New Year's Post and Post-Its!

When I went to pick up my daughter (and the tons of stuff from her dorm) for semester break, I noticed a wall of post-it notes beside the sink of the tiny wash area near the bathroom.

Lauren (left) & Cassie

Lauren and her roommate, Cassie, love quotes. They wisely decided to use this space that they see every morning to provide a positive start and end to their day.

It reminded me of my friend, Cathy, who had written the following words above her closet:
"Put on the full armor of God: the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, feet fitted with the readiness that comes from with the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God". (Eph. 6)
Every day as she donned her clothes, she simulated putting on the armor of God, spiritually preparing herself for the day ahead.

Following her example, on my closet, I had posted:
"Clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." Col. 3:12

These reminders each morning set the tone for the day.

So I thought, if they can set the tone for the day, maybe they can set the tone for the year as well. As we begin 2009, consider a Scripture verse or quote that would be appropriate for you for the year to come. Then post it as a reminder. Perhaps in your closet, in your Bible, by your kitchen sink or in your car. Commit it to memory.

In the books of Psalms, Nehemiah and Isaiah, we see that the nation of Israel posted watchmen as guards protecting them from their enemies. When we post Scripture verses, they will serve as guards to our minds protecting us from our enemy and the temptations he sends our way.

May your new year be filled with God's grace and blessings.

May you begin each day thinking of God and end each day thanking Him.

Susan

Christmas is Stepping Down

I received the following devotional, and thought it represents so well the reason that Jesus left His heavenly home and throne.

Jesus manifested His greatness by taking steps down. While the rest of the world is intent on climbing up...up the corporate ladder, up to a better neighborhood...up to higher education...higher office-Jesus stepped down, for us.

He was God, equal with God, and He deliberately emptied Himself and came to earth in the form of a humble servant. Jesus stepped down from glory and equality with almighty God, to the cruel Roman cross, where He hung for our sins before an angry, jeering mob, despised and rejected by mankind.

That's a big step down, from the highest height, to the lowest, most humiliating death known to the world at that time, death upon the cross. It's hard to step down. To give up something you've worked hard to attain. Or to volunteer for a job that seems beneath your level of education or competence.

But if you feel that tug of the Holy Spirit, calling you to let it go, to humble yourself, let go of the ego or the need to be in charge, and step down to serve others, remember what Jesus did for us. And through obedience, you will also know great joy.

"And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross." Phil. 2:8

Susan

May You Have a Blessed Christmas!

Thanks to my friend, Carol, I have a wonderful treat to share with you today. Turn up your sound and enjoy the next 4-1/2 minutes. You will experience the pain, the wonder, the joy, the miracle of that first Christmas.

Merry Christmas to all!
Susan

The Real White Christmas

Bing Crosby may have been dreaming of a white Christmas,

but Jesus can make it a reality for you.

"Come now, let us reason together," says the Lord. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be white as snow." Isaiah 1:18

Scarlet was the color of a deep-red permanent dye, virtually impossible to remove from clothing. The stain of sin may seem equally permanent, but God can remove sin's stain from our life just as He promised to do for the Israelites. God's Word assures us that if we are willing and obedient (v.19), God will forgive and remove our most indelible stains. He will make us "as clean as freshly fallen snow" (NLT).

"Cleanse me, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow." Psalm 51:7 Because David was truly repentent for committing adultery and murder, God mercifully forgave him. No sin is too bad to be forgiven! Sometimes, I feel separated from God because of having done something wrong. Do you? Well, nothing could be further from the truth. God is waiting for us to confess and repent, to "come clean" as the saying goes, so He can make us truly clean and restore that close fellowship that He longs to have with us.

May this Christmas be one of reconcilation with the God who emptied Himself, took on the appearance of a human and the position of a servant, died the death of a criminal - the death that we deserved, then rose from the dead in total victory! (see Phil. 2)

Oh Little Town of Bethlehem
O little town of Bethlehem,

How still we see thee lie!

