Category: thanksgiving

The Thanksgiving Key

Posted on by Susan Panzica

Today the morning news warned it’s a Gridlock Alert Day. For some that means – stay away from the city! But to me it means – everybody wants to go to NYC! Fun, fun, fun! Ok, maybe not for those who have to work, work, work.



Now to be honest, I have an aversion for crowds. Actually, aversion isn’t a strong enough word. Claustrophobia. Dread. Terror. For years, crowded places caused me actual panic attacks. Once after a concert in Central Park, the crowd was so dense that I was carried along to the exit without my feet touching the ground. I think that’s when the panic attacks started.

So you’d think hearing a Gridlock Alert warning would cause fear and trembling. Well, not any more! Can I hear an Amen!!

Perfect love casts out fear (1 Jn 4:18). That is my testimony. So I’d like to say that I never have fears anymore.


But that wouldn’t be true.

Certain triggers still cause my blood to drain to my feet, my chest to constrict, my heart to palpitate. A gridlock of emotions. That’s when Phil. 4:6 comes to life:

Do not be anxious about anything,
Well Paul that’s easy for you to say. Sure – just don’t be anxious. Got it. Yeah right.


but in every situation,
every? As in all, each, any, entire, without exception?


by prayer and petition,
do begging, pleading, beseeching count?

with thanksgiving,
Ooooo – there it is – the key. When the anxiety monster rears its ugly head, it is thanksgiving that opens the door to peace. Is there something you are thankful for? Start with one. Then start a list.


present your requests to God.
When I approach the Lord with anything other than a thankful heart, I miss out on the blessing of His presence.

Maybe it’s not crowds that trigger anxiety for you. Maybe it’s stress from relationships, work, health problems, yours or someone else’s. Whatever the situation, coupling prayer with thanksgiving is sure to produce Phil. 4:7 –
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.


I love to host Thanksgiving each year. But why limit thanksgiving to one day? If giving thanks is a daily experience, peace will be too.

Here’s the update….

Posted on by Susan Panzica

Dear friends,
Tomorrow, I will be posting every day for the 40 days leading up to Christmas. Before that series begins, I want to provide a little update and thank you all for your prayers on behalf of my family.

I had started a series of “people posts” based on some special people in my life who through their character or circumstances exemplify a particular God-given identity. Because of the whirlwind of events of the last month, that series is on a little hiatus. I have 10 more to be published, so look for that series to continue in the new year.

As for the family issues – after nearly 7 weeks of hospital-to-rehab-to-hospital-to-rehab, my dad got his green band on Tuesday, my stepmom’s birthday. No present could have been better. With the green wristband, my dad was able to surprise her by joining her and their friends for a night out. Of course, the frantic call I received that night from the charge nurse saying that they couldn’t find my dad was more than a little comical. And the best news is that he is able to go home on Monday. He stills needs physical therapy, but he’s on the mend. His doctor thinks he has 9 lives!

My mom fell on the street in NYC, and is now in rehab for healing from 2 fractured pelvic bones. She’s so active that this is a real setback for her. The last 2 weeks jumped from one nightmare to another. It’s amazing how many additional complications arise from being immobile. But fortunately, on Thursday she began making exceptional progress. It’s still a long road ahead, but there’s light at the end of the tunnel now – and it’s NOT an oncoming train!

My daughter is still a girl in search of a diagnosis. She’s been pricked and prodded and been through more tests than most girls her age. We have another appointment on Tuesday. The good news is that diseases, parasites, bacteria have all been ruled out. For Lauren, it’s the “not-knowing” that is a struggle. Fortunately, we have trust in an “all-knowing” God!

I thank you for your prayers, emails and calls. All I can say is a quote I heard many years ago –
“The will of God will never lead you where the grace of God cannot keep you.”
Paul says, “His grace IS sufficient.” That means it IS [present tense] enough. It grows to meet the need. It always is enough.

Blessings to you, my friends,
Susan

Touched By An Angel

Posted on by Susan Panzica

… some people have entertained angels without knowing it. Hebrews 13:2

Last night, we celebrated the birthday of our dear friend, Mark. Friends and family gathered together with lots of food, music, and laughter as we shared memories of the funny and poignant times spent with Mark.

