made to suit just you! Yes, He gives us all what we need!

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

And, I, as I am not perfect need to continually remind myself that that “need” is not merely financial/monetary but “ALL” of our needs! If you do not feel that your needs are being met, come to Jesus and tell Him so! Honestly, if you are clueless about where to start just tell Him so! Prayer is just talking to God!

*James 1:5 “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”

and

*Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.

If you want to give Him your heart right now, it’s so easy by sincerely repeating this simple prayer.

Dear Jesus,

I want to know more of You. I want to turn away from this life that is just hurting and confusing me and come into a life with You. I believe that You died for my sins and want to live in a relationship with me forever! Show me Who You are and how I may live with You at the helm of my life!

In Jesus’ name,

Amen

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Is WORSHIP MUSIC just for SUNDAYS?

Now firstly I need you to remember that my husband has changed hours with his new job. He leaves for work at about 5:45pm (to avoid traffic on his nearly 1 hour drive) and doesn’t get home until approximately 8 am. So, I am left sleeping alone for the first time since the mid 1990’s. At that time I worked part time nights in the Emergency Room which brought on nightmares so that my dad ended up installing an alarm system in our mobile home.

I have been doing these new hours for close to 2 months yet still struggling a bit most nights. His schedule is quite sporadic so that it is also not at all easy to get used to like it might be if he had a Monday thru Friday job. I am just finally able to think about it and figure out what days he works without looking at the yearlong schedule he was given. We know this job was a gift from God. So much about his workplace is so positive. I’ve found nothing yet to disagree with so the hours must just be something to work on.

I am also working to change my own hours of operation by the guidance of the Holy Spirit so I am going to bed earlier and getting up earlier. What a feat since it changes how my medications work, my eating, and etc. But, I am trusting God to help me with what I believe is certainly His will since after less than a week I am starting to feel better, with much more energy, etc.

Last night I made it to bed at 10:30 (made it 10-10:30 since that feels easier to hit) yet found myself standing in our living room telling Satan to get out of my house at 3am, by the authority given to me in Jesus’ name. I'd had nothing but restless, interrupted sleep until then (Noises, noises, noises!). After that I slept like a baby, although I did sleep through my alarm, waking up at 6:15 instead of 5. Because I hate oversleeping, I found myself to be confused; I was just plain bewildered about how to go about my morning.

BUT, I ever so quickly saw my iPad next to me and remembered that I’d heard that little ding tone signifying that I’d had a message from a friend AND that good friend and sister in Christ had shared a YouTube video with me. I was elated and loved this new worship music and it inspired me to getting up out of bed and pairing my iPad with YouTube streaming through our ROKU on our 40” TV (that God provided for us through me winning it free about 3 years ago (another cool story). Hallelujah!) I would recommend ROKU if only for this. I also stream Pandora.com radio with worship music through the ROKU. I've had worship music on ever since. I am going to figure out a way to play it while in bed if I need to make my own flash drive for my radio/alarm/mp3 player. I have found out that it helps my focus amazingly! No, I can still find it in me to be in a lousy mood, but if I let the worship music in, He helps even then!

Check out this new video that was shared with me this morning. And then, find some of your own worship music to help you, too! Our pastor has shared that even Jazz music comes in the Christian music persuasion. There’s something for everyone! It can be so very helpful to direct you back to our Father especially when life throws us so many distractions!

Enjoy: