Author: Susan Panzica

Is it too late to be good?

Posted on by Susan Panzica

Santa knows who’s been naughty or nice.
And he’s making a list,
and he’s checking it twice.

Or so the song goes.

He sees you when you’re sleeping,
when you’re awake,
when you’ve been bad or good.

So what does the songwriter tell you to do about it?

You better watch out,
you better not cry,
and you better be good for goodness sake.

Last week, I saw a plaque that read –
Is it too late to be good?

Well, according to Jesus, none of us are good (Mark 10:18). Nope, not a one.
Umm, not exactly Christmas cheer, huh?
Well, actually what Jesus said is, “No one is good – except God alone.”
And frankly, that’s pretty cheery.

God is good.

And because He loves us, He imparts Himself (and His goodness) into us.
And as we yield to Him, we develop Crist-likeness, which is very good.
And it’s never too late to be very good!

We keep striving to become good enough, but in our own strength it’s impossible. It is impossible for Jesus to love us any more than He does already, or to love us any less. He knows everything about us, and loves us anyway!




We can’t earn anything in God’s economy because He already paid the price.
He knows when we’re sleeping and when we’re awake, and so much more:

from Psalm 139
O Lord, you have examined my heart
and know everything about me.
You know when I sit down or stand up.
You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.


You see me when I travel
and when I rest at home.
You know everything I do.
You know what I am going to say
even before I say it, Lord.


You go before me and follow me.
I can never escape from your Spirit!
I can never get away from your presence!
If I go up to heaven, you are there;
if I go down to the grave, you are there.


If I ride the wings of the morning,
if I dwell by the farthest oceans,
even there your hand will guide me,
and your strength will support me.


I could ask the darkness to hide me
and the light around me to become night—
but even in darkness I cannot hide from you.


You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body
and knit me together in my mother’s womb.
Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!
Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.
You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,
as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.


You saw me before I was born.
Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out
before a single day had passed.


Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
Point out anything in me that offends you,
and lead me along the path of everlasting life.

Search me.
Show me.
Lead me.
And if I can’t be “good”, help me each day to be better than the day before.
Jesus, Yours is the only list I want to be on.

Happy Birthday!

Posted on by Susan Panzica

Today’s post is from my gifted friend and mentor, Penny Musco, freelance writer, actor, and author of Life Lessons from the National Parks. Happy Birthday, Penny!!




The God who made the world and all things in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands; neither is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives to all life and breath and all things… Acts 17:24, 25






Today is my birthday!


Why haven’t I received your present yet?


What? You didn’t know? All right, that’s a legitimate excuse.


But now that you do know—where’s my gift?!


Just kidding. Sort of.

I blame my mother entirely for raising the bar so high for my birthday. After all, it was her (and Dad’s) fault that I was born in December. But she went out of her way to make a big deal of my birthday so that it wouldn’t get lost in the Christmas rush. For one thing, I always had a party. My most memorable was when I turned 16—Mom really pulled out all the stops for that one.

Sadly, as an adult, I still crave a lot of attention on my birthday. I get miffed very easily if those close to me don’t fete me in the way I think I deserve. And woe to anyone who sends cards or presents late! As I like to remind everybody, me ‘n’ Jesus share the same birthday month, therefore I’m extra special.

Okay, so His birth wasn’t necessarily in December, even if that’s when we celebrate it. But—bear with me on this—He and I are a bit similar when it comes to birthday honors: we both desire them.

Oh, unlike me, He doesn’t need the recognition. As the apostle Paul preached to the Athenians, God isn’t affected by anything we humans do or don’t do. His position, power and plans aren’t altered one whit by us driving ourselves crazy trying to find the perfect gifts, baking dozens of cookies or sending out hundreds of cards, nor by any of our other Christmas activities.

No, but God wants the recognition. Not in an imperfect, egocentric way like me, though. Incredibly, I believe it’s for our benefit! “Stop,” He says. “Don’t get yourself all tied up in knots. Look at Me. I came to save you from your sins and bring you joy. That’s what I’m all about. Honor Me, and everything else will fall into place. Because only in Me will you find the rest and peace and strength you need” (from Psalm 46:10,11; Matthew 1:21; John 15:11; 1 Samuel 2:30; Matthew 6:33).

The thing is—when we do that, we can’t help but exalt, glorify and thank God even more! Now there’s a tradition that should be at the top of our Christmas to-do list.