Above thy deep and dreamless sleep

The silent stars go by;

Yet in thy dark streets shineth

The everlasting Light;

The hopes and fears of all the years

Are met in thee to-night.

For Christ is born of Mary,

And gathered all above,

While mortals sleep, the angels keep

Their watch of wondering love.

O morning stars, together

Proclaim the holy birth!

praises sing to God the King,

And peace to men on earth.

How silently, how silently,

The wondrous gift is given!

So God imparts to human hearts

The blessings of his heaven.

No ear may hear his coming,

But in this world of sin,

Where meek souls will receive him, still

The dear Christ enters in.
Where children pure and happy

Pray to the blessed Child,

O holy Child of Bethlehem!

Descend to us, we pray;

Cast out our sin and enter in,

Be born in us to-day.

We hear the Christmas angels

The great glad tidings tell;

O come to us, abide with us,

Our Lord Emmanuel!

Susan

Live Nativity

In the past week, my son has participated in two Live Nativities. He portrayed Joseph in our church's 2 outdoor presentations. (That's him in the bottom photo.) Then the following Saturday, he was one of the 3 wise men in another local church where he attends youth group. Both told the same story, but in two very different ways.


Our church is a smaller church, and the presentation was very humble. We had a meager budget, but made the most of what we had. Nearly everyone was involved - from the prayer team to the production itself to the refreshments that followed. The local press showed up (here are 2 of the photos that were taken). It was outdoors and attracted many passers-by. The script was taken right from Scripture. The music was fantastic. The animals all behaved well!
I helped with costumes and was amazed at how terrific everyone looked (of course, it was dark!!) At Thursday's dress rehearsal, we wondered how we'd pull this off. It seemed we were just a bunch of ragamuffins. The pouring rain forced us to practice indoors, and there were many children who needed the experience outside. But when the nights came - from setup to cleanup - the gospel was shared in a beautiful way.

Yesterday, I went to see the other presentation. It was magnificent! It was indoors, and the front of the church was completely transformed. The show was a multi-media extravaganza. They had a "TV station" (GNN - Good News Network) that reported the unusual events surrounding the birth of the babe in Bethlehem. There was music, videos, live animals, and a list of participants 3 columns long. It was most impressive. No ragamuffins here!

I reflected on how two shows could present the same story so beautifully, yet so differently. We have all been given individual gifts from God that are to be used for the "common good". In other words, the gifts that God gives us are to be used for the benefit of others. If we neglect to share the gift we have been given, others will be affected. I have one gift, you have another. No gift is superior to any other. I greatly appreciated the extravagant presentation, but in truth I preferred our humble one. Perhaps it's because I witnessed our weaknesses, I saw God greatly glorified. Maybe it was just the simple telling (and singing) of the greatest story ever told without embellishment. We often think we need more money or more talents, but really, it is the simplest that is the sweetest.

If you are like me, you have been shopping, searching to find the "perfect" gift for friends and loved ones. Some will be extravagant, others humble. But in the giving and receiving of gifts this Christmas, let us keep in the forefront of our minds, the greatest Gift ever given - which was both humble and extravagant. Let us remember with appreciation the gifts He has given us, and not leave them unwrapped and unused. Let us give glory to the Giver of the gifts!

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights." James 1:17

Susan

Salt and Ice

The first snowstorm of the season! So beautiful! So dangerous! My husband and I were at our office, keeping very busy in the morning as our patients changed their appointments to try to make it home before the worst of the storm. By the time we were making our way home, the worst had passed, but the roads were terrible. Thank God for 4 wheel drive! Anyway, as we crossed from one town into another, the state of the roads would change depending upon how each town treated the roads. Then on one road near our home, the road was practically clear! It was apparent that the town had salted that roadway early on and throughout the day. The salt had thoroughly melted the frozen snow and ice.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus tells his disciples, "You are the salt of the earth. " As salt is used to thaw the frozen roadways, our job is to thaw frozen hearts.

