Susan Allen Panzica - Eternity Cafe

Reminder!!

2017-05-15T19:36:00.000-04:00

Hi there!

I recently talked to a few people who said that they haven't been receiving emails from Eternity Cafe any more. That makes me so sad!

This post is a reminder that for over a year, all my new posts are found over at my new website. If you haven't been receiving my posts and would like to, please visit me over there and subscribe!

Go to: http://susanpanzica.com/eternity-cafe/

You'll see the SUBSCRIBE box in the right hand column.

Enter your email address there.

Then go to your inbox and click on the link in the verification email.

Clicking the link allows permission for these emails to be delivered to you.

Looking forward to re-connecting!!!

The Comparison Thief

2016-05-12T15:48:00.000-04:00

Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else. — Galatians 6:4

Last week, as my daughter prepared for her Earth Day chapel presentation on creation, we talked about various aspects of creativity, including what stifles it. When I said, “comparison is the thief of creativity,” she replied, “Wow! I’m definitely putting that quote in my powerpoint!!”

The more I thought about it, the more I realized the deep damage that comparison does to us emotionally, spiritually, psychologically, and physically. It is indeed a thief of creativity, but it also robs us of so much more.

To continue reading, please click here.

And please visit me on my new website! To continue to receive emails, please subscribe on the Eternity Cafe page.

Lights In The Darkness

2016-04-20T06:20:00.000-04:00

Driving past the airport in the 4 am darkness, looking out the window, I saw acres of blue lights shining like glowing forget-me-nots on a black velvet carpet. From my ground level view, they looked totally random and downright messy.

But from above, these blue dots guide pilots to the correct destination avoiding total disaster. Each light is part of a complex pattern directing the plane to the proper runway to safely land from the sky, and then leading the pilot to the exact gate.

As the plane readied to take off, I noticed the control tower. In the midst of all the chaos, traffic controllers provided needed guidance and instruction. And when I landed, the ground crew further directed the pilot.

Just the perspective I needed that morning as I reflected on the random messes in my life. Do you have random messes, things that are difficult to understand? To continue reading, click here.

Please visit my new website and subscribe to continue receiving emails!! To subscribe, enter your email address in the right hand column and then click on the confirmation email you will receive. (If you don't see an email from me, be sure to check your spam folder and mark these emails as "not spam.")

Good News!

2016-03-25T07:42:00.002-04:00

My faithful friends, thank you for being part of my writing ministry here on the Eternity Cafe blog.

I have much to tell you. Last weekend at a writers conference, I met with several publishers who are interested in publishing my work - three books! All wildly different. I'll keep you posted on what's to come over on my new website: susanpanzica.com. There's a page for the Eternity Cafe blog, plus other pages for writing, speaking, and the books.

Please visit visit my new website for the latest posts on Good Friday and In The Middle - the dark place between sorrow and joy.

And while there, please please please subscribe to receive future posts!

And in the popup, sign up for the monthly newsletter. I haven't sent one out yet, but you'll be the first to receive it. I promise not to bombard your inbox or share your email address.

susanpanzica.com

Who's calling you?

2016-03-11T01:00:00.000-05:00

“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.

To read the rest of the story, click here.

To continue to receive emails from Eternity Cafe, please visit my new website and subscribe! www.susanpanzica.com/Eternity-Cafe

Can You Hear Me Now?

2016-02-24T19:04:00.000-05:00

sunrise in Cancun

Last week, my husband and I redeemed some hotel points and flyer miles to steal away for a rare treat. Leaving behind a NJ ice storm, we enjoyed a few days in beautiful Cancun, Mexico. It was incredible in many unexpected ways, both large and small. From upgraded plane seats to hotel rooms to other unpaid benefits, we walked (or floated) along in God’s favor.

While we have no idea why God chose to bless us in this way at this time, we spent every minute in deep appreciation for our Lord, enjoying both His creation and His presence, seeing Him work in our lives and speak to our hearts in new and fresh ways. For example:

To read more, click here.

To continue to receive new posts, please click to my new website and enter your email to subscribe in the right column.

Forget it! Or Remember?

2016-01-08T01:00:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year!

On Jan. 1st, I updated my facebook status to read:

“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

Seemed like the perfect verse to usher in the new year along with Paul’s words from Phil 3:13-14 “But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

Seems like starting a new year gives us opportunity to do a lot of forgetting.

Yet I also recall verses that tell me to do just the opposite – remember!