So really, forget about me and my special day. Save your presents—and your presence—for the birthday that really matters.

What can I give Him,
Poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd
I would bring a lamb,
If I were a Wise Man
I would do my part, —
Yet what I can I give Him,
Give my heart.

—Heaven Cannot Hold Him, by Christina Rossetti

Penny,
From one December birthday baby to another, thanks for sharing and putting things in proper perspective.

Live Nativity

Posted on by Susan Panzica

For those in NJ/NY, you are invited to attend an outdoor Live Nativity. There is music, live animals (and petting zoo!), and refreshments. It’s a wonderful opportunity to experience the sights and sounds of the 1st Christmas in Bethlehem so long ago.

When: Saturday, Dec. 11 @ 7:00 pm and Sunday, Dec. 12 @ 6:30 pm


Where: High Mountain Church, 681 High Mountain Rd., North Haledon, NJ


For additional information, call the church at (973)427-2575.






If you don’t live nearby, check your local churches to see if there is a similar event in your area. It’s a wonderful experience for the whole family, and a great opportunity to invite friends who don’t know the Lord. Make the most of every opportunity … Eph. 5:16



Do You See What I See?

Posted on by Susan Panzica
It’s funny how two people can look at the same image and see two different things.
But once it’s pointed out to you, you can see both!

Today, I’m having a little fun with the popular Christmas carol, Do You See What I See?

Do you see what I see?

Some see: sweet little baby Jesus
I see: the Savior of the universe, Creator God, who reduced Himself to a single cell embedded in the womb of a humble virgin, that He might become as one of His subjects to live like them, to die for them, to rise again providing victory for them.

Some see: plastic figurines of nativity characters
I see: depictions of real men and a woman who lived 2000 years ago and were used by God in the incarnation of God the Son. Unlikely people who were led to participate in the event that changed the course of human history.

Some see: twinkling lights adorning houses, trees, windows
I see: images of the Light of the world, eliminating darkness bulb by precious bulb

Some see: jolly old Santas
I see: a portrayal of Bishop Nicholas of Myra, a godly man with a reputation for secret gift-giving to the poor, who worshiped Jesus with all his heart

Some see: paper wrapped gifts under the tree
I see: demonstrations of love for family and friends representing the Gift that came wrapped in swaddling clothes

Do you hear what I hear?

Some hear: unlikely singers belting out holiday tunes
I hear: God’s word embedded in Christmas carols. His Word does not return void. Those unlikely singers are proclaiming the good news!

Some hear: well-wishers sharing “holiday greetings”
I hear: more opportunities to share the gospel “It is God’s responsibility to make people receptive; it is our responsibility to sow the seed.” Rick Warren

Do you know what I know?

Some know: that Jesus was a great teacher
Some know: he was a liar, heretic or lunatic
Some know: all about Him with knowing Him personally

I know: that Jesus is the foretold Messiah, the Savior of the world, who left His home in heaven to live a sinless life dwelling in and among His people and ultimately paying the price for their sins and mine.  
I know: that my life has meaning and purpose that I never knew before 
I know: that I have peace that is beyond understanding 
I know: that someday, in His timing, I will go to heaven and be with Him
I know: that you can know what I know

Dear Lord,
May we see what You see.
May we hear what You say.
May we know what You share with us.

The Best Gift

Posted on by Susan Panzica



Many thanks to my friend and dear “soulmate” Cheri Bunch of Seven Branches for today’s heartwarming post.
Mr. Baity’s Gift

Mr. Baity took my little hand and led me back up the ramp, “Let’s do it one more time.” I didn’t really need to. I had been over to the church every day to practice since the day he had asked me to be the Christmas angel several weeks before, but I happily skipped my way to the top for another run through. I was six years old and was in need of extra loving care. Our pastor, Mr. Baity, knew it so he asked me to be the most important angel in the program, the only one that got to talk, the only little person in the whole pageant.

My little brother had been in a near fatal car accident that year. The hospital had discharged him telling my parents that he would not live and that he could spend his final days at home.

I will never forget the day we drove in our driveway with my four-year-old brother in the front seat on my mother’s lap (no car seats in those days). It looked as if the whole town was standing in our front yard. We were surrounded by prayer warriors. Mr. and Mrs. Baity were there.

