growth Archives - Susan Panzica

When you don’t know what you have…

Posted on October 26, 2021October 27, 2021 by Susan Panzica

“Can you help me figure out how to watch HBO Max on my TV?” my sister-in-law asked. “I got an email that said it’s now included in my plan, but I can’t find it on the TV.” She went on to tell me how she watched movies on Amazon Prime on her iPad, but was hoping to watch movies on the big screen through this new app.

After the first challenge of figuring out which remote control to use, we located the never before seen apps section of her TV. When I saw a brown square that said Amazon, I clicked. And lo and behold, there was her Amazon Prime account! Hundreds of movies and TV shows at her fingertips. All the time she had been viewing her little 9” screen, she could have been watching in living technicolor on a massive 65” screen. After a required SMH (shaking my head) moment, she was thrilled to discover an option she already had in her possession, but never knew.

And how often, do we settle for crumbs when we have great treasure in our possession? <<clicktotweet>> How often are we satisfied with a little awareness of God when the Almighty creator of the universe dwells in us with power beyond our imagination? How often are we content to sip slowly from a puddle when a torrent of Living Water floods our beings. How often are we perplexed as we focus on the troubles of this world when there’s an inexhaustible supply of eternal grace and peace that God wants us to freely access.

In his first letter to the church at Corinth, Paul asks, “Don’t you know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit? The Spirit is in you.” (1 Cor. 6:19). In his second letter to the Corinthians (2 Cor. 13:5), he goes on to say, “do you not realize about yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you?” When Paul writes these words, he means that Jesus was literally dwelling within them. And just like the Corinthians, we believers today need to understand this about ourselves. The Lord isn’t an outside helper we beckon to help us. He is a font that wells up within us to provide the power, peace, and perspective we need.

God’s power within us is beyond our comprehension, but not beyond our possession. <<clicktotweet>> Eph. 3:20 assures us that He is “able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.”

We’ve all heard stories of people finding an old painting in their garage that in reality was a valuable masterpiece. They didn’t know what they had. Or others who have valuable china pieces buried in a closet. They know they’re there, but they don’t bother to open the door, and so the treasure remains unused, collecting dust.

Let us not be like Jacob, who after experiencing the dream of the ladder to heaven, woke up and said, “Surely God was in this place, and I did not know it.”

It’s time to breathe deep and connect with the treasure within. To look deeper than the top of the iceberg to the mass below the surface. To realize what power we already possess instead of settling for less than best.

But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 2 Cor. 4:7

Are you asking God for something you already have?

How can you live out of your treasure instead of seeking it?

Take a breath. Breathe in God’s name, and breathe out your prayer request. Let God know how you’re feeling, and breathe in His peace.
Let Google be your friend – search for the unconditional promises of God. Print out or write them on index cards. Memorize one or more. Let each one serve as a reminder that you don’t have to ask God for what He has already given you.
Let music soothe your soul. Find a playlist or create your own.

What tips do you have? Leave a comment – I’d love to read them!

A Change in Perspective Changes Everything

Posted on May 15, 2019May 15, 2019 by Susan Panzica

I was devastated. A fire on April 13, 2019 completely destroyed the Dunes boardwalk pavilion in Ocean Grove NJ. Nicknamed “God’s Square Mile,” Ocean Grove is a beautiful seaside town at the Jersey shore, and my favorite local vacation spot. The Dunes had just been rebuilt after the destruction from Hurricane Sandy a few years ago. They had done a wonderful job, and I deeply felt the loss on behalf of the owners and merchants who had rebuilt as well as the vacationers who would now miss out on dining there.

But then on April 15, 2019, another fire made the news. Notre Dame cathedral in Paris was in flames.

Somehow, the Dunes fire seemed so small in comparison. It’s all a matter of perspective.

My heart’s desire is to bring an eternal perspective to our earthly situations, to widen our focus to see that the God with whom we converse about our troubles has no trouble keeping the entire universe spinning in perfect harmony.

In our daily lives here on earth, we often receive news that threatens to devastate us. We see what’s right around us and lose sight of the God who inhabits eternity.