Repeatedly in Scripture the Lord urges His people to remember – His covenants with them, what He has done for them (and us), what they (and we) had been, how they (and we) angered God, how He forgave.

In fact, Isaiah himself who wrote “forget the former things” also wrote:

“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

So what’s a girl to do?

Forget or remember??

Well - a little of both.

Alas, 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 God that is like no other. 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 helps us to love the unlovable and who loves us unconditionally, the One who made us and REmade us.

So in 2016, what will you remember? And what will you forget?

New Year - new news!!! My website is all new! Please visit me at susanpanzica.com. To continue receiving these blogposts, visit the Eternity Cafe page and subscribe. Thank you so much for your support and encouragement over the years. I pray you will enjoy the new site and future posts for years to come. Let's talk! I welcome all comments and feedback.

He's With Us!

2015-12-24T10:52:00.002-05:00

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:"The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son,and they will call him Immanuel"(which means "God with us").Matt. 1:22-23, Is. 7:14

My friend experienced a horrific family tragedy not long ago. Yet miraculously she glows with the grace of God. When I told her this, she simply shrugged and said, "Apart from Me, you can do nothing. So I'm with Him."

Another friend with ongoing family heartbreak told me about a sermon that spoke to her, and said, "There's a miracle coming out of that mess!" That sermon's title? "Emmanuel, God With Us."

Mary of Nazareth, an unwed pregnant teenager. Her betrothed, Joseph was about to divorce her when an angel assured him that this miracle Child would fulfill the prophesy that the virgin's child would be named Immanuel meaning “God would with us.”

Yes, He came to be our Savior, to redeem us.
Yes, He came to set an example.
Yes, He came to give us life, abundant life.

But, He also came simply to be with us.

To be with us in the tragedy, providing grace and peace through the storm.
To be with us in the joy, multiplying it and giving it meaning.
To experience life with us that we might experience life with Him. Glorious!

Are you with Him?
Because He said that if you're not, then you're against Him. Ouch!

So if you don't sense that you are WITH Him - seek Him without delay.
Seek Him with your whole heart.

Repent of anything that would hinder His presence in your life.

He came to be with us.
Anything less is less than best.

From Jesus Calling ~ "When you sit quietly with Me, the process I went through is reversed in your experience. As you identify with Me, heaven's vistas open up before you - granting you glimpses of My Glory."

I pray your CHRISTmas is filled with His presence, the greatest present of all!

"He will be calledWonderful Counselor,Mighty God,Everlasting Father,Prince of Peace....Immanuel."Isaiah 9:6, 7:14

Bring Deeper Meaning To Your Holidays

2015-12-15T21:39:00.000-05:00

With Christmas just days away, the pressure mounts. Today’s society dictates our home decor as well as our activities - trees, wreaths, Christmas cards, numerous gatherings of friends, family, coworkers, church members.

Most of it has nothing to do with the truth of Christmas.

Biblically, the birth of Christ is barely given notice. Only two of the Gospel writers mention it. And in each of their two chapters, they record completely different things. Compare that with Jesus’ death and resurrection, addressed by all four Gospel writers, spanning 31 chapters, more than a third of the Gospel writings. The records show the place, day and hour of Jesus’ death, but the date and place of His birth are unknown.

If we take the Bible as our guide on spiritual matters, clearly in today’s culture, we give undo attention to Jesus’ supremely humble birth.

With the holiday hurricane of activity in schools, marketplaces, and media, it takes vigilance to “choose what is better” as Jesus instructed Martha, and us too! (Luke 10:42)

When my children were in grade school, I wrote a poem out of my desire for them to have a fuller picture of what Christmas is really about – the whole life of Jesus and the reason He came to us. I wanted them to move beyond thinking of this as a sweet story about the “baby Jesus,” but know it as a part of Scripture. I wanted them to know that every bit of The Word is as significant as the rest, bringing essential life messages. I wanted my children to understand, most importantly, that

God is real and speaks to us and to children today. <<Click to Tweet

Fast forward twenty years, and the poem I wrote to my children is now a book, Mary Had A Little Lamb.

The story begins not in a manger, but in heaven, for Jesus existed before time began. From its opening stanza, through the stories of shepherds, angels, wise men, as well as Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, we get not just a fuller picture of the real “reason for the season” but important life lessons as well. And the conclusion teaches children that they too can be shepherds, wise men, and hear from God like Mary and Joseph did.

The book has turned out to be more than a way for Christian families to bring meaning to their celebrations. It has become an opportunity for them to gently share the Gospel. People are more receptive to the truths of Scripture when blanketed within the Christmas story.