My little brother, my only sibling could no longer talk, walk, he was infant like in a four year old body. Mr. Baity believed that Chris would live, walk, talk, and be a normal little boy again. So he built exercise contraptions for Chris to do physical therapy on. Then he appointed teams to come and help with the exercises every day.

Chris needed a lot of attention. He had to have it. It saved his life. The amazing thing about Mr. Baity, I realize now, was that he not only had the wisdom to build the things that Chris needed to make him better, he was intuitive about a little girl being forced into the shadows. That is how I got to be the Christmas angel that year.

We lived right across the street from the church, the parsonage was right next door on the other side of the church so he and I would meet in the middle every day to practice my waltz down through the cloudy plank so that I could announce to the sleepy shepherds that Jesus had been born. I can still see the twinkle in Mr. Baity’s blue eyes as he would ask me to practice one more time.

I saw Mr. Baity years later when I was a young adult and I asked him if he remembered his thoughtful kindness to me. I was sad when he said that he did not remember our many practices with me descending down the ramp that he had made. I will always treasure the time he set aside for me.

The greatest gift I received that Christmas when I was six years old, was not something I could hold in my hand, rather it was the gift of one’s self. Mr. Baity gave me his time and attention. He let me do something special. He let me deliver some good news when there was so much trouble in our world at home. I quoted the verses that began with “Glory to God in the highest, peace on earth, and goodwill to men” practicing it over and over and over. I have to believe that those powerful words were a much needed deposit into my little spirit.

Mr. Baity was so much like Jesus. Jesus came to give us Himself, so that we might be able to hear, say, and deliver words of hope to others like, “Glory to God in the highest, peace on earth, and goodwill to men“.

Mr. Baity gave me an eternal gift that year. I will take the affects of it to heaven with me. At this time of giving special gifts, I want to include some gifts that are of eternal nature. I am praying that I will have a sensitive spirit so that I can deposit such a gift this Christmas. It will take more time than money and hopefully affect someone forever.

” … Unto us a Son is given …” Isaiah 9:6

Simply Christmas

Posted on by Susan Panzica

Today’s post comes from Susan Reinhardt over at Christian Writer Reader Connection. Susan is indeed a connector and has blessed me beyond measure with her insights and wisdom in the writing/blogging world. Her topic is one that is near and dear to my heart, just what the Lord has been speaking to me about.

Simply Christmas




I’m one of those people who jump into projects with both feet. Instead of making a few dozen cookies, I made 1,500. Rolling the dough, cutting out stars, bells, and tiny trees, glazing and decorating all brought back joyful memories. This intense activity also took days, kept me in the kitchen long past bedtime, and left me exhausted.

Shopping, wrapping, writing Christmas cards, and decorating the house with the same abandon blurred the true meaning of the season. They were all good traditions, but were they necessary?

Somewhere along the line, I realized my crazy Christmas preparations needed a healthy dose of moderation. I asked myself several questions:

1. Did the recipients care whether the gift wrapping looked like a work of art?
2. Did I need to make 10 varieties of cookies in huge quantities?
3. Did I have to write a letter in each Christmas card when a short note would work?

The other questions related to what would make Christmas a joyful time:

1. Did I make time to read the Christmas story?
2. Did I have time to laugh, drink hot chocolate, and watch a Christmas movie?
3. Did I relax and enjoy my family or stress out racing from one task to another?


Simplify is the name of the game these days. Jesus is once again the priority, my home is peaceful, and the joy is back.

—-

Thanks Susan. Here’s another question that someone asked me years ago:
If you do (or don’t) do this (or that), will it really upset the cosmic order of the universe?
I’ve learned to do less and enjoy more. I’m less frantic, more peaceful, less stressed, more blessed. I wonder what Mary, Joseph or the shepherds would say if they saw how today we honor the babe born in the simplest of circumstances.






A Time for Celebration

Posted on by Susan Panzica

I thank Maria Morgan, fellow blogger and facebook friend, for today’s post. Maria is an inspirational/devotional writer. She is a contributor to Around About Cumming, and is currently working on a Fruit of the Spirit, devotional series. She resides in Georgia with her husband, daughter, two dogs and cat. Visit her website: http://www.mariaimorgan.blogspot.com/.

The bins stood open and ready to be unpacked. Each item I lifted out, had special significance. The ornate, lighted church was given to me by my parents. The Christmas geese were purchased in a quaint, little town. The whimsical, red elf was a treasure from childhood. Every piece brought back memories, putting a smile on my face.