The writer of Hebrews tells us, “For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come.” Heb.13:14

We are engaged in spiritual warfare, and an effective enemy tactic is to distract our focus. He uses busyness, family or friend problems, work concerns, over-sensitivity, self-consciousness, financial worries, even national and local elections, to attract our attention. But when we concentrate on eternal matters, the things of this world dim in comparison. Like looking through the lens of a camera, if our focus is on things nearby, those details in the background are fuzzy. When we adjust the lens, we can bring the background into crisp detail, and the close things are less harrowing. We can see them – we’re not sticking our heads in the sand, but they no longer consume our thoughts throughout our days.

Francis Chan has a wonderful illustration about the brevity of life that helps to bring an eternal perspective. Using an “endless” rope to reference eternity, he points to the short piece in his hand to indicate life on earth and challenges us to focus on preparing for our endless eternity rather than our short earthly life. Take four minutes and watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86dsfBbZfWs

“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:17-18

If we choose, as Paul did, what we focus on and “fix our eyes … on the eternal,” by comparison, we will be able to view our troubles as “light and momentary” AND “achieving eternal glory.”

A change in perspective helps us see our troubles as blessings in disguise.

When must we NOT show mercy

Posted on May 1, 2019May 1, 2019 by Susan Panzica

I find so many illustrations about the Christian life when I am tending my garden. Maybe that’s why it all began in a garden.

The truth is: I have a love/hate relationship with my garden. Oh, how I love the blooms, the fragrance, the sheer beauty that shows its face each spring. Oh, how I hate the seemingly endless care that it requires. And to be honest, I’m not the most gifted gardener. But, I try.

Yesterday, I was attacking an overgrown lilac bush with the pruning shears. Perhaps “attacking” is too strong a word, but I think the lilac would disagree. From the plant’s point of view, I seemed just vicious, showing no mercy. But in fact, I was saving its life. There were shoots of dead wood, and if left intact, they would have a negative impact on the rest of the plant, as well as the other plants in the garden, especially the peony next door.

At times, I feared I was too aggressive, but I’ve had this lilac a long time. We’ve been through this before, and from past experience, I know that this seemingly harsh treatment is very beneficial. My lilac rewards me every spring with a bounty of blooms because with the life-sucking shoots gone, its energy can be directed toward new life.

As Christians, we are instructed to show mercy. Jesus says “God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” (Matt. 5:7). Mercy is the very hallmark of the Christian. But there are times when what appears to be mercy, isn’t.

When a friend or loved one is engaged in dangerous behavior, they need boundaries and consequences, not an enabler.
When sin is crouching at our door, it needs a swift kick right out that door.
When envy or bitterness or resentment start slithering under our skin, we need to uproot and destroy it.

Just a few verses after Jesus teaches about mercy, He says, “If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.” (Matt. 5:39) Oooh, well, that doesn’t seem too merciful to the eye, does it? No, but sin is like gangrene. It may start small, but unless it is amputated and removed, it will spread causing death and destruction.

So the truly merciful thing to do is nip it in the bud, just like my lilac.

Keep looking up!

Posted on February 20, 2019 by Susan Panzica

My daughter found this old family photo recently and shared it on social media with her thoughts – which I am totally and unashamedly stealing for the powerful life lessons it contains for all of us!

In her words:

A photo so classic fantastic that it must be documented on the internet. But the more I looked at it, the more I realized how accurate this is a picture of my life right now – and how important it is for us to continually have this childlike faith perspective of looking up with smiles, with hope and patience that whatever we are trying to fly in life can and will be all that it can be. Even when life comes to crossroads and tough decisions, knowing God is the wind, I can smile and LOOK UP with confidence knowing He’s got it even if I don’t understand it. I’ve got my dad holding me so I’m planted firmly. And He does the SAME thing in my life!! I’ve got my brother beside me encouraging me and my cousin behind me representing ALL the people that I know are with me. My mom is probably taking the photo, behind the camera making sure I stay FOCUSED. I could go on but for now will stop my rant to encourage you as I encourage myself with Mary Poppins quotes from both movies “let’s go fly a kite” and “there’s nowhere to go but UP”

“…the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.” Matt. 18:2-5

“The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” John 3:8

“I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.” John 16:12-13

A Most Expensive Lesson

Posted on June 20, 2018 by Susan Panzica

There I was, driving along without a care in the world, until flashing lights behind me summoned me to pull over. A ball of resentment started churning in my gut. In the days following, the ball continued to tumble around and began to grow until it demanded focused attention.

