Category: peace

He is Risen… but that’s not all!

Posted on by Susan Panzica

When in Israel, this was one of my favorite spots. The garden tomb, and the sign on the door that you see after you see the folded clothes on the empty bench inside the tomb.

How many times have I read the angel’s words in Matthew’s account of the women at the empty tomb? And how many times did I miss important treasures? I was always so focused on the statement, “He is not here, for He has risen, as He said,” that I missed what came before and after.

Mary Magdalene and the other Mary had gone to look at the tomb. While there, an angel came down from heaven, caused an earthquake, and rolled the stone away. The guards so shook in fear, they became like dead men, but the angel addressed the women. Before giving instructions for them to go the disciples and to Galilee, he said,

“Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.” Matt. 28:5-6

Let’s unpack this a bit:

“Do not be afraid” – always any angel’s first words. They must be scary! The guards were terrified, but the angel didn’t address them. His words were for the women. He had a message just for them, so he put their worries at ease.

“I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified.” – He knew they were seeking Jesus. And because they were seeking Jesus, he shared his message with them. Are you actively seeking Jesus, my friend?

“He is not here, for He has risen, as He said” – the foundation of our faith, right here in these  words. Death was conquered, and He could not be found in the tomb. Just as He had promised!

“Come, see the place where the Lord lay.” –   The women were invited in to see for themselves. The stone was not rolled away to let Jesus out. In His resurrected body, Jesus could pass through material barriers. No, the stone was rolled away so that others could enter His space, to see in,  and to be fully persuaded that Jesus had indeed been raised from the dead.  We too are invited to come and to experience Jesus for ourselves.

In summary:

Don’t be afraid.

Seek Jesus.

Come and experience Him.

 

 

Be An Oyster!

Posted on by Susan Panzica

2 cor 4-17-18 sp

My friend, Cathy, showed up one day sporting an eye patch. She’s a stellar athlete who has triumphed over hard-hitting competition, but thanks to a tiny grain of sand that scratched her cornea, she was kept on the sidelines, out of the action. A microscopic irritant grated against the delicate tissue producing redness and tears and would ultimately cause permanent destruction if not removed.

But take that very same grain of sand, that source of irritation to the eye, place it in an oyster, and something magical happens. When that irritant is caught inside the oyster’s shell, the oyster starts to secrete a substance called nacre. This substance coats the irritant and encapsulates it. According to Wikipedia, “Nacre, also known as mother of pearl, is strong, resilient, and iridescent. This substance is called ‘mother of pearl’ because it is literally the ‘mother’, or creator, of true pearls.” What begins as an irritating annoyance is transformed. The insignificant grain of sand has become a valuable pearl.

It’s important to note that the irritant in the eye is exactly the same as the one in the oyster. What is different is the response! Scripture is clear that God allows tribulations in our lives. Jesus said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) The phrase, “you will have trouble” is sandwiched between “you may have peace” and “take heart. I have overcome the world!”.

If you have someone, or something, in your life that is a source of irritation, it can suck the joy and peace right out of you. Just the sight of that person can raise all sorts of emotions. Just the reminder of that difficult situation can cause physical responses such as tightening of the muscles, headaches, stomach pains … do I need to go on?

Like sand trapped inside an oyster, whatever your source of irritation, it can be transformed into a valuable pearl. You can be “strong, resilient and iridescent” (reflecting the light), receiving your irritation as the beginning of a beautiful transformation in your life. Surround the grain with beauty and grace. Forgive them for being themselves. They really don’t know what they are doing. (Luke 23:34) If you recognize that God allowed this person or situation for your benefit, you will be creating pearls!

Don’t let yourself be troubled by what really is a small matter compared to eternity! Allow that nuisance to bring about transformation – Christlikeness – the most precious, priceless, valuable quality you could ever possess.

For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. 2 Cor. 4:1

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What, me worry??

Posted on by Susan Panzica
Matt 6-34
Normally, I love to hear the sweet tweets of the birds, but today outside the window of our office their joyful clamor tells me that they are very busy. Each summer, against our wishes, they attempt to build their nest under the eaves. Twig by twig, on and on, they flutter to and fro.
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Do you think they are worried about the economic crisis? the war overseas? the racial divide? what to make for dinner? if they look fat in their outfit? Nope! They’re like Alfred E. Newman from MAD magazine. Remember him? His signature line is “What, me worry?” That was Jesus’ line, too!!
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“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”Matt. 6:25-34

Take note that Jesus compares worrying about these things to being like a pagan! When He says, “Do not worry,” it’s not a suggestion. It’s an instruction. When we choose to worry, we are being disobedient, we are choosing to sin which can have dire consequences. “Rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft, and stubbornness as bad as worshiping idols. So because you have rejected the command of the Lord, he has rejected you as king.” 1 Sam. 15:23..

After hearing the birds yesterday, it was my husband who suggested today’s post. Now he is a natural-born worrier, descended from a long line of worriers. Yet, God has shown him the futility of worry. He told his mom once, “Worry is like a rocking chair. You spend a lot of energy, but don’t get anywhere!”..

