Can you see clearly?

1 Cor 13-12

Today, I’d like to open with a brief excerpt from my brand new, hot off the press book –  a fairy tale called The Quest.

In the story, young Esperanza dreams of a life beyond the dark village where she lives. She encounters Mai-Lyn and Sienna along the way, and the trio embarks on a perilous quest from the village to the magical garden where the King dwells. In one chapter, a knight takes the girls behind a waterfall and asks them what they see as they look out through the flow of rushing water.  After trying to picture scenes from their journey, the knight said:

“You each see many things that you’ve seen before. But look again; do you see them clearly?”

The girls squinted, peering out through the cascade of water, looking out to the garden and beyond. They had to agree. Though they could discern the places they’d been, they could not see any of them clearly.

“This is how it is when for those who live in the village. My Father and I created all that you see and were meant to enjoy. But those who dwell across the chasm see a poor reflection of what I intended. The lies and deceptions create a veiled view of what truth is.

“What you think is love is at best a deep friendship, and at worst an exploitive relationship. It differs greatly from the sacrificial love that my Father and I have for you.

“In the village, you feel disappointment because you expect perfection, both in yourself and in others, but nothing can truly be perfect apart from a relationship with my Father and me.”

Mai-Lyn opened her mouth to speak, then quickly shut it.

“You want to be strong and independent, but that can lead to isolation. You were called to be strong within community. There is beauty in being part of something greater than yourself, depending upon those even stronger than yourself, and helping those less fortunate.

“You strive to achieve great things, but you miss the greatest thing—your true worth that comes from my Father, the King.

“Let us go now to meet him.”

In 1 Cor. 13, the famous “love chapter,” Paul describes true love, agape love, thay unconditional, patient, kind, perfect love that the Father has for us, His daughters. And then he says,

“Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely.” 1 Cor 13:12NLT

So often, when we look at our lives, the people and circumstances that surround us, we think we see it all clearly. But like looking through a waterfall or a reflection in a mirror, what we see is imperfect. Only God with His omniscient vision can see it all clearly. He can see the present and with it – people’s motives, extenuating circumstances, the bigger picture. He can see the future, and consequently, He has no worries about the outcome.

Our only course of action is to fully understand that we don’t know it all, even if we think we do, and to trust the One who does. As Paul says,

We know only a portion of the truth, and what we say about God is always incomplete. But when the Complete arrives, our incompletes will be canceled. . . . But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation: Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love. V. 10&13 MSG

  

 

Although the book hasn’t officially launched yet, The Quest is available on Amazon. For more information on or to order, visit https://amzn.to/2I5UGXA.

The Quest - twitter post PNG

 

The Taming of the Tongue

match_James 3-5b-6a

On Sunday, my pastor shared a message titled How Do You Speak. In it, he rightly challenged us to use our words for good and not for evil.

How easy it is for us to quickly shoot off our mouth only to leave destruction in its wake. Yet the tongue can also be an instrument of great blessing and encouragement.

I’ve been guilty of both.

With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water. James 3:9-12

A modern day extension of our tongue is our social media. How often people post things that even their tongue wouldn’t say. With our nation more polarized than ever, it’s easy to find like-minded people who further inflame our words.

We must exercise caution with our words, being quick to listen but slow to speak and become angry. As James said, the tongue is a tiny part of the body, yet like a tiny rudder controls a ship, so the tongue controls us.

But I think we can all agree that it isn’t easy to control the tongue. Even James says, “but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.”

So what can we do?

I’ve decided that in addition to focusing on my tongue, I need to focus on my heart. Both Luke and Matthew say that it’s “out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.”

A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. Luke 6:45

If my heart isn’t right with God, then trying to control my tongue is like trying to put a lid on a volcano. At some point, all the fire inside will erupt and overflow causing hurt and harm to others and myself.

But if it is right with God, then the outpouring of my heart will represent the God who lives there.

When I’m tempted to spout off, it’s worth my time to stop and look at what’s going on inside my volcano. What is the reason that I’m so eager to mouth off? Is there something in me that needs to change? How does Jesus see this person that is frustrating me? How much does Jesus love him/her? As much as He loves me??? Well yes, He does.

So this person or situation is giving me an opportunity to grow in Christ-likeness. Can I lose my self-righteous anger and learn to love the way that Jesus does?