I realized I had three particular thoughts that kept me grumbling:

1- Speed trap:

The town had some nerve reducing the speed limit for a short portion of the highway just to pad their pockets at drivers’ expense.

2- Police attitude:

The policeman kept me waiting for over half hour on the side of the road because his computer wasn’t working. When he finally came to my car, I expected that he’d give me a break, but he just gave me a ticket.

3- Everyone else:

I was going the same speed as everyone else on the highway. Why did I get pulled over and not anyone else?

The resentment I was experiencing began to infiltrate my attitude, affecting other areas of my life. So it was time for some self-examination, and what I found wasn’t pretty.

1- Speed trap:

The motive for reduced speed may or may not have anything to do with revenue for the town. It’s just as likely that it was for safety. But honestly, their motive is irrelevant. It’s not up to me to make the laws; it is up to me to obey them. That’s the commitment I made when I got my driver’s license.

Life lesson: I should pay attention to what I’m responsible for and not try to manage the rest of the world. This does NOT mean that I stick my head in the sand and ignore injustices in the world. It means that I exercise discernment – I take action in situations that call for me to speak up for justice, but I don’t try to mange other people’s lives when they really are doing just fine without me.

“…make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business…” 1 Thess. 4:11

“Whether their motives are false or genuine, the message about Christ is being preached either way, so I rejoice.” Phil 1:18

2- Attitude:

I was expecting grace from the police officer and was angry when it wasn’t offered. But it’s wrong of me to maintain an expectation of grace from others. The police officer was just doing his job. He could have been nicer, but he was probably annoyed at his technology not working. And his attitude is his problem, not mine.

Life lesson: It’s up to me to appreciate grace when offered, to not grumble when it isn’t, and to offer grace whenever I can.

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.” Phil. 2:3-5

3- Everyone else:

The bottom line is – I was speeding. Just because everyone else was speeding, doesn’t excuse my guilt. There is a legal standard, and I overstepped it. The Bible is my standard in life. Just because others might choose to follow a different standard doesn’t give me an excuse to sin.

Life lesson: I must reap what I sow, and let everyone else reap what they sow. And don’t compare myself to them. Who knows what they might be dealing with in life?

“Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. . . . And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” Gal. 6:7,9

Thankfully, we have a Savior who fulfilled the law, a Savior who freely offers true grace, a Savior who paid the penalty for my guilt.

They’re NOT cute!

Posted on May 30, 2018 by Susan Panzica

In the fall, you walk our front pathway at your peril. We have the most aggressive acorns you’ve ever seen, or felt. Honestly. The dents they render to a car’s hood or roof are nothing compared to the bumps they produce on your noggin.

Then in the spring, I tackle the unhappy chore of removing of hundreds of tiny oak trees sprouting in my garden. So this week, I decided to pre-empt those suckers and rid the garden of them before taking root. Not as easy as I thought. Like giant pistachios, they had already split and many a root sprouted, burrowed firmly in the soil.

Most were on the surface, fairly easy to dig up, but here and there I uncovered small clusters under the branches of low bushes, concealed among the stalks.

Then I found it – the Mother Lode, the Cave of Wonders, the Pirate’s Booty. No way was this pile the result of falling acorns. This secret stash flowed from a drain, as if stockpiled in some clandestine plot. This was the resident chipmunks’ winter preparations washed out from recent heavy rains.

The outward appearances of these adorable little furballs belie their true identity – hideously destructive varmints. They burrow holes in the soil, loosen the supporting rocks, and hoard potentially damaging future oak trees.

I don’t usually see any chipmunks as I’m working. No, they save their activities for when no one is around to witness their detrimental deeds. But the evidence of their handiwork is apparent.

Of course this got me thinking….