I think it’s important to note that freedom from worry does not mean sitting back, resting, doing nothing, hoping for God to provide. The birds don’t expect their nest to materialize on its own. They spend countless hours searching and building. It’s just that they don’t fret about it. We can, no we must, take our stand for important issues and work to make them right. But in the end, we must trust God to do the heavy lifting. Trust Him for the outcome, knowing there’s an eternity to look forward to and everything here is temporary. “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 Cor. 4:18  So seek first His kingdom – the eternal things, and trust God for the temporal. 

I think it’s time we all became “birdbrains!” What, me worry?
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“Worry is believing God won’t get it right.” -Todd Wagner
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Who’s calling you?

Posted on by Susan Panzica

AJ Kim collage (1)

“AJ, COME HERE!!”

My son AJ turned and put down the rake. Sweaty and tired from his backyard landscaping project, the last thing he expected was to hear our beloved neighbor across the street calling him so harshly. “There must be something wrong,” he thought. And there it was again.

“AJ, COME HERE NOW!!!”

Bewildered, AJ sauntered across the street and saw Kim in her front yard, hands cupped aside her mouth, bellowing, “AJ, COME HERE!”

“Kim, is something wrong?”

Her eyes landed on AJ, and when she saw the expression on his face, Kim broke out in hysterical laughter, hands on knees, almost rolling over into the driveway. It was several minutes before she was able to compose herself enough to squeak out the story. She was dog-sitting, and AJ-the dog had run away down the street.

AJ-the son,  greatly relieved that she was calling AJ-the dog, ran off to retrieve the missing pet.

 

There’s an important lesson we can glean from this light-hearted case of mistaken identity.

Often, we hear someone calling our name. We hear a familiar “voice” speaking harshly to us.

We “hear” that we’re not good enough, not pretty enough, not smart enough. The voice tells us we’re too fat, too skinny, too tall, too short. We hear that no one cares about us, or that we totally messed up, or that it’s just too hard, so give up.

And we entertain that voice, letting it entangle in our brains or pierce our hearts, mulling over these accusations as if they were true – but they’re not.

Referring to the devil, Jesus said, “When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” John 8:44

When we hear these words of condemnation and criticism, we need to quickly recognize that they are not the voice of God who calls us with conviction and compassion. And then we need to combat them with truths of God’s Word – where He calls us His beloved, precious, chosen, child, friend, the apple of His eye!

When you hear those lies and accusations, won’t you choose to listen to the voice of truth? Philippians 4:8 says

 “Finally, … sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

This is an instruction = “Think on these things” – not a suggestion or a wishful thinking = not “try to think…”

God would not instruct us to do something that is impossible. When you catch yourself drifting into false thoughts, lasso those thoughts – “take every thought captive.”

And the result of applying this Scripture to your thought life?

The verses before and after Phil. 4:8 tell us the peace of God will guard your heart and mind (v.7) and the God of peace will be with you(v.9). Your thoughts are surrounded by the bookends of peace!

” You will keep in perfect peace
    all who trust in You,
    all whose thoughts are fixed on You!”

Isaiah 26:3

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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.

What – Me Worry??

Posted on by Susan Panzica

This week, I’m heading to the speaker/writer conference She Speaks, with my book proposal in tow. I’m filled with anticipation of exciting possibilities ~ meeting women from across the country, learning from experts in their fields, and appointments with publishers to present my proposal. And despite the excitement, a measure of fear lurks beneath. And I’m not alone. I see from friends I know and those I will get to know that many are experiencing similar emotions.
Some worry about their families at home. Others about the conference itself and what they’ll say in their presentations.
Worry seems to be a universal tool of the enemy to keep our eyes focused on ourselves instead of God. But thankfully, there’s an antidote to worry.

Jesus knew the disciples would be called to speak publicly and He had this advice for them:

“…don’t worry in advance about what to say. Just say what God tells you at that time, for it is not you who will be speaking, but the Holy Spirit.” Mk 13:11

The Holy Spirit inside us, comforting us, guiding us, dispels the worries that plague us.
If we try to fit God into our agenda, we’ll be worried and stressed. When we rest in the knowledge that the Spirit is doing the talking, we’ll experience peace. This is not to say that we shouldn’t be diligently prepared.  It is to say that we let God guide our thoughts and actions.
We have no control over many of the things that happen to us each day. Family, health, financial, weather, and job situations press upon us and weigh us down. In any given moment, we could receive bad news, have an argument, be required to do something seemingly beyond our ability.
In that moment, we have a choice.
We can wallow in the gloom of self-pity, worry, fear, or depression. Or we can ask God for His perspective. In his letter to the Philippians, Paul shares the secret to finding joy in troubling times:

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Phil 4:8

This process is the same whether it’s worship or worry. Worry is life-sucking meditation on the negative. Paul tells us what to meditate on: what’s true, noble, just, pure, lovely, things of good report, virtuous and praise-worthy things.
When a dear friend was going through a terrible time, she started a list. Using this Scripture, she decided to  list verses that stated what was true, noble, just, etc. She never got past “true.” Her truth list was comprehensive enough for her to rewire her brain to meditate on the truth of God’s unfailing love, His hope-filled plans for her, His never-ending compassion, His mercy, His trust-worthiness, His peace that passes understanding. 