For years, my daughter and her friends honestly believed that Mark was an angel. Many other children believed that as well. It was easy to believe. In fact, I believe it myself 🙂

Mark was and is a prayer warrior. Years ago, before one of my first speaking engagements, I was terrified. Put me in a circle of friends, and I can jabber all day. But standing in front of people is another story. You’ve heard that public speaking is the #1 fear in this country, right? It’s a studied fact. The #2 fear in this country is death. That means that at a funeral the average person would rather be in the casket than delivering the eulogy! Ok, that last sentence was borrowed from Jerry Seinfeld, but it’s true, isn’t it! I still get butterflies when I have to speak, but I’ve learned that the fear keeps me on my knees and not relying in my own strength which is a good thing. But anyway…. Here I was, knees buckling, stomach churning, reviewing my notes endlessly. And Mark called to let me know he was praying for me. I hadn’t asked him to pray. He just knew the need, and his call letting me know that he was praying could not have been more welcome. Here was this man of God praying for a women’s event!

There’s so much more I could say about this faithful servant and friend, but let me ask you: do you have a Mark in your life? If you are as blessed as my friends and I, please be sure to thank your angel. And share a comment of how that special person has blessed your life.

Once was lost….

Posted on by Susan Panzica

It was just a scarf. But it was one that I loved and that represented so much to me.

It was a gift from my mother-in-law. But it was one that I picked out myself.

It was one of the first things that I bought that my daughter said,
“Cool. Can I borrow it sometime?”


Oooooh… I have now morphed from classic (aka -“boring”) mom to funky (aka – “cool-er”, not yet totally cool) mom. I’ve been trying to move away from my typical traditional styling with some trendy fashion pieces. The scarf was one of my breakthrough items.

And it kept me warm – a practical bonus.

Now it was gone.

Driving home from dinner and a movie Saturday night, for no apparent reason, I got that heightened sense something was amiss. My nerves tingled. The hairs on my head prickled. It was that “spidey-sense” feeling. Where was my scarf? I knew, just knew for sure, that it was gone forever.

Arriving home, I called the restaurant, waited on hold for over 15 minutes while they searched, but alas, with no luck. Certain that I’d have worse luck at the mega-movie theater, I felt despair, but called their “Guest Services” anyway. No one ever answers that line. I know, I’ve tried before.


Ring, ring, ring, ring, ring, ring, ring, ring, ring, ring….


“AMC Garden State Plaza, Guest Services, May I help you?”


“Duh, Uh, … you’re really there??”


“Yes ma’am. How can I help you?”


“I lost a scarf there tonight. In Theater # 14. Any chance you have it?”


“Please describe it.”


(Are you kidding me? If you don’t have it, just say so. Why waste my time and yours?)


“Well, it sounds gross, but it’s sortof brown, red, orange and purple. And it’s not flat, it’s round.”


Pause.


(I know she’s thinking, Why would anyone want something like that back?)


“Hold on. Let me check.”


Tick, tick, tick, tick, tick, tick….


“Ma’am, there’s something here that might be it. You can come to Guest Services tonight.”


Elation…., could it be? “I can’t come back tonight. Can you hold it ’til Monday?”


“Uh, sure.”


“My name is Su…….”


“We can’t put your name on it. It might not be yours.”


“Oh, okay.”


Why wait until Monday? On Sunday afternoon, I stopped in at AMC Guest Services and shared my dilemma with the hip-hop fashionista clerk.


She disappeared into the lost-and-found black hole. When she returned, she held out my beloved scarf on both hands away from her torso as if she was holding roadkill.

With dismay, “Is this it????”        

“Oh, thank you so-o-o much. It may not mean much to you, but means the world to me.” I circled the scarf around my neck and headed back out into the cold.



What exactly does this all mean? Is there a message to be gleaned here?

Well, first of all, someone cared enough to bring my bedraggled scarf to a place where it could be redeemed. And 30 years ago, someone cared enough to share the gospel with me so that I could be redeemed. Who cared enough about you to share the gospel? Have you brought someone to your home or to church or out for coffee lately who needs to hear the good news?

My scarf clearly wasn’t the clerk’s style, and sometimes, people just don’t appeal to us. But they appeal to God and mean the world to Him, and because of that, they must mean the world to us, too. Is there someone unlovely that you need to see God’s way?