Our challenge is to set aside the familiar and look with a fresh perspective on these biblical truths. This book is a tool that does just that. In addition to the Christmas story, the book contains a parent guide with talking points to engage children in a deeper understanding and some surprising “mythbusters” to separate Christmas fact from fiction. For more free resources to bring deeper meaning to your holiday, please visit the book’s webpage. To purchase the book, visit Amazon or these local bookstores: The Well Read Bookstore in Hawthorne, NJ, or Sisters Uptown Bookstore in Harlem, NYC.

Let’s talk! What are ways that you make your Christmas more significant for yourself and/or your family?

True Thanksgiving

2015-11-25T01:00:00.000-05:00

Every year come November, the turkeys start their frenzied twittering. A level of anxiety invades their farm. And in many homes across the United States, moms start their frenzied cleaning, shopping, polishing, all in preparation for the least commercial holiday on the calendar – Thanksgiving Day.

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, and I relish in the preparations, knowing that all the extended family will descend on my home, each year making new memories. It’s been our tradition for as many years as I can remember.

Because my mother-in-law’s birthday often fell on the day of or near Thanksgiving, and because my in-laws would unhappily choose to go out to a restaurant rather than face the daunting task of preparing a variety of food to be ready simultaneously, I was by default the host. Which I never, ever objected to! And my side of the family, in the spirit of cooperation and being together, always came. It was a big loud extravaganza of food and laughter.

Secretly, my kids and I prefer my cooking, as well as our added elements that in turn became traditions, like our cornucopia fashioned and baked out of bread, a delicious centerpiece.

When my brother asked to host Thanksgiving this year at his college freshman daughter’s request, I had mixed feelings. On reading his email, the disappointment I initially felt was palpable. But this autumn had been the busiest season of my life, and having to just prepare and bring a side dish to their home had tremendous benefits.

If I could only deal with life’s other disappointments so easily.

Too often, I ruminate on what could have been instead of seeing the benefits in the alternative plan God has for me. I fuss over my own desires instead of yielding to God’s desires.

If I could change my focus from the earthly to the eternal, I could not only grasp a clearer picture of God’s perspective, but I could be free from the inner turmoil that results from holding on to the good things when God’s best is what will truly bring peace.

Corrie ten Boom said , “Hold everything in your hands lightly, otherwise it hurts when God pries your fingers open.” If she, who lost so much, could focus on God’s plan in the midst of a Holocaust concentration camp, why do I resist to letting go of my desires?

Psalm 37:4 reads, “Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” This doesn’t mean God will grant you what you wish for like a genie in a bottle. It means He will place His desires for you into your heart when you delight yourself in Him.

O to delight in the Lord and simply leave it at that. Then allow Him to change my heart to align with His.

And to enjoy Thanksgiving with simply expressing thanks!

I wish you all a blessed Thanksgiving tomorrow – and every day!

“give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thess. 5:18

Homeward Bound

2015-10-30T22:07:00.001-04:00

For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come. Heb. 13:14

A few years ago, my friends traveled the world. Along their journey, they had some great experiences, and some not so great. But at each stop along the way, they purchased various souvenirs – clothing, jewelry, household items. One purchase was a beautiful but large Italian mirror. They couldn’t carry it with them and so had it shipped home. That decision led to other purchases from further destinations being sent home. When they finally arrived home, they had a house full of treasures awaiting them.

Eventually, those treasures lost their newness. The mirror chipped, the souvenirs collected dust. Fortunately for my friends, those tangible items weren’t their true treasures. Still, they relished the memories made, the relationships forged, the lessons learned.

Jesus said,

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matt. 6:19-21

Indeed, if we value the things of this world over the things of God, we will eventually be sorely disappointed. <<Click to Tweet

Scripture is full of stories of such people – the rich young ruler, Ananias, and Sapphira, the rich man with his bigger and better barns.

When our treasures are those of heaven, the satisfaction is eternal. When our joy comes from the things of God, that joy can never be taken away, nor will ever erode away. Storing up treasures in heaven means investing now in things that God cares about eternally.

WHAT ARE THESE TREASURES THAT WE CAN STORE IN HEAVEN?

Time: We can’t make time, we can only spend it. How we spend our finite amount of time says a lot about what we care about. Do we invest our hours in other people - serving, encouraging, communicating? Do we volunteer in our church or small group? Any investment of time that helps other people is kingdom work, reaping rewards in heaven.