What’s on your truth list? 

My husband, the Snickers commercial

Posted on by Susan Panzica

It only took me 25 years to catch on.
25 years of being defensive and overly sensitive. Taking things personally that really weren’t personal.
You see, my husband and I work together. He’s a chiropractor and I manage the office. Ok, I hear it all the time “Wow – I could never work with my husband.” To which I nod, sweetly smile, and say “I could never work with your husband either.” 
But that aside, we have had our challenging moments. Often around 12:50 pm. We break for lunch at 1:00 and, if there’s no patient in the office, around 12:50 he starts hovering. “What are you doing?” “Are you done with that yet?” “How long will you be on the phone?” “I’m hungry, let’s go before I get a headache.” And so on…..
My response usually begins with a rumbling volcano deep in my gut that periodically erupts. Not every day, but far too often. I take his questioning personally like he’s criticizing my job performance, or my wifely abilities, or my character. Sometimes it’s due to his tone of voice. Other times it’s because I’m wound up tight in defensive mode ready to uncoil and pounce as soon as he opens his mouth. And frankly, if I don’t say something in response, I’m thinking it. 
Except for that day last month. 
In he came, and with my fingers on the keyboard and my face to the monitor, my gut started tightening. The questions started, but for some reason known only to God, my reply was remarkably different. The volcano ebbed as I slowly turned in my chair to face him,
     “You’re a Snickers commercial hon. You’re just not you when you’re hungry.”
With the realization that the guy is hungry not angry at me, the pressure cooker valve released as the tension subsided and it was laughter that erupted. 
And now we have a new tagline whenever stresses arise. 
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Snickers Commercial with Joe Pesci and Don Rickles

“And ‘don’t sin by letting anger control you.’ Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil. ... Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior.  Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” Eph. 4:26-27, 31-32

How about you? Do you find yourself at the ready to defend even if you’re not under attack? How many arguments could be avoided if we sought to extend grace rather than dig our heels in? 

Thanks Tony for letting me share our story! 

Joy is a choice

Posted on by Susan Panzica
When the Apostle Paul was in a Roman prison, he wrote several letters. His prison was no Ritz Hotel, and he was chained to a Roman guard night and day. His freedom robbed, he nevertheless continued on his mission. He opens his letter to the Philippian church by thanking God and praying for them. Then he goes on to say:


To keep reading and for a great tip on how to cultivate joy in troubled times, click here where I’m at Laced With Grace.

From Rubbish to Restored

Posted on by Susan Panzica


SLOW DOWN!!! My husband Tony shrieked as I drove down the street. I thought there was mortal danger ahead and nearly caused some myself, but no – he wanted to scan the yard sale we were passing.
And that’s why I don’t drive when he’s in the car. 
But this week, he was passing a house in lovely Franklin Lakes when he spotted an amp sitting at the curb. Being the master guitar player (and garbage picker – you didn’t hear that from me) that he is, he couldn’t resist. He stopped, and the owner told him that the amp was broken and Tony was free to take it. And being the master Mr. Fixit that he is, he did just that. He took it home and repaired it to work perfectly! 

This is life with Tony. 


Sometimes we feel like that amp – broken, useless, good for nothing but the garbage heap. At one time, we were new, clean and fresh, but life was hard. We might have been treated badly. Perhaps we were ignored or overlooked. Maybe we made some bad choices that hurt others or ourselves. And now we feel wounded or inadequate.

We feel like the amp out on the curb might feel – broken, defeated, alienated, separated from what could have been.
What we need is life with Jesus, the original Mr. Fixit. He takes our broken pieces and makes them like new.
Throughout Scripture, God restores His people, their health, their wealth, their hopes. He restored nations and order. He restored  “the crushed spirit of the humble and revived courage of  the repentant” (Is 57:15). He brought “sparkle to eyes” (Ps 13:3)
Jesus comforted the alienated and the outcast. He healed the infirmed. He made people useful and vibrant again. And He still does this today. If we let Him.
Will you let Him in today?  Will you enter into life with Jesus? How can I pray for you, beloved?
  

“In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation.” 1 Peter 5:10

Your Roots Are Showing

Posted on by Susan Panzica
I hadn’t visited my hairdresser in months. I need to go regularly for my hair coloring, but I had to confess that I had been cheating on Nina. I was using a product called Root Touchup which got me through these months, but that only takes care of a small portion of my head. My roots needed real attention, and thankfully on Thursday they got it.

The Bible has something to say about our roots from a spiritual perspective. Jeremiah tells us that the woman who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him, is blessed. And it’s not just feeling blessed, it’s a blessing with tangible benefits.

Click on over to Laced With Grace and let’s chat about what the Bible has to say about “roots.”