Since the tongue is a tiny spark that incites great blazes, can’t we use our tongue to fan the flame of love!

 

 

 

Break My Heart

Break my heart

I caught myself humming and accidentally meditating on some lyrics from a favorite worship song – Hillsong’s Hosanna :

Heal my heart and make it clean
Open up my eyes to the things unseen
Show me how to love like you have loved me
Break my heart for what breaks yours

Everything I am for your kingdoms cause
As I go from nothing to
Eternity

60 years ago a man named Bob Pierce prayed these words in a prayer: “Let my heart be broken by the things that break the heart of God.” Dr. Bob Pierce founded World Vision after traveling to China in 1947. On that trip, his heart was broken with the need of one little girl. In the decades since, World Vision met the needs of millions of people in the US and all over the globe.

After my children went on mission trips, their hearts were broken for people in Uganda, India, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Bahamas, and the US. They followed up their trips with actions to help meet the needs they encountered and inspired me to do the same.

Yet I think there are other things, personal things, that break the heart of God. As I continued to mediate about this lyric, God whispered: You can love people around the world, but can you love the person sitting next to you?

Ouch! The sting of conviction penetrated deep in my soul. 

What breaks God’s heart? Not just children dying in poverty. It breaks God’s heart when my attitudes and actions represent the enemy more than they represent Him. I believe God is not as grieved by sinners who act like sinners as He is by Christians who act like sinners.

Can we love those who are lovely?

Of course, that’s easy.

Love the poor?

Sure, most of us can do that. In fact, there are many non-Christians who care for the poor, who sacrifice life and limb to live in impoverished nations, who are in the Peace Corps, the military, the inner cities, Indian reservations, homeless shelters, safe houses for abused. There are non-Christians who are doing what more Christians ought to be doing.

How about loving those who annoy you? What about loving those who hurt you? What about loving someone who hurt your child?

Apart from the grace of God, it’s next to impossible. Yet that is exactly what God calls us to do:

“You’re familiar with the old written law, ‘Love your friend,’ and its unwritten companion, ‘Hate your enemy.’ I’m challenging that. I’m telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does. If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that.

“In a word, what I’m saying is, Grow up. You’re kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you.” Matt. 5:43-47 MSG

Our “enemies” give us an opportunity to develop Christ-likeness. When we can forgive as He forgave and love as He loved, we become more like Him ~ and we stop grieving Him.

We must stop “acting” like a Christian and start “being” one from the inside out:

“If we are to be imitators of Christ, we need to stop trying to act like Christians (external actions) and instead focus on BEING a Christian from our core (internal transformation). When this becomes our focus, we will discover that it’s not difficult to act like a Christian, because we simply ARE one. Period.” ~ Christine Caine

May our hearts break for that which breaks God’s heart.

And help us Lord to not break Yours. 

Susan_signature

Can you feel the love??

disciple Jesus loved

 

In his gospel, the Apostle John didn’t refer to himself by name. The only John mentioned in the Gospel of John is John the Baptist. John the disciple referred to himself as the “disciple whom Jesus loved.” (John 13:23, John 20:2, John 2:17, John 21:20)

Now some people jokingly say – sure, you can call yourself “The ONE Jesus Loved” when you write your own book. True enough. But I have a different opinion of this designation John chose for himself.

John’s whole identity was wrapped up in the fact the Jesus loved him. He, a lowly fisherman, an arrogant “Son of Thunder” who argued about who was the greatest, was loved by Jesus.

By calling himself “the one Jesus loved,” I believe John is emphasizing that Jesus is a lover of the unlovely. By identifying himself as one loved by Jesus, he is offering a tribute to Jesus, not to himself – the recipient of that love.

Because John was confident in the love the Jesus had for him, he leaned on Jesus’ chest at the Last Supper. Because of His love for him, John remained at the cross and thus Jesus entrusted His mother to John’s care. Because of Jesus’ love for him, John ran ahead of Peter to the empty tomb and later recognized Jesus on the shore while he was out on the lake hauling in a miraculous catch of fish.

Because of that assurance of the love that Jesus had for him, John replaced his given name with the description “the disciple whom Jesus loved.” That became his whole identity.

Jesus loves you as much as He loved John. Can you do the same as John?

Can you replace your name in the phrase “the disciple Jesus loved?”