Talent: Are you like the wicked lazy servant who buried his talent out of fear? Or are you like the other servants who invested their talents and multiplied them for the Master. The gifts that God has given us are not for ourselves. They are for the “common good” (1 Cor. 12:7). Let’s use the talents He gave us so that others will be blessed, and thus we will hear Well done, good and faithful servant (Matt. 25:14-30).

Tender (money): Pastor Rick Warren* shared 5 ways that storing up monetary treasures in heaven will yield eternal dividends. He calls them:

God’s Growth Fund – money you invest to develop your skills and maturity
God’s Mutual Fund – money you use to encourage fellowship and build relationships
God’s Service Fund – money invested to serve others in need
God’s Global Fund – money you spend to share the Good News and bring people to Jesus
God’s Treasury Fund – money given to God as an act of worship

If we journey through this life’s experiences storing up treasures in heaven, we will have a trove of riches awaiting us that will last forever.

Would you pray for me this weekend as I share this message, Homeward Bound: Living In The Hope of Heaven, with the women of First Baptist Church of Metuchen. We're on retreat at beautiful Harvey Cedars Conf. Center on Long Beach Island.

How can I pray for you this weekend?

RESOURCES

*Rick Warren’s Online Devotionals:

Which way is your ship going?

2015-10-12T13:07:00.000-04:00

In Fourteen Hundred and Ninety Two, Columbus sailed the ocean blue.

Today, we recognize that achievement. For most people, it’s an opportunity for a day off work or school, or a day they wish they had off. But five hundred years ago, it was pretty remarkable that Columbus and other explorers took off on the open seas in search of lands yet unexplored.

Two thousand years ago, another ship set sail, this one bound for Rome. On board was a prisoner, Paul of Tarsus, a Jew and a Roman citizen en route to Rome for trial. He wanted to his testimony to be heard by the highest government. And despite storm, shipwreck, and snake bite, he was supremely confident that he was going end up in Rome. He was so confident he assured the seasoned sailors to stick with him because God said he was going to Rome and as long as they stayed with him, they’d make it (Acts 27:24). This was pretty remarkable too.

Several years before that, Paul wanted to go to Asia. But he was stopped twice by the Lord (Acts 16:6-7). After having a vision of a man in Macedonia urging him to go there, Paul did a 180^o and headed to Europe instead of Asia.

The question for us is: How did Paul know on the one hand, to turn tracks and head in a different direction, while later on, he persevered through many circumstances that would deter even the most stalwart believer.

The answer lies in not in his brilliance in the moment of decision, but in his daily relationship with the Lord. If we wait until the times of trial to engage deeply with God, asking for wisdom and direction, it’s less likely that we will discern His voice than if we have an ongoing conversation with God in the mundane, ordinary days.

Paul didn’t make these decisions according to the emotions he felt on any given day.

He didn’t make a list of pros and cons reasoning out the best plan to follow.

He based his decisions on a lifelong sensitivity to God’s leading.

In prison, he worshipped and prayed. He didn’t decide to develop a prayer life when hardship hit. This godly wisdom in tough times came from a life of prayer and worship in the ordinary times. <<Click To Tweet>>

Want to know God’s will in the difficult times? Get to know His will each day, whether there are big decisions to make or not. Spending time with Him in prayer and praise will increase sensitivity to the Spirit’s leading. There’s simply no shortcut or substitute.

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thess. 5:12

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is His good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2

A Dream Fulfilled

2015-09-27T22:11:00.000-04:00

And He began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” Luke 4:21

Jesus said these words to His followers, bringing their attention to the fulfillment of the vision, promise and prophecy of His coming. I share that verse now because yesterday a vision, promise, and prophecy about Lauren's future was fulfilled in your hearing (or reading ;D).

Yesterday the Greenhouse Arts Center opened its doors to cultivate the dreams of the next generation and encourage these little dreamers to make a difference in their world.

After returning from one her many mission trips several years ago, my daughter Lauren’s passion for dance and the arts began to develop into something more - a vision for a global arts community. Before going to Uganda, she had wondered what she could possibly bring to the people there that would impact their lives in a positive way. Upon her return, she realized that although she provided meals to those in need and helped to build the local Dream Center, it was when she led them in dance that she saw them experience joy.

She saw a vision for a global community arts center, one where people in comfortable economic situations could support those around the world who wonder where their next meal is coming from. The arts allow people to express and experience their emotions, gifts and talents, and thus a joy that isn’t found in their daily sustenance.

