Author: Susan Panzica

Who do YOU Say I am?

Posted on by Susan Panzica


photo credit: Brianna Campos

When the enemy tears at our souls, he uses tactics to convince us that we aren’t worthy. He entices us to compare ourselves to other people, to focus on our flaws, to remind us of our failings. We see an obscured picture of the truth that God wants us to see and to possess and to act upon.

The truth is that God is very clear about who HE says we are:

To continue reading, click on over to visit with me at Circles of Faith OR at Laced With Grace.

Are You Waiting?

Posted on by Susan Panzica


“God’s Waiting Room.” I’ve heard the term, even said the term myself. It’s that period of time spent waiting for our life to begin anew. 
  • “When this happens, then I will…”
  • “When I get a job, get married, have a baby, then I will …”
  • “When the chemo is over, then I will…”
  • “When I discover my gifts, then I will…”
If you’re in that waiting room, join me over to Laced With Grace for a word of encouragement.

Holding Hands

Posted on by Susan Panzica
All day long, my husband the chiropractor, plays Simon Says with his patients. As they lie face down on the table, he’ll instruct them, “Put your left hand behind your lower back.” “Raise your right hand above your head.” And so on. Each of these tests indicates specific vertebrae in need of adjusting. 



When Jes was on the table, her little Eli sat nearby in his stroller. As she raised her hand above her head, Eli reached out to grab it. So precious!

And so telling of how we must respond when our Savior extends His hand to us.

To read how to walk hand in hand with God, click over to Laced With Grace. 

Can you feel the love? 

ps – as you read this, I’m in Italy with the family celebrating our kids’ college graduations. How fast the time goes! Would you keep us in prayer? And check my facebook page for pictures!! 

How to Keep the Sabbath in a World That Never Rests

Posted on by Susan Panzica

At a Leadership Conference I recently attended, I was challenged to consider observing Sabbath. It’s the fourth Commandment, and the one with by far the most instruction (Deut. 5:6-21) but unlike the other nine, for some reason, our present society considers it optional.

The word “Sabbath” simply means “rest.” In our overscheduled, workaholic culture, taking time to rest seems counter-productive. But in reality, the opposite is true. The conference leader, Pete Scazzaro said, “BEING with God precedes DOING for God.” And the purpose of Sabbath is to rest and BE with God.  

To read more about Sabbath and join me in the discussion, click on over to Circles Of Faith. 

The Hero Mom

Posted on by Susan Panzica
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
  

Seriously??

Posted on by Susan Panzica
The following is a guest post from Donna Bolster:

photo credit: Donna Bolster
Ah, spring is finally here! 
But what is this? 
Snow?  
On April 16??
SERIOUSLY??? 

I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw my windshield, icy and crusty ~ certainly not what I expected! I was on a mission to get to work early. But this put a wrinkle in my plan.

Suddenly I thought about the women on a mission to Jesus’ tomb to anoint his body for burial. They were probably thinking:
 
Ah, our Messiah is finally at peace. 
But what is this? 
The tomb is empty? 
On Sunday morning??
SERIOUSLY???

The women couldn’t believe their eyes when they saw it abandoned. It was certainly not what they expected. And it definitely put a wrinkle in their plan.

 
God wrinkles our plans with unexpected situations. Sometimes they are blessings; sometimes they come as trials; sometimes they hardly make any difference at all. But in every situation, God seeks to be glorified. He designs every situation to point us to Him. 

We can see His plans as wrinkles in our plans, or we can look for the blessings and hurry to tell everyone we know about the ways that He works, as those women did on that first Resurrection Day.
 
Well, all I know is that the snow cleaned all that nasty spring pollen off my car. And now it is gleaming almost as brightly as my resurrected Lord on that Sunday! I praise Him for all the situations in my life. Let me glorify Him, look toward Him and see the blessings in everything that comes my way.
 
Hallelujah! Happy Resurrection Day!

He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.” So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Matt. 28:6-8

 


Donna’s personal mission statement is to continuously grow in God’s power and to exhibit the fruits of the Spirit in her daily life — in short, to be a good and faithful servant. She is a blessed wife, mother and grandmother, and a leader in her church and at her workplace.

In The Middle

Posted on by Susan Panzica

I wasn’t going to do it. I wasn’t going to share this today. I share it every year. I posted yesterday and have another (a special guest post!) for tomorrow. I don’t want to overflow your inbox. I just wasn’t going to share it again. 


But this morning, I woke up and knew I had to. I don’t know why or who it is that needs to read this. But I am not a morning person, and here I am – up way early with only one thought. Post it! So my friends, here it is (with a little editorial comment at the end). If it speaks to you, please let me know. 
photo credit: www.wayofthesea.wordpress.com




Today we are in the middle.
Yesterday was Good Friday –
the pain of suffering,
despair, heartache,
the event that left us full of tears
Tomorrow is Easter –
the joy of new life,
resurrection,
rising from the ashes of pain
Today we are just in the middle-
the preparing for tomorrow’s feast,
tomorrow’s worship,
tomorrow’s new garments


Do you ever feel – in the middle? Having experienced tragedy or loss, but waiting for the future hope and peace that is promised? We must wait, but not as those with no hope. It was while Jesus was waiting that He set the captives free.