Salt was a precious commodity in Bible times, used to preserve food and provide flavor. It has healing properties, produces thirst, and was so valuable that people were often paid in salt (sal-ary). All these qualities relate to us as disciples as well. We are to be a preserving factor in society, adding flavor to people's lives, being a healing influence on those around us and producing a thirst for God.

Jesus warns, "But what good is salt if it has lost its saltiness? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out." Since salt is a very stable substance, it is impossible for salt to lose any of its properties. So what did Jesus mean? In His day, the way that salt lost its "saltiness" was to become comingled with other substances, like sand. In other words, as salt, we are to remain pure, and to be the one having a positive effect on others, to be the influencer.

Let the salt we so commonly use every day be a reminder for us to "be the salt of the earth".
Susan

I feel pretty, oh so pretty!!

Well, now I know that my readers are the funniest, most encouraging girls I know!! After last week's post about being referred to as "elderly", you all came to my defense!! I got such funny and warm encouragement from all your comments - verbal, posted and emails!! One of the funniest was this email:

Subject: Age is in the Eye of the Beholder

I was sitting in the waiting room for my first appointment with a new dentist. I noticed his DDS diploma, which bore his full name. Suddenly, I rememered a tall, handsome dark-haired boy with the same name had been in my high school class some 30-odd years ago. Could he be the same guy that I had a serious crush on, way back then? Upon seeing him, however, I quickly discarded any such thought. This balding gray-haired man with the deeply lined face was way too old to have been my classmate. After he examined my teeth, I asked him if he had attended my high school. "Yes, Yes I did. I'm a Mustang!" He gleamed with pride. "When did you graduate?" I asked. He answered, "In 1975. Why do you ask?" "You were in my class!" I exclaimed.

He looked at me closely.

Then that

ugly,

old,

bald,

wrinkled,

gray-haired,

decrepit

**** (oops, can't say that!)

asked -

"What did you teach?"

Ha Ha!!! Isn't it true that others (especially kids) age, but we don't!

I just wanted to add one thing that has been on my mind this past week, with all the comments and jokes. Our patient, who uttered that "elderly" comment really is a very nice man. In fact, every year, he brings a gorgeous poinsetta to our office. For no reason at all, just to be nice.

He just happened to say something the wrong way, and it caused a reaction in me (and in many of you, too!!).

I started thinking about the times that I have said something the wrong way: too short-temptered, too sarcastic, too harsh (especially to my family who deserves the best I can give). Too honest - when it's better to just say nothing at all. Too quick - better think before speaking (as James says). While sometimes I wish that I had spoken up about something, I find that I have more regrets over things I have said than over things I have left unsaid.

I always told my kids that God gave us 2 ears and 1 mouth, so we should listen twice as much as we speak. Proverbs says that "Even a fool when he keeps silent is considered wise." The modern version: "Better to be quiet and be thought a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt!" When we do speak, may it be "seasoned with grace".

For to be beautiful at any age, it's what we say and how we say it that really matters.

Susan

Dear Jesus, Love dad

For the past few weeks, our adult Sunday School class has been examining the "characters" in the Christmas story. Each person has taken a person or place mentioned in the story and presenting their insights as a result of their study. It has raised questions and provided much insight into this special portion of Scripture. On Sunday, my friend, Esmine, shared her "character" with us - Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus. It was such a creative and wonderful presentation that I asked her permission to share it with you. Enjoy!!

Dear Jesus,
I am not sure how much time I have left on this earth so I am writing this letter to you so that you understand the circumstances surrounding your birth and understand the values I have tried to instill in you before you were born.

When I was just betrothed to your mother, Mary, she approached me and explained she was with child through the Holy Spirit. I want you to understand that usually it is our custom, that marriage be arranged by the parents, your grandparents. So your mother was chosen for me by your parents. I proposed marriage to your mother’s father and negotiations began. Your mother and I had a formal betrothal ceremony in which we both signed a marriage contract. This agreement bound us together and could not be dissolved without a divorce. Your mom continued to live with her family, while I started to build a home for us. I had expected to bring your mom home in about a year following the wedding ceremony. But after your mom’s announcement, I became depressed because I had grown to love her. Since, she was now considered an adulteress; her fate would have been to be stoned to death if anyone found out.
One night, an angel of the Lord appeared to me and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

I listened to the angel and married your mom. We endured a lot of ridicule and heartache because of the pregnancy, but we knew you were special and we placed it in God’s hands making our lives easier.