Several of the bins were filled with silk poinsettias. Following a year of decorating with real poinsettias, the silk variety became a necessity. No muss, no fuss, and they could be used year after year. With everything unpacked, and seasonal music playing in the background, I was ready to transform our home into a Christmas wonderland.

Decorating for Christmas has been a tradition for as long as I can remember. My family enjoys putting up a tree with hundreds of twinkling lights. Poinsettias grace the top of our cabinets. A Christmas village enlivens the bookshelf. A nativity provides the focal point in our music room. Although a myriad of stories abound as to how this tradition got started, many of the items we use for decoration point to the One we celebrate this season: Jesus Christ.

Years ago, the Europeans were amazed to see that evergreens remained alive during the winter months, and even bore berries and fruit in spite of the frigid temperatures. They began bringing these plants into their homes with the hope that the evergreens would bring them new life and vitality. They didn’t quite grasp the truth. The evergreen is part of creation that points to the Creator. Even nature itself bears witness to the Author of Life. The green color of the Christmas tree, is reminiscent of this life – the life of Jesus Christ.

There’s an interesting story about the poinsettia. Legend has it that a young brother and sister had nothing to offer baby Jesus when He was born. On their way to church, they searched for something they could give Him. They were unable to find anything, and out of desperation, picked some leafy, green weeds and hurried into the church. When they laid their gift at Jesus’ feet, the weeds were miraculously transformed into dazzling red blooms. The gift they gave baby Jesus was more beautiful than any other gift He had received.

Although the story isn’t true, there’s no doubt the poinsettia plant described in the story is quite unique. Have you ever noticed it’s foliage? It’s star shaped leaves have been connected to the star of Bethlehem. The star that led the wise men on their journey to find the Christ child. The brilliant red hue of the poinsettia’s leaves point to the blood Jesus’ would later shed on the cross of Calvary.

This is a special time of the year. As you decorate your home with Christmas trees and poinsettias, be sure to prepare your heart to celebrate the birth of God’s Son. Let the Spirit of the season point you to the Light of the world!

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6; KJV)

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for the opportunity to celebrate the birth of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Point me to You as I prepare my heart and home during this Christmas season. May I be a shining light, guiding others to Your truth. In Jesus’ name, Amen

Rejoice!

Posted on by Susan Panzica

Yesterday at my writers’ meeting, as our leader Barbara shared the Christmas story, I was struck anew with the image of the angels praising God for the good news that the Messiah was born. But, I wondered, why were the angels praising God for this?

Up until this point in the narrative, the angels served as messengers. But their primary job, their purpose, their very existence is worshipping the triune God in heaven (Is. 6, Rev. 4 & 5). Now the object of their worship is wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. If that was me, I think I might be a little depressed about that. Did they miss Him? Was the throne empty for 33 years? Could they know His future fate? The trials, beatings, betrayals, humiliations, and bloody death that would be part of His earthly journey?

And yet, Scripture tells us that the heavenly host praised God, saying,

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

“Praise to Him in the highest heaven…
and on earth, peace…”

He in heaven, now He on earth. The angels are rejoicing over the reconciliation between God and His eternally beloved creation, His people. Miraculously brought together in the incarnation, the veil between heaven and earth is suddenly and briefly opened. The humble band of bedouins are given a glimpse of heaven. And they responded as we all should. They hurried to see the One that the Lord had told them about (Lk 2:15-16).

If the angels can rejoice for us and the salvation made available to us, how much more should we?

Like the lowly shepherds, won’t you hurry to be in His company?

“Rejoice in the Lord always.
 I will say it again: Rejoice!
…
The Lord is near.
Do not be anxious …
but by prayer and … thanksgiving,
present your requests to God.
And the peace of God,
which transcends all understanding,
will guard your hearts and your minds
in Christ Jesus.”
Phil 4:4-7 NIV


Isaiah Tells Us

Posted on by Susan Panzica

Today, I thank Cecelia Lester, who writes as Quiet Spirit, for this beautiful post that brings us a wonderful perspective.  

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called Wonderful, Counselor,
Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
(Isaiah 9:2, 6 NIV)

The world was full of sin. People chose to go their own way, the kings had chosen to do what they felt was right to them. They erected altars and shrines to pagan gods.


Isaiah prophesied that the people would find a way out of their sin though a ‘great light’. We now know that light to be Jesus, the Son of God.