These acorns are like the barbed comments that people fling our way. And they hurt, not a bruise on the head, but on the heart. Zingers that find our soft spot, and embed themselves. If we let them take root, they will grow and fester and bear bitter resentful fruit. The longer the root remains, the stronger it gets and the harder it is to remove. It is easy to narrow our eyes at the perpetrator, to retaliate, to judge. But Scripture tells us:

… make sure there is no root among you that produces such bitter poison. Deut. 29:18
See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. Heb. 12:15

After wasting useless minutes fuming at these critters, I realized – they are just doing what chipmunks do.

All my anger isn’t going to make them more sensitive.

I can’t change them, but I can change my root structure:

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. Col. 2:6-7

Instead of hating the chipmunks, I have a choice.

And with those whose comments dent my soul, I have a choice.

I can let them fester, develop bitter roots, and ultimately poison me. Or I can respond as Jesus did. “Father, forgive them. Those chipmunks just don’t know what they’re doing.” Well, a loose paraphrase, but you get the idea.

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established IN LOVE, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Eph. 3:16-19

The Faith of Eagles

Posted on February 7, 2018February 7, 2018 by Susan Panzica

If ever there was biblical metaphor for the winning Super Bowl team, this is it.

But those who wait on the Lord
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint. Is. 40:31

And this was the year that a sports team demonstrated what true faith is. The team that mounted up like Eagles?? None other than the Philadelphia Eagles.

Now I’m a lifelong Giants fan. So for me to root for their division rival, the Eagles, was downright painful at first. But the more I heard about the Eagles, their young second-string quarterback, their underdog status, and most importantly, the faith of many of the teammates, the easier it was for me to root for them.

Often when a player thanks God after a victory, they thank God FOR the victory. With people praying for both teams, it’s prideful to think that God likes your team better and gave you the victory. In fact, I believe God usually works the other way – allowing gracious humility in defeat to demonstrate His loving character.

But this year, the victors were a team with many members dedicated to God. Their testimonies after the unexpected win did not thank God for the win. In each interview, the coach, the injured quarterback, the second-string quarterback, and many others ALL deflected praise and gave glory to God. They talked about their faith and their Bible studies (2x/week). They clearly stated their main purpose in life – to give glory to God and to make disciples. Everything else is secondary.

And that’s the lesson for us. We don’t have to know anything about professional sports to glean deep truths from these players. It’s God alone who deserves the glory. In victory or defeat, God is still God. Our sport, work, play, whatever, is merely a platform from which we can declare the glory of God.

Does this mean we can’t take pride in our accomplishments? Not at all.

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. Col 3:23-24

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Cor. 15:58

There is no greater satisfaction than knowing that you have been faithful with whatever God has entrusted you. And there’s a difference between receiving appreciation vs. glory. Athletes and celebrities are frequently offered glory from their fans, and these players redirected all glory to God.

Win or lose, God still deserves all the glory.

For more on the faith of the Eagles team:

Superbowl champs use their faith to praise God

‘All the Glory Belongs to God’: The Faith of the Super Bowl-Winning Philadelphia Eagles

Can we agree if we disagree?

Posted on December 6, 2017December 6, 2017 by Susan Panzica

“What was that???”

Under the covers, my husband’s foot had just brushed against mine.

“That was my foot.”

“But… but… it…felt…like….. CLOTH…?”

“I’m wearing socks.”

“Huh?”

“Socks.”

He was absolutely perplexed that anyone would wear socks to bed. We had married in the heat of July. It was now September, and an autumn chill brought out the necessary socks for my perennially cold feet. He’s like a human radiator, and it was beyond his comprehension that anyone would wear socks under the covers.

It’s been 30 years, and he no longer wonders about my socks. He even requires me to wear them because he’s experienced how bone-chilling cold my feet can get, and he definitely doesn’t want to ever brush against them unless they’re snuggled inside socks!

How often do we assume that the way we see things is the same way everyone else does? Only to be surprised, even astonished, when people don’t see things the way we do.