During that time, Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census needed to be taken of the entire Roman world. Since, I am a descendant from the line of David; I took your mom from Nazareth to Bethlehem in Judea. It was a long, tedious journey for both of us. Your mom rode on a donkey, while I led the donkey. We encountered many travelers and rumors started to spread about King Herod looking for a special child to be born. Your mom was afraid, but I assured her that God would not have had us travel all this way to harm you. Shortly after we arrived in Bethlehem, your mom went into labor. So, I searched for a room, but there was no room for us in the inn. However, one of the innkeeper’s found a place in his stable for us. It was a difficult birth, but I helped to deliver you and as soon as you were born, your mom wrapped you in a cloth and placed you in a manger.

A few hours later, shepherds arrived at the stable to gaze upon your beautiful face. Your mom was so taken by what happened that she treasured all things and pondered them in her heart.

Several days later, wise men stopped by as your mom was holding you. They bowed down and worshipped you. They presented you with gifts of gold, of incense and of myrrh before they left.

As I slept that night, an angel of the Lord appeared to me for a second time. He said, “Get up and take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.” I awoke immediately and we fled to Egypt, where we stayed until I heard that Herod had died. An angel of the Lord appeared to me a third time as I slept and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother and go to Israel, for those who were trying to take the child’s life are dead.” We left immediately for the land of Israel. When we arrived, I heard that Archelaus was King and I became afraid because I thought he would continue his father’s reign and come looking for you, so we went back to Nazareth. Life became uneventful after that.

I just hope that you realize the values I have tried to instill in you to always obey your Heavenly Father. I want you to use him as your guide and example. I just ask that you always take care of your mom. Do you remember the incident at the temple in Jerusalem? We searched for you for three days and found you in the temple courts being about the business of your Father. Well, you scared your mom and me to death. Because of all we had been through, we thought something bad may have happened to you. I never understood why you had to be in your Father’s house, but I understand it was your way of being closer to him.

May God continue to bless and direct your life. May his plan for your life be fulfilled. I love you very much.
Dad

Susan

UGH - I am so NOT ready for THIS!!

Oh, no. Can it be? Did he really say that? I am so NOT ready for THIS!


Today, in my office, our first patient of the day (a very nice, very white haired senior citizen) made a joke that sucked the breath right out of me. Did I hear him right? Yes, because both my husband (the chiropractor) and Stephanie (my adorable 20 year old assistant) heard it even before I did. Here's what happened:

I was at the front desk when he first came into the office. Then after his treatment when he returned to the front desk, young Steph was sitting where I had been. His joke was that when he came in there was an elderly person at the front desk, and now there was a young girl. What was that? Did he actually call me "elderly"? My darling mom was working in the back office. Was he referring to her? No. It was me! Elderly!! Nooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!


They say 50 is the new 30, and I totally agree. I feel the same as I did in my 30's, and most people do think I'm younger that I actually am. On a side note ... The one benefit to the despicable weight gain that started in my 40's = my wrinkles smoothed out a bit as the added pounds creeped up!!! Steph said that when she first started working with us, she thought I was in my thirties and wondered how I could have a daughter her age! (Uh, Tony - we must give that girl a big bonus this year!!) So then how could I be referred to as "elderly"?


I clearly remember the first time someone called me "ma'am". I was in my 20's. I informed the young salesclerk that I was not a "ma'am", I was still a "miss". Now I don't mind "ma'am" anymore, but "elderly"??? How old should you be for "elderly" to be an appropriate term?