People look forward to the birth of a child. The child that Isaiah spoke of would belong to the nation of Israel. This son would be a gift. He would reign over the land. His rule would be for the fairness of all people. He would act as a guide or a teacher for all who believed and listened. His influence would be eternal and He would be close to His children. He would bring peace to the nations.

In today’s world, we hear of soldiers waking up not knowing what will happen to them that day. Children, who live in war zones, arise each day to the sound of gunfire. Our newspapers relate stories of domestic violence and abusive situations right here in our community. With one exception, we face the same bleakness the people of Isaiah’s time lived through.

We have Jesus interceding on our behalf. Isaiah gives Him some comforting names, Wonderful-full of awe, Counselor-one who advises, Mighty God-a God of strength, Everlasting Father- one who will always be there for us. Prince of Peace- one keeps war and strife away.

During this season of Advent, I hope we can look at God through the eyes of the prophet Isaiah and learn more about Jesus.

How can this be?

Posted on by Susan Panzica

Has a phone call or conversation ever delivered incomprehensible news and you wondered, “How can this be?” You’re not alone…

A devout priest, Zechariah was a descendent of Aaron. When his priestly division was on duty at the Temple in Jerusalem, he was chosen to enter the Holy Place. A religious man, schooled in the Scriptures, he was in a religious place where one would expect to encounter God.

Yet, when the angel appeared to him, standing beside the altar of incense, Zechariah was gripped in fear. Gabriel comforted Zechariah, telling him not to be afraid and providing the reason for his visit. He was delivering good news. Zechariah’s elderly wife, Elizabeth, would bear them a son. Not just any son, but a son to be named John, who would be filled with the Holy Spirit and would prepare the people for the Messiah who was also coming to the world.

When Zechariah heard Gabriel’s words, he questioned him. “How can this be?” as he and his wife were well along in years and therefore could not bear a child. Gabriel discerned that Zechariah didn’t believe, and condemned him to silence until at the baby’s birth Zechariah demonstrated obedience by naming him John.

Mary also had a visit from the angel Gabriel. She wasn’t near the temple, but in a lowly village in Galilee, called Nazareth. She wasn’t schooled in the Scriptures. She was a simple devout young woman engaged to be married.
Gabriel greeted her, stating that she was highly favored and the Lord was with her. Troubled at his words (not at the sight of him), he told her not to be afraid of what would happen to her, that she would miraculously bear a child. Hearing his words, Mary asked, “How can this be?” as a virgin cannot bear a child. Gabriel, discerning that she didn’t understand, explained to her about the Holy Spirit coming upon her, affirming that “nothing is impossible with God.” Mary responded in faith, “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said.”
Two appearances of the angel Gabriel

-One is the place of highest esteem, the Temple
-One in the lowest of villages

Two expressing the same question, “How can this be?”
-One an unbelieving, though devout, old man
-One a believing, devout young woman

Two different responses by the angel to that same question
-One was rendered speechless for at least 9 months
-One was provided an answer to her question


So what can we glean from this?


Just because we are in a religious place doesn’t make us holy. Like the saying goes, “Just because you are in McDonalds doesn’t make you a chesseburger.” Despite Zechariah’s expectation of meeting with God in the Holy Place, he was shocked and terrified at seeing the angel. Mary, however, fully experienced the presence of God in the humblest of locations. Unlike real estate, when it comes to experiencing God, physical location seems to be of little consequence.


What is of great consequence is the state of our heart. We can live a life as “devout and blameless” as Zechariah and still miss God. While we are encouraged to “study to show ourselves approved,” it must not be just head-knowledge. The simple faith of a young virgin must inspire our desire to know Him, and to be willing to serve Him in whatever way He leads.


Fortunately, Zechariah’s song (Luke 1:67-79) makes it clear that he now possessed great understanding and belief in how his child would fulfill the Messianic prophesies. This encourages me to realize that even when I stumble, there always remains hope in the future to make it right.

In her song (Luke 1:46-55), Mary doesn’t appear to have the depth of comprehension that Zechariah had regarding the coming of the Messiah. What she does have is the simple understanding that she is blessed because He was “mindful of her, His servant.”

“Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!” Luke 1:45

Do you believe that He will accomplish what He said? Then you are blessed! When we ask the Lord, “How can this be?” let us be sure to ask with the heart of Mary, believing and trusting.