OK, this next one is a totally cheap illustration I know. When I was separated from my scarf, I sorely missed it. Being reunited with my scarf warmed my heart. Of course, this cannot begin to compare to the unfathomable love that God has for us, but you get the picture. Apart from Christ, we just are not complete. In Christ, we have joy, purpose, fulfillment, peace.
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This scarf of mine was lost and now is found, so I began to celebrate –


“…For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.” Luke 15:24
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Do you know Him? Celebrate!

Susan

It’s Not Always Picture Perfect

Posted on by Susan Panzica
The picture “Freedom From Want”, by beloved painter Norman Rockwell, is a wonderful depiction of the All-American holiday, Thanksgiving Day. This poignant painting seems so simple, yet it is actually very complex. For example, it has over 100 different shades of the color white in it. Sometimes, looking at the big picture, we miss the details.
For many across the country, their day will be as perfect as this picture, a festive day filled with family, friends, football and food, food, food. But for some, Thanksgiving Day will be a sad reminder of loss, pain, absence, hurt.
Today, through the “magic” of Facebook, I heard from a young single mother who was seeking the ex-wife of her baby’s father, a man who had abandoned her and their son. While I wasn’t the person she was looking for, I offered to pray for her, and plan to followup with her. This Thanksgiving Day will be difficult for her and her little boy, and for so many others like her. It will be difficult for families with soldiers overseas, for single people longing for a family unit, for those with health issues, haunting memories or too many bills and not enough income.
When we face difficult times, is it possible to offer thanksgiving to God? Two days ago, I shared that Jesus gave thanks when He broke the bread representing His body broken at the hands of His betrayer and His crucifiers. How was He able to do so? The writer of Hebrews tells us that He endured the cross for the joy set before Him. He fixed His eyes on the joy of what He was accomplishing – the reconciliation of His people to Himself – and we are told to fix our eyes on Him. (Hebrews 12:2)
He was able to offer thanks, because He was filled with thanks. It is out of the abundance of our hearts that our mouths speak (Luke 6:45) So if we are filled with thanks, we will offer thanksgiving. My friend, Lisa, sent out an email this week and signed it “Happy Thankful Day!” We can’t give what we don’t have. So to give thanks, we must be thankful.
We don’t offer thanksgiving just because we are feeling thankful. We offer it because He deserves it. We offer it because we are His children with all the benefits that relationship provides. He is worthy of our praise and thanksgiving. Period. Circumstances change. We change. He never changes.
Tonight, a pop-up ad for Oscar Mayer bacon streamed across my computer screen.
“Thanksgiving doesn’t  have to end Thursday night  
….for the love of bacon.”
Hmmm, I’d rather say it this way:
“Thanksgiving doesn’t have to end Thursday night 
….for the love of Jesus.”
Lord, thank You for Your unfailing, unending love for us. May we all experience Your presence today. May we sense Your love and provision. And as we fill up with thankfulness, may we offer up thanksgiving as a testimony to You.
Susan

Turkey Day?

Posted on by Susan Panzica

Surfing the internet, I came across an old article from Elisabeth Elliot’s newsletter. Here is an excerpt from that article:

Some people are substituting “Turkey Day” for Thanksgiving. I think it must be because they are not aware that there’s anybody to thank, and the most important thing about the holiday is food. Christians know there is Somebody to thank, but often when we make a list of things to thank Him for we include only things we like. A bride can’t get away with that. She writes a note to everybody, not only the rich uncle who gave the couple matching BMW’s, but the poor aunt who gave them a crocheted toilet-paper cover. In other words, she has to express thanks for whatever she’s received.


Take the list of whatever we’re not thankful for and measure it against the mighty foundations stones of our faith. Some of us know very little of suffering, but we know disappointments and betrayals and loss and bitterness. Are we really meant to thank God for such things? Let’s be clear about one thing: God does not cause all the things we don’t like. But He does permit them to happen because it is in this fallen world that we humans must learn to walk by faith. He doesn’t leave us to ourselves, however. He shares every step. He walked this lonesome road first, He gave Himself for us, He died for us. “Can we not trust such a God to give us, with Him, everything else that we can need?” [Rom. 8:32 JBP] Those disappointments give us the chance to learn to know Him and the meaning of His gifts, and in the midst of darkness, to receive His light. Doesn’t that transform the not-thankful list into a thankful one?

Lord, thank you for transforming our darkness into light, our trials into triumphs, our weakness into strength.