And then came the really big question - why is it so bad to be getting older? My beautiful daughter, Lauren, bemoaned the fact that she felt so old when she turned 20!! Oh, you know I set her straight! For her to say she was old is like a skinny person saying "I'm fat"!! Don't you just hate that!! lol


Anyway, back to my question - why is it so bad to be getting older? Is it because we live in a culture that idolizes youth and beauty? Is it because we regret things that we didn't do, and now maybe never will? I don't know.

I do know that the Bible instructs us to have great respect for those who are older. And the older women are to teach the younger. Hopefully, wisdom comes with age. Certainly, experience does. To have lived well, to have loved and been loved are great accomplishments at any age. And you're never too old to try something new. My great-grandmother went up in a plane for the first time in her nineties. It's never too late to begin a new hobby or task or project. Is there something you have put off, but always wanted to do? Don't let a little thing like age stop you! Getting older is just a fact of life. After all, what's the alternative?

My day ended better. I was having a conversation with our last patient of the day, a mom with 4 kids age 4 - 10. She asked me how old my kids were. When I said 18 & 20, she was shocked and jokingly asked me if I had them when I was 12! Oh, happy day!!

Susan

Mary Had A Little Lamb

This is a poem that I wrote for my children and the children of my church 13 years ago.

I pray that you will share it with your children during this advent season,

and that it will speak to hearts, both young and old.

Mary Had A Little Lamb

Mary had a little lamb.
His name was Jesus Christ,
He came to save this world from
sin and to give us eternal life.
He had a home in heaven
before earth's time began.
He left His throne and majesty

to become just like a man.

He said unto His Father
"I go to do Your will,
It might not be what I'd want,
but I will do it still.
The people need a Savior
and so I must depart
Our home up here in heaven
to give men brand new hearts."

And so His home he left behind,
and He came down to earth.
Mary and Joseph did prepare
for this sacred birth.
Mary and Joseph heard from God
when an angel did appear.
He told them not to be afraid -
With God, there's never fear.

He spoke to Mary first, then to
Joseph later in a dream.
Told them they'd have the Son of God
Amazing it did seem.
They had to go to Bethlehem
for that was Joseph's home.
There was nowhere for them to stay.
They felt so all alone.

But God did lead them to a place
that blessed Christmas morn.
For Mary was great with child
ready to be born.
It was not a royal palace.
It was not a rich man's home,
It was in a lowly stable
through which animals did roam .

The shepherds heard the good news
while tending for their sheep.
"The Lamb of God was born this day,
He's in a manger fast asleep."
An angel had appeared to them
"Glad tidings," he did say,
"in Bethlehem, there's been born
a Savior for you this day."

More angels then appeared to them
with praises greater still
"Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth, peace and good will."

And so they ran to Bethlehem
and saw the babe so small.
They gazed in adoration,
then spread the news to all.

Later came the wise men
who traveled from afar.
Always looking heavenward
toward that special star.
They brought gifts and presents
for the new born King.
They fell down as they rejoiced
To Him they were worshipping.

The baby's name is Jesus
which means that He will save
the people from their sins,
and He'd teach them to behave.
Thirty-three years later
He gave His life just like He said
Redeemed us all while wearing
a crown of thorns upon His head.

But now, He's seated in heaven
upon His royal throne,
seeking salvation
for those He calls His own.

Now to any who will receive Him
He gives abundant grace -
to be called a child of God
and to gaze upon His face.

Now you can be a shepherd
tending to the needs,
helping the hurting, showing the way
as God the shepherd leads.

You can be a wise man
down on bended knee
or hands raised high with praise & awe
to worship His majesty.
Or like the wise men, you can go
traveling far or near
telling of God's greatness
to anyone who will hear.

For God did speak to Mary
And He spoke to Joseph, too.
And if you listen with your heart
God will speak to you!!
Susan Panzica, © 1995

A Million and ONE reasons to believe

My last post used Macy's slogan to draw attention to the million reasons to believe. Not just the myriad of things He has done in our lives personally, but also the "cloud of witnesses" He provided - believers past and present - to encourage us, support us and reveal Himself through them to us.