Can you look in the mirror and say, “Good morning, self. You are loved by the Savior. No matter how you’ve stumbled, you are still infinitely and unconditionally loved.”

Now say it in the first person, “I am ___(insert your name), a child of God, a disciple that Jesus loves. Yes, I am loved.”

If you have children, don’t you want them to know that they are loved, no matter what they might have done wrong? Don’t you want them to have that assurance?

Well child of God, Jesus wants you to have the same assurance of His love for you. That is your true identity – you are a “disciple that Jesus loves.” And nothing can change that.

Knowing that you are so loved allows you to love others with the love you have received from Christ.

Can you look at your husband, your family, your coworker, that annoying person at the market, the rude driver on the road, and can you say, “she (or he) is one that Jesus loves.”

How will that change how you go through your day?

What if we all were to experience His love and share it in our conversations, on our social media, in our actions? We would not only live more fulfilling lives, we would change the world.

The Hero Mom

Mohonk Mountain House, New Paltz, NY
One of the hundreds of gazebos along the trails 


She sat peacefully in a wooden gazebo by the water’s edge, half facing the water, head swiveled backward  keeping a watchful eye on her howling daughter standing on the rocks behind her about 10 feet away.
At Mohonk Mountain House, the breathtaking scenic vistas, rock climbs, miles of hiking trails, crystal clear mountain-top lake, can be best described as serene.
At least it was until the silence was broken by the little girl’s screaming tantrum.  
M . O . M . M . Y…!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” The rest was unintelligible and unrelenting. Tears streaming, arms outstretched, begging Mommy to come and carry her to the gazebo.
And Mommy sat, not moving. But, gently repeating the same few words, over and over again. “You can do it. Just take one step at a time.”
It would have been so much easier to pick up her daughter, to comfort her, to coddle her, than to remain steadfast in the face of such despair. She could have worried what passersby thought of her, letting her daughter cry on like that. But she demonstrated a resolve to help her daughter overcome fear. One step at a time.
I wanted to go over to her and encourage Mommy and tell her what a great mom she was.  She probably didn’t feel like a great mom then. But I kept on walking. I rationalized that it would have spoiled the moment, but I still regret it. Maybe she’ll read this.



She was a hero that day. Not the kind we read about on the front page. But the kind that makes the tough choices in the trenches to stay the course, to teach her child, to allow her child to experience a victory that would be missed if she took the easy way. Or maybe a failure that would be a stepping stone for a future victory. It is just one moment that will build upon the next and the next, ultimately creating a life of character and courage.
When my daughter was little, she had lots of fears. So did I. And so when Lauren was afraid to order ice cream at the local snack bar, she’d ask her younger brother to order for her. I remembered being the oldest of 3 siblings, but the most afraid. And I remembered how bad I felt about myself when my younger siblings would easily do things that terrified me, like go on rides or speak up for themselves. So when I saw my daughter following my footsteps, I became a “mean mom.” With sorrow, I told Lauren that unless she ordered the ice cream herself, she couldn’t have it. Many times she did without her favorite snack because she was afraid to ask for it. 
I didn’t feel like a hero. I felt like a heel. 
But now 20 years later, Lauren not only orders her ice cream, she has traveled the world on mission trips and lived in Australia for 1½ years. She has a grand vision to build a unique powerful ministry. She dreams big dreams that we all know will come true. She has impacted the lives of students in her classes and young girls in youth groups. When she faced rejection and difficulties pursuing her studies and career in dance, I gently repeated the same words over and over again. “You can do it. Just take the next step.”
I was, and am, far from a perfect mom. But in this, I’m thankful that I was able to stand firm. And so is Lauren.
To all the moms being honored today, I salute you. Not just today, but for what you do each day that goes unnoticed or unappreciated. Making one seemingly small decision or action will build upon the next until a million small hard moments build a lasting legacy.
And you moms who experience fear, God tells us “You can do it. One step at a time.” He orchestrates opportunities for us to face and thus overcome our fears. Today is Part One of my series on Vanquishing Fear. In the weeks to come, I’ll share some stories of my battles to overcome fear. 
What do you think?
Do you struggle with personal fears?
Is it hard to be the “mean mom?” If so, look for my friend Joanne Kraft’s book later this year. The Mean Mom’s Guide To Raising Great Kids
  

Highly Favored

Today’s post comes from my friend Barbara Higby over at The Hope Perspective. Her great insight into Mary’s encounter with Gabriel moved me deeply and makes me want to be more like Mary.  


“Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Luke 1:28

Mary had plans. She was engaged to be married to an honorable man. Likely, her expectations were to be a faithful wife, a good Jewish mother, and a prudent housewife as a Jehovah worshiping Hebrew woman. Her expectations would be fulfilled, but not as she anticipated. A surprise visit from the angel Gabriel drastically changed the dimension of her dreams. They were no longer confined to the home of a carpenter in Nazareth but took on world shaking significance. 

Gabriel presented Mary with the astonishing news that she would be a virgin mother—a mother of God. How could she wrap her mind around such a thought? The child’s conception would be unnatural, miraculous, inexplicable—an immaculate conception. Mary would never be the same; the world would never be the same. The significance of this prediction would change history. She had but one thing asked of her. The only request the angel made was, “Do not be afraid.”

How could this young girl not fear pregnancy? How could she explain a conception that did not take her virginity? How could she marry when pregnant? How could anyone, Joseph included, believe the truth?

But Mary heeded Gabriel’s words. She set aside her fears and ten verses later we see this highly favored young woman respond as a humble servant. “I am the Lord’s servant…. May it be to me as you have said” (Luke 1:38).

Lord, Director of history, Ruler of earth, omniscient Father, loving Master, Your plan is always greater, bigger, more complex, farther reaching than we can imagine. Help us to internalize that truth so that we will not fear but, in every situation, say with Mary, “I am the Lord’s servant…. May it be to me as you have said.”


Finishing Well

Many thanks to all for your prayers and good wishes for AJ. He finished well!  He experienced some knee and hamstring issues about 3/4 through, but pressed on. 


He finished in 3:22:19.62 (8 minutes ahead of his goal time) qualifying him for the Boston Marathon. He placed #114 out of 1856 runners and in the top ten of runners age 20 -24 (he’s 20). 


Here’s some pics (thanks to Lauren, Anita, and Phi Sigma Kappa):


bright and early – start of a great day




before the race – mental prep




crossing the mile 4 & 8 bridge
“AJ’s running a marathon, yet still takes great pictures” Dave M.




“gonna fly now” (Eye of the Tiger – Rocky theme)



greeting his Phi Sig brothers at mile 11




approaching mile 23 hydration station (leading the 2nd pack)




mile 23 – recharged!! 




heading home!
cue Chariots of Fire music here” Lauren




roommate James running the last mile with him




FINISH LINE!!! 




“Run in such a way as to get the prize
…to get a crown that will last forever.”
1 Cor. 9:24-25



I’m so proud of this boy. He sure isn’t perfect that I know. I don’t want to be  one of those blind “can you top this” moms. But he accomplished what few do. 
And it wasn’t just completing the marathon. 

He had over 30 supporters there – family, school friends, church friends. These wonderful people to whom I am most grateful sacrificed time and money to be there at the crack of dawn and lend their support to this zany kid (“he’s the happiest runner” Dave M). I know others wanted to be there, but supported him in other ways. Why? One of his fraternity brothers summed it up in a text “AJ’s always there for us. Let’s be there for him.”  

We reap what we sow (Gal. 6:8). Sunday’s victory was not gained on that day. It was the months of preparation that allowed him to go the distance. And the support that he received was because of his daily investment in the lives of others, over months and years of relationship.

whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” 2 Cor. 9:6


http://www.razoo.com/story/Ajpanzica

You Could Be…

I’m ba-ack! Did you miss me? I’ve missed you. It’s been 3 weeks since my last post. There’s been lots going on, but to be honest, I’ve mostly been distracted and unfocused. 12 half-written drafts are patiently waiting to be finished. I’ve been doing a bit of other writing, and it’s just a smorgasbord life right now. No main entree or focus, just a smattering of this and that.

Then I found an amazing poem my son scrawled last night. At least someone in the Panzica household is writing!

You could be the smartest
and cure cancer with your brain.
You could be the fastest
and stay dry in the midst of rain.
You could be the nicest
and wholly act in utmost care.
You could be the strongest
even without Samson hair.
You could be a prophet
and relay the words of God.
You could be most righteous
and move mountains near and far.
You could be the richest
able to purchase anything,
but all these greats
without God’s love
make a a great nothing.

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. … Love never fails.