When I was in Israel, one of the most powerful moments for me was at the Garden Tomb. I entered the empty tomb, and after my eyes adjusted to the darkness, saw the white garments folded on the stone bench. Turning to exit the tomb and enter the light, I saw a rough, wooden sign that read:

“He is not here;
he has risen,
just as he said.”
Matt. 28:6


Seeing those words in that place was a powerful reminder that He has risen. The full verse includes the words JUST AS HE SAID! So what else did He say?

We have been healed:“He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.”-1 Peter 2:24

We have a future:“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11


So we must:“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” – Titus 1:2“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Hebrews 12:2-3


Today, while still in the middle, this is my prayer for you:“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 15:13

May you have a most blessed Resurrection Day! May you rejoice with Him who rose from the dead to give you eternal life, who endured the darkness to bring us with Him into the light. And may you be preparing for the ultimate feast, worship and garments yet to come!! 

—
So my friends, that’s the post. My heart is grieving for a family that suffered a tragic loss. They are in the dark Saturday tomb and have lost hope for the future. They aren’t preparing for a glorious tomorrow. They are clinging to the pain of today. Perhaps you are in that place too or know someone stuck in their dark night of the soul, a place we are meant to transverse, not dwell.


The angels at the tomb asked, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; He has risen! Remember how He told you, while He was still with you in Galilee…” Lk. 24:5-6 

Oh that we could stop looking among the dead, in the dark, but remember and cling to what He told us, the hope for the future. 


Today let us pray together that you and they and we all may remember the truth He told us and catch of glimmer of the glorious hope to come. 

The Garden Tomb –
a haven of tranquility and one of my 2 favorite places in Israel
photo credit: http://genebrooks.blogspot.com/
To the left behind the metal bars is a stone “bed” with white linen clothes folded neatly at the end.
Through the door outside, behind the railing, is where we shared communion.



What’s Good About Good Friday?

Posted on by Susan Panzica



The following passage from Isaiah 53 paints a picture of the “Suffering Savior.” Written 600 years before Jesus the Savior faced that ungrateful crowd and was condemned to die a criminal’s death, the prophet Isaiah penned these words:


He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
Surely he took up our griefs and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted.
But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. (Is. 53:3-5)

Yet was the LORD’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the LORD makes his life a guilt offering, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the LORD will prosper in his hand….
After the suffering of his soul, he will see the light of life and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities.
Therefore I will give him a portion among the great, … because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors. (Is. 53:10-12)

As Christians, we are aware that on the cross Jesus, who knew no sin, bore our sins (iniquities) allowing us to be forgiven and to have fellowship with God restored.

But have you noticed that He also bore our sorrows? In verse 4, we see that He bore our griefs and our sorrows. What a comfort to know that when we cannot bear our sorrows, He has borne them for us. We can surrender our pain, our suffering, our sadness, our despair to His loving presence. There is nothing too tough, too hard, too depressing, too painful for Him.

And in verse 11, we see that after His suffering, He was satisfied! Satisfied!! How amazing is that! He didn’t curse those who caused His pain. No, He came out the other side victorious, and that is what is so good about Good Friday. His victory becomes our victory when we trust in the One who bore our penalty and our sorrows.
Christ died for us while we were still sinners, long before we ever repented or asked for forgiveness. He died for those still screaming, “Crucify him!” and He prayed “Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.” But it seems to me that they did know what they were doing, didn’t they? They were calling for His death. What they did not know was WHO they were doing it to, and WHAT His death would accomplish for them.
Is there someone in your life causing you pain? Consider this – that person is giving you an opportunity to develop Christ-likeness that you would not have otherwise.

If we can see the offensive person in our life as Jesus does, and if we can forgive them as He did, we will be freed from the bondage of resentment and bitterness and will become a little more like Jesus. And to think that painful person is giving us such a sweet opportunity!

If your day today is dark and difficult, like that Friday 2000 years ago, remember it’s temporary, whether it seems it or not. A seed buried in the darkness of soil is transforming, growing, softening, breaking its tough outer husk, and at the right time will burst forth gloriously into the light. After the suffering of his soul, he will see the light of life and be satisfied… And so my dear friend will you! 
May that encourage you today and in the days to come. 

Connect Marriage Group – You’re Still The One retreat

Posted on by Susan Panzica

Today I’m over at Circles of Faith with a Community article about the monthly marriage group (and annual marriage retreat) at our church, High Mountain Church.

If you’re in northern NJ, consider attending the Connect marriage group, meeting Sat. April 11 and most 2nd Saturdays of the month. It’s for married couples of all ages and diversity who want their marriage to be the best it can be.

High Mountain Church, 681 High Mountain Rd, No. Haledon, NJ

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