That, too, got me thinking -

I want to be part of that "cloud". I want to be added to the millions before me who were used by God to minister to others. I want to be a light in the darkness, to be a support to those who are faltering, to be an encourager to those who are discouraged, to be a friend, a servant, an instrument. Do you want to be part of that cloud, too?

Too often I hear people say that they are not confident that God could use a sinner like them. That is completely false!! Look at who is in that "cloud of witnesses" in Scripture that God used in mighty ways. Not a perfect believer in the bunch. God used Abraham, Moses, David, Peter, Paul and so many others who were liars, cowards, even murderers.

God does not use us because of our wonderful qualities. Rather, He uses us in spite of our weaknesses. He looks not at our ability, but at our avail-ability. Are you willing to be used? Then come before Him, confess your sins and weaknesses, await His forgiveness and fasten your seatbelt, for He will surely use you!!

For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. 2 Chronicles 16:9

A Million Reasons to Believe

In one day, I received 7 different sale catalogs from Macy's. One for jewelry, one for watches, one for household appliances, others for clothes, perfume, and so on. But all of them had one thing in common. Above the logo, "the magic of macy's", was their slogan for this season of sales:

"a million reasons to believe".

Got me thinking...

-Believe in what?

-How many reasons does a person need to believe?

The advertising execs at Macy's have addressed the issue of belief, which is really the issue of faith. People often pray, maybe when they get sick or have tragedy or financial struggles. My question is - Who do they pray to? In whom do they put their trust? The people at Macy's suggest that their catalog provides reasons to believe in the "magic of Christmas".

Well, I believe in the One that we celebrate at Christmas, the One who came from heaven to earth to purchase my salvation, and yours. No "magic" needed! And I don't need a million reasons to believe in Him, but God provided them anyway!

The writer of the book of Hebrews says that "faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." Then he describes all those great heroes of the faith and goes on to say, "Since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us ... run with perseverance the race marked out for us...."

A great cloud of witnesses...

How many drops of water make up a cloud? Millions? Billions?

That's how many reasons we have to believe!

All those who have gone before us, walking a life of faith, provide evidence of God's faithfulness. And those who surround us now, encouraging us, praying for us, building us up, facing adversity with hope, walking their life of faith, being the hands and feet of Jesus on earth... Now, these are the million reasons to believe!

Susan

An Advent Challenge

So today, here I was standing in the supermarket evaluating the prices of dishwashing detergents, when all of a sudden I caught myself silently singing along to “Hark the Herald Angels Sing”, my favorite Christmas carol. Why is it my favorite?

Not because I used to think it was Harold the Angel singing.

Nor because have a beautiful collection of angels.

Not even because the melody is so lovely.

No, it is my favorite because of the lyrics. To think that all over the world people are singing the gospel truth. “God and sinner reconciled!!”

That, in a nutshell, is what Christmas is all about. Jesus left His home in heaven for one purpose, to redeem us.

Yes, He set an example for us to follow.

Yes, He healed and did miracles.

Yes, He taught parables to thousands.

But His crowning achievement and His ultimate purpose in coming was to reconcile us to Himself. How awesome!!

This time of year, people all over the world are singing the gospel truth, yet they don't realize it. They sing words without recognizing what they mean. What an opportunity to share the truth with those who don't know Jesus personally, but who know ABOUT Him and the story of His birth.

We say it's the "Christmas story", but in fact, it is sharing the Word of God when we share that "story". When I began to seriously read Matthew 1 & 2 and Luke 1 & 2, God began to show me things that I never noticed before. Since it is such a familiar portion of Scripture, we tend to read it without really reading it, just like I was singing God's Word without being aware of it.

Advent is a time of expectation of the coming of the Savior. May I suggest that you use the days of Advent to experience the expectation of His coming deeper into your life. Read those 4 chapters asking God to show you something new. He'll meet you there! And then you'll have something to share!

Susan