In the years that followed, she dedicated herself to learning her craft and the business of running a ministry. After graduating with her BA and BFA dance degrees from MSU, she spent a year and a half in Australia at Hillsong College learning and serving in dance ministry. Through the prophecy of leaders, God confirmed her vision revealing more and more layers and details daily. She saw it form in her mind, and yesterday she saw it in person. As did people from all across Harlem.

So great was the outpouring of families and students to the grand opening of the Greenhouse Arts Center that they ran out of registration forms and had to add an extra class to accommodate the new students. Her staff of teachers and administrators mingled with the families sharing the love of Jesus through smiles and hugs.

On what she calls her “golden birthday” weekend (turning 27 on the 27th), she saw what is both the fulfillment and the beginning of her dream. Twenty seven years ago, I held in my arms the most beautiful bundle of baby that the world has ever seen. I never imagined how amazing the journey that we’d experience together would be.

And it just keeps getting better.

You're Never Too Old

2015-09-15T23:20:00.000-04:00

“You’re never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” C.S. Lewis

Seeing that quote as a footnote in a friend’s email made me smile. For the past few months, I’d been feeling pretty creaky. And not just in my cartilage-depleted knees. With a milestone birthday approaching, I was really feeling my age. Or was I?

Milestone birthdays have a way of doing that – making you feel old. But when I stopped to evaluate the big picture, I had a realization. I might look old, but I sure don’t feel old. I’m doing more now than I’ve ever done.

Six years ago, when my kids started college, I started writing. I joined a writers’ group, went to a few conferences, and put myself to the task of learning the craft and business of writing. With a few published articles under my belt, I’m self-publishing a children’s story this month, and working on two proposals for traditionally published books.

Two years ago, I co-founded Justice Network, a human trafficking awareness organization. After hearing more about the issue, having a life-changing nightmare, and feeling convicted to do something, I reached out to a friend, and our collaboration of two grew into a small but mighty group that has had a global impact.

No one is more surprised than me at these turns of events. I fully planned to relax and have a laid back empty-nester season of life, but God had other plans.

I’m not unique. There’s a whole garden of late-bloomers. <<Click To Tweet

At 65 years old, Harlan David (Colonel) Sanders faced a failing business due to the construction of Interstate 75 which diverted traffic away from the service station where he sold his not-yet-famous chicken. Not to be deterred, he took his recipe on the road, walking long miles, being rejected 1009 times before finally succeeding in the franchise we know and love as Kentucky Fried Chicken.

Peter Roget proved it’s never too late to create a new invention, such as the Thesaurus. Suffering from OCD since childhood, he often made random lists to calm himself. At 73, he started the project of creating a list of synonymous words. Roget’s Thesaurus has never been out of print since its initial appearance in 1852.

Grandma Moses switched to painting from embroidery at age 75 due to painful arthritis. After her paintings were discovered in a drugstore window, a NY gallery show led to worldwide fame. She created over 3600 paintings, continuing her art until close to her death at age 101.

On June 28, 2015, Stanislaw Kowalski became the world’s oldest athlete, competing in track and field events at 105 years of age, and necessitating the creation of a new age division for World Masters Athletics.

You don’t have to be a well-known achiever to live with distinction. <<Click to Tweet

My hero in the faith, Ida Anderson, was a dear friend and someone most people would overlook. But I could create a list as long as Roget’s of her many virtues and the unnoticed kindnesses she did for people. When she got too old and infirmed to go out, she started a prayer ministry. Wanting to be an active servant of the Lord, she requested that before people drop off clothing donations to charity, they bring them to her so she could wash them.

In the final letter of his life, the apostle Paul wrote to young Timothy, “As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to His appearing.” 2 Tim. 4:6-8

That prize is for all of us, no matter how old we are. To finish our race well and eagerly look forward to His appearing, we must continue with what He calls us to at every stage of life.

Of Birth and Death

2015-09-11T15:15:00.000-04:00

The picture above is at the WTC memorial.
The rose was placed on Bruce's birthday.
This photo honors both his birth and death.

Today is one of those days where you can’t help but remember the exact moment when you heard the news. You know where you were, who you were with, what you were doing. I was standing in my kitchen watching the smoke billowing from the World Trade Center, a building I worked in for 11 years.

Each year brings another anniversary of a day that changed the world as we knew it, a day we commemorate the lives that were lost.

While we mourn the loss of every person who died that day, I want to particularly honor those who died because they chose to help others live. My friend, Bruce a firefighter, was one of 411 emergency workers in New York City who died because he responded to the World Trade Center catastrophe. We don’t know exactly how many people survived due to the selfless acts of these civil servants.