Susan

He Gave Thanks

Posted on by Susan Panzica

The Lord Jesus, on the night He was betrayed, took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” 1 Cor. 11:23



Amazing! Jesus, knowing that He was betrayed, knowing that the bread represented His broken body, knowing what He was to suffer, gave thanks. So agonizing that He would later pray that His “cup” be taken from Him (Mt. 26:39), He still gave thanks to the Father.


And He set an example for us to follow (John 13:15).

Oh, but He was Jesus, God incarnate. We’re not. Surely, we can’t do what He can do… Can we?

Can we give thanks in the midst of suffering? Can we give thanks when there seems to be no hope?

James tells us to consider it joy whenever we face trials, not because of the trial itself, but because of what the trial produces: perseverance, maturity, completeness. (James 1:2-4) The New Living Translation puts it this way: Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.

We are not asked to give thanks FOR the trial, but for the opportunity it presents to us. We are asked to give thanks in spite of the trial, to look past it and see that God is working in it and through it for our benefit.


Yesterday, Sonya shared that thanksgiving is a decision. It’s a choice that the Pilgrims made, and a choice that we must make. I was taught in school that the Pilgrims were thankful to the Indians. That’s false. The truth is that the Pilgrims were thankful to God. Not because of their hardships, but in spite of them. It is unlikely that any of us will ever face the hardships the Pilgrims faced. We have different ones in our generation, to be sure, but the fact that they were thankful to God despite their hardships provides hope that we can be too.

And He empowers us to do what He asks us to do.


You, however, are controlled … by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. … The Spirit helps us in our weakness. (Romans 8:9, 26)


And not only does He give us His power, He provides benefits and blessings besides!

My friend, Sharon at momandlovingit.org, shared a recent disappointment with me. During our discussion, she made a statement I will long remember:


“A grateful heart is rarely discontent.”


Lord, help us to be grateful, to see the purpose in difficulties and disappointments, to allow You to work to bring us to maturity.






Susan

Being Thankful Is A Decision

Posted on by Susan Panzica

I am thrilled to announce that several “blogger friends” have agreed to guest post here at Eternity Cafe during our 40 Day Focus.
Today’s post comes from a sweet friend in Virginia, Sonya Thompson at Truth4TheJourney.

Three days from now we are going to celebrate Thanksgiving. The holiday set up by the pilgrims to celebrate the planting of a new colony here in America. With six children, we’ve read the Thanksgiving story many, many times. One thing is clear, they were thankful – but not because it had been easy for them.
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 When they came to America, they didn’t expect extreme hardships. They were hoping to find fame and fortune and religious freedom. If they knew the hardships that they would have faced that first year, do you think they would have volunteered to come? They experienced famine, sickness, death, hostile Indians – just to name a few! They were cold and unprepared for what they were faced with. But, they had one thing that got them through – FAITH IN GOD!
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 No matter what was going on, they made sure that they were at church and learning about the Bible and their God. They prayed and believed, and when loved ones started dying, their faith remained. I’m in awe that they chose to celebrate that first year in America. I have to admit that at first glance, it didn’t seem so successful, or victorious.

So how did they celebrate and give thanks with pure hearts after suffering such loss and trauma? They knew the Bible! Here’s what one verse says:

1Thessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.


This is only one of many, many scriptures on giving thanks.


So what is going on in your life this year? I know that for me, 2009 has been a year of great trials and great pain. My beloved father stepped into heaven (unexpectedly) in August, just to share one trial my family has been through. Now I have a choice to make. I can allow myself to fall in to a pattern of sadness with negative feelings, or I can focus on scriptures and let God teach me how to have a thankful heart.


I am convinced that the only way to get through the pain of life is to break forth with praises and rejoicing to the God who is always faithful and who never sleeps or forsakes His children. Stay focused on the scriptures, dig into them daily, and you will find the strength to have a grateful heart this Holiday Season.


James 1:2-3 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.

Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.


Hebrews 13:15 Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise.

Sonya Lee Thompson
http://truth4thejourney.blogspot.com

Thank you, Sonya, for such insight and encouraging words.

Dear Lord,
May we make the choice to be thankful. May we see past our circumstances to see You. Help us to be obedient in the giving of thanks as this is your will for us (1 Thess. 5:18).

Susan