My husband often tells the story of a young bride who always cut off the end of the roast before putting it in the pan. When her husband asked why she did it, she replied, “That’s how it’s done.” Since his mother never did that, they asked her mother why she cut off the end of the roast. Mom said that her mother had always done it. So they all went to grandma’s to ask the reason for cutting the roast. “Why, my dears, my pan was too small to fit the roast!”

How often do we assume that we know the right way to do something without considering that there might be another way?

We live in volatile times where people find it increasingly difficult to consider another’s point of view. Even as Christians, we can get tunnel vision unable to see a situation how others do, whether they are believers or not.

According to Scripture, our mandate is to live at peace with EVERYONE, whether they share our perspective or not.

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Rom 12:18
Make every effort to live in peace with everyone. Heb. 12:14
Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. 2 Cor. 13:11

That means we need to listen before we speak. We need to try to comprehend other’s views, even if we disagree with them. We can agree to disagree agreeably.

Because Jesus came to die for them too.

As we prepare to celebrate His birth, let’s heed the angels’ words to bring peace on earth and extend good will toward men –and women ;D

Another assumption we often make at this time of year is that everyone knows the Christmas story. Well, they might know the popular characters, but do they know the real meaning of the story? Do they know they are reciting the holy Word of God when they sing Christmas carols?

My children’s book Mary had a little Lamb is not just for children. It’s an opportunity to share the gospel with someone who may not know the whole scriptural truth of why Jesus came and that God can speak to us today.

To purchase the book: http://amzn.to/2fJRX6r

For resources on making Advent and Christmas meaningful: http://susanpanzica.com/mary-had-a-little-lamb/resources/

Encouragement for the Discouraged

Posted on November 29, 2017 by Susan Panzica

A simple tag on Facebook caught my attention. A friend from many years ago posted a picture. It wasn’t a photo of me, but of her Bible that she had rebound after falling apart from years of use. She tagged me because my name was written in the margin.

Years ago, I co-led a Bible study for young single women like myself at the time. They were sweet times as we were all growing together in the Lord. Though the emotions remain strong, many of the details of those days are dim or lost memories.

I tend to forget that God is eternal and sovereign. He’s omniscient and infinite. And He can use us in ways that may have an impact long after we’ve forgotten.

In dry times, I find myself in despair over my value and usefulness to God. I feel uninspired and unable to encourage others. And I think I’m the only one who feels that way.

But I’m not, am I?

We all feel that way sometimes. Sometimes for long times. Many of God’s most faithful servants in the Bible felt that way too.

After his great victory over the prophets of Baal, Elijah ran away in despair following a threat from Queen Jezebel.
Though deeply loved by her husband, Hannah wept over her barrenness so much so that the priest Eli thought she was drunk.
Despite being revered by his people, David cried out to the Lord so often while running for his life from Saul that the book of Psalms is the largest book in Scripture.

The enemy of our souls wants us to keep the dark times in the forefront of our minds rather than the fruitful blessed ones. But like Joseph who stored up during the 7 years of plenty to provide for the 7 years of drought, we need to cherish those fruitful times to sustain us for the dry seasons ahead.

Some thoughts for the dry season:

The Serenity Prayer says – God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can, And wisdom to know the difference. We first must distinguish between those circumstances we can change from those we cannot, take action where we can, but begin to learn that the non-changeables in our lives are allowed by God for a reason and for our benefit.
Is your God bigger than your circumstances? Ruminate on His promises, both those fulfilled and yet-to-be fulfilled.
Forget AND remember. The prophet Isaiah tells us to do both:
- “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” Is. 43:18-19
- “Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me.” Isaiah 46:9

I find myself remembering things that have little value, hurtful things, foolish things, things that should be long forgotten. These are the things that Isaiah says to forget – “do not dwell in the past.” In Paul’s description of the race of life, these things are weights that drag us down and keep us from pressing on toward the goal. What we are to dwell on, to remember, is the One who redeemed us when we were unworthy, the One who sustained us when we couldn’t go on, the One who grants us peace beyond understanding, the One who loves us unconditionally – whether we feel it or not.

Beloved, I pray that these words encourage you today. How can I pray for you?

The Taming of the Tongue

Posted on October 4, 2017 by Susan Panzica

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!