Across the country, today is a somber and somewhat counter-cultural day. We tend to take notice of people’s birthdays, even have a few national holidays to remember them.

It’s the same with Jesus. Christmas has a whole season, starting earlier and earlier each year. Good Friday and Easter barely get a weekend. While the gospel writers are very clear on the date and time of Jesus’ death, there is no mention of the timing of His birth, and the early church didn’t celebrate His birth at all. The Bible pays much more attention to Jesus’ sacrifice and death, repeatedly instructing us to commemorate it, but there are no directives to observe or honor His birth.

At my grandfather’s funeral, the rabbi told a parable I’ll never forget. He compared life on earth to ships in a harbor. At one pier, people are rejoicing as a new ship sets sail, breaking a bottle of champagne on the bow, streamers cascading over the sides. But further down the harbor, a ship returns from a long voyage with barely any notice. In life, the rabbi said, people rejoice over the birth of a new baby, not knowing what trials and pitfalls may lie ahead, while much less attention is paid to a person whose journey has ended and has returned safely home.

We rejoice that Bruce is safely home. We recognize and honor those who on 9/11/2001 in NYC, in Washington DC, and in a plane over Pennsylvania, followed the example of Jesus in sacrificing their lives that others might live.

For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die—butGod shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Rom. 5:6-8

Thank you Bruce and all the other valiant firefighters, policemen, EMTs and those on United flight 93. May we long remember and honor your sacrifice.

To read more about life after Bruce, please visit his wife Ann's blog. She is a gifted writer, sharing transparently about personal loss in the midst of a national tragedy, and a docent at the 9/11 Tribute Center. Her story was recently published in Chicken Soup For The Soul: Volunteerism

How To Hear From God

2015-08-25T01:00:00.000-04:00

In his 2^nd letter to the Thessalonians, Paul encouraged the church again to stand firm in the face of persecution. He urged them to “keep a strong grip on the teaching we passed on to you both in person and by letter.” The Thessalonians heard from Paul both in person and by letter.

Likewise, we hear from God both in person and by letter. <<Click to tweet>>

Supernaturally, by the Holy Spirit, we can experience the presence of God. We sense His leading. We feel His peace. We are strengthened by His power. We can hear from God in person.

We also hear from God through the Bible, His love letter to us, His children. The words in the Word are “living and active.” They are not merely ink on a page. They speak directly to our hearts in miraculous ways.

The danger is when our relationship with God is unbalanced, focused on one OR the other.

I know some Christians who have an entirely experiential relationship with God. They rarely read the Bible. They don’t memorize Scripture. They attend Christian functions, listen to Christian radio and music, shoot off prayer requests, even serve in ministry. But they depend upon experiences alone to hear from God. Maybe a word from the pulpit or from another Christian hits a nerve. But without reading the Bible on their own, they are like a boat without an anchor. They drift along from experience to experience without any foundation.

In the book of Acts, Luke tells us that the Bereans were considered more noble than those in Thessalonica because after they heard the word from Paul, they searched the Scriptures to see if what Paul was saying was true. The Bible calls itself our spiritual food (milk as babes, then meat), necessary to grow into mature Christians. When we speak we use words, when God speaks, He uses His Word. We need to keep a strong grip on His letters.

Then there are Christians who are scholars in the Word. They can cite verse and address and put myself and others to shame. But the danger here can be that it is just head knowledge. An old tract titled, “Missing Heaven By 18 Inches” teaches that 18 inches is the distance between our head and our heart.

If we know all about God, but lack a heart relationship with Him, we will miss spending eternity with Him. If we store up much information in our brains, but lack love, we are just a resounding gong and will be lacking the other fruits of the Spirit - joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. It’s not enough to know all about God. We need to know Him personally as a friend, husband, brother, and keep to the teaching we learn from Him.

Do you need to strengthen your knowledge of His Word or deepen your experiences with Him? Let's talk about it.

With all these things in mind, dear brothers and sisters, stand firm and keep a strong grip on the teaching we passed on to you both in person and by letter. 2 Thess. 2:15

Top Ten List: Garden Lessons Learned

2015-08-06T21:50:00.000-04:00

In my last post, I shared about a lesson learned one day last month when I spent the afternoon attacking a garden patch that had been sorely overlooked. The lush green foliage deceptively hid its true identity - a massive pack of weeds. Entering into the belly of beast, I had no idea the many lessons I was about to learn. Here's my Top Ten in random order:

1. There is no "before" picture. Why? First of all, I wasn't expecting a spiritual lesson. I was just planning to do a job that I hated, but had to be done. Yet God found me there. When we remain open to hearing His voice, we may hear from Him in unexpected places.

2. There also is no “before” picture because I’m not too eager to share my mess with the world. I prefer for people to see a lovely facade instead of the true mess. Same goes with my personal flaws. When we display only our “best self,” we run the risk of being dishonest or pretentious.

3. An enormous vine entwined around several trees and bushes to the point that the vine’s leaves looked as if they were the trees’ leaves. Finding the tree inside the vine-web required persistent searching. So does separating truth from lies. In a world where the media spews stories based on innuendo rather than facts, it can be hard to get to the truth. And in the spiritual realm, Satan is the author of lies masquerading as a tree instead of a life-sucking vine. (John8:44)

4. Separating the vine from the trees required relentless perseverance. But the more I removed, the easier it became to continue on. Let small conquests along the journey pave the way for future victory.

5. Getting started is the hardest part. Instead of focusing on the hours I’d spend, ending up a weary dirt-covered mess, I focused on just putting my shoes on. Then getting the tools I’d need. Tiny step by tiny step, I moved forward until the job was done. The joke “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.” never felt more relevant. (Phil. 3:14)

6. The project became so massive due to one of my best-honed “gifts” - procrastination! The more we delay in facing what needs to be done, the greater the problem becomes. Whether it’s a relationship issue, a job situation, or a physical project, the sooner we address it, the better. Delay only makes a bad thing worse. (Prov. 24:33)

7. As much as it depends on you, do it right the first time. The garden beds where my son generously mulched last year had way fewer weeds to deal with than other areas that were thinly mulched. Great job AJ! It’s worth the extra effort and expense to do a complete job considering it an investment in the future.

8. I gained momentum as I made progress in removing the overgrown vine that had shrouded everything in the patch. Seeing the sun begin to peek through the branches revealed a beautiful Japanese maple I didn’t even know was there -thanks to the benevolence of a neighbor's giant Japanese maple sharing it’s seeds in the wind. The time and effort invested rendered a great reward, and I’m glad I stuck with it. Too often, I give up before the job is done and don’t know what I’ve missed because of that. (2 Cor. 8:11)

9. I’m a righty but at one point, with my right hand all tied up, I needed my left hand to do a job that it clearly wasn’t suited for. But despite its weakness, it did the job! Sometimes when we feel weak, facing a challenge helps us become strong. (James 1:2-4)

10. Sometimes a little support goes a long way. Wearing a knee brace and lower back support belt enabled me to work longer without getting weary. And going through hard times is much easier with the support and prayers of friends and/or family. (Heb. 10:25) How can you support someone today?

I went past the field of a sluggard,
    past the vineyard of someone who has no sense;
thorns had come up everywhere,
    the ground was covered with weeds,
    and the stone wall was in ruins.
I applied my heart to what I observed
    and learned a lesson from what I saw:
³³A little sleep, a little slumber,
    a little folding of the hands to rest—
and poverty will come on you like a thief
    and scarcity like an armed man.

Prov. 24:30-34

How can you apply one of these truths to your life today?

Get Out!!!

2015-07-11T18:00:00.001-04:00

The muggy air was so thick the weatherman described it as “air you wear.” I absolutely didn’t feel like going outside, especially since my task that day was to tackle the overgrown weeds in the garden. But my schedule didn’t allow for another day, so out I went.

And I’m so glad I did. I learned so many valuable lessons that day that I started taking notes so as not to forget. While I was outside up to my elbows in dirt, neighbors passed by, either by car or walking. I looked a mess and felt a little self-conscious, but the lessons learned were well worth it.

One of those lessons was simply the act of going out.

The first neighbor stopped her car to ask if my husband had a guitar he could lend for a memorial service for our dear friend. The son-in-law was traveling from across the country and if he could borrow a guitar locally, he wouldn’t have to carry one. There is no one better to ask for a guitar than my husband (worship leader and rock star), and we were so glad to be of service.

Another neighbor needed a ride to help her brother who was suddenly and severely injured, and because she had seen me and knew I was around, she felt free to call and ask for help.

Then a third neighbor, a young college student, stopped by, and I was able to ask him if he was interested in earning some money this summer helping me with the yard work that I’m not able to do (thanks to my three knee surgeries). Turns out he’s very interested – a win-win for both of us.

These aren’t huge events whatsoever, but they are service opportunities that wouldn’t have happened if I stayed in my house like I wanted.

In the NY/NJ area, this weekend culminates a nine month outreach called CityServe, a Gospel-driven movement that identifies, develops, and nurtures church-connected, neighborhood-focused collaborations throughout the boroughs of NYC in the areas of justice, mercy, and education.

This weekend for CityFest, there are tens of thousands of Christians gathering in Times Square and Central Park worshipping God. But for the past nine months, Christians have been urged to get out of their churches and into their communities. I have been privileged to serve on the Justice track of NJ CityServe, raising awareness about human trafficking and creating opportunities for churches to engage in justice work in their communities.

The intention is to share the gospel by serving our neighbors, to get out of our church buildings to engage in the culture and the community around us–to share the gospel by doing before speaking.

We can all do this wherever we are. Rather than expect unbelievers to come to us, we need to go to them, to connect with them, to meet their needs.

When asked what is the greatest commandment, Jesus replied, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” Mk 12:30-31

What can you do to get out of your house or church and enter into the community around you, seeking to serve and save those that are lost?

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35

The Real Scandal

2015-06-11T22:04:00.000-04:00

Every day it’s a new scandal, a new divisive issue.

Race issues.
Gender issues.
Abuse issues.
Political issues.

You know the names. The places. We see and hear them all day, every day. Our newsfeeds overflow with opposing points of view. We share the ones we agree with, furthering the furor. We discount the opinions of others without attempting to understand them.

And I have to ask the question, cliche as it is. What would Jesus do?

Would He raise His fist condemning those sinners? Did He stone the woman caught in the obvious sin of adultery? Or did He say, after writing in the sand, “Where are your accusers? ... Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more.” (John 8:9-11)

Would He shout about the moral decay in government? Did He encourage boycott of the corrupt Roman government? Or did He say, “Render under Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”? (Mark :12;17)

People are broken in all kinds of ways. Including us. We must first remove the log in our own eye before the speck in another's. And what if we think they have more than a speck? Well, that's really not for US to judge, is it? When we are sin-free, then maybe we can have something to say about someone else. Until then, we are all sinners, saved by grace alone. Sinners created to do good works that He planned in advance for us to do (Eph. 2:8-10).

Can we stop eviscerating people whose politics, morals, and lifestyles we disagree with? Remember - Jesus saved His harshest criticisms for the Pharisees, those self-righteous religious people He called "hypocrites, white-washed tombs," looking good on the outside, but dead on the inside.

Yes, as Jesus-followers, we must live and stand for righteousness in our society. We must be salt and light. But please - let's do it with love in our hearts, not stones in our hands. Our job is not to judge. It is to be restorers, to be instruments of healing, ambassadors of the good news.

We are to love every person, including those on the magazine covers, in each political party, in viral videos.

Who will listen to us if all they hear from us are voices of condemnation?

I made a decision to try to understand all points of view. I don’t have to agree with each one. But I want to understand each one, and then form my opinion with the knowledge of how someone else feels. I want them to feel that they have been heard.

"Because Jesus loves the people on the covers of magazines just as much as He loves you and me, and the real scandal isn’t what others decide to do with their lives, but what Jesus did with His." Becky Thompson

Won’t you join me in spreading the real news - the good news of His love, grace, peace?

Hillsong United: Scandal Of Grace

Seek Justice mini-movie

Race issues. #Ferguson #TexasPoolParty #blacklivesmatter
Gender issues. #caitlynjenner #samesexmarriage
Abuse issues. #duggars
Political issues. #Obama #Christie

Memorial Day - A Day Of Remembrance. And Honor.

2015-05-25T01:00:00.000-04:00

Memorial Day isn’t about barbeques or three day weekends. It’s about remembering those who gave their lives in service to our country. It’s about sacrifice and honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

As Christians, we can also remember those “who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions,quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies.” Heb. 11:33-34

And, of course, the greatest sacrifice of all: “This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” 1 John 4:10

I’m so thankful for the soldiers who daily sacrifice their comfort and liberty so that we might live in ours, for those who face dangers so that we would be free from them, for those who lost their lives so that we might have ours.

And I live in praise of the One who gave Himself as a sacrifice, suffered death so that you and I might enter eternal life.

And so we can do more than just remember the soldiers and the Savior.

We can honor those who sacrificed so we could live in freedom. We can:

Joining in suffering, like a good solider of Christ Jesus. 2 Tim. 2:3
Offer our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God –our true and proper worship. Rom. 12:1

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.”John 3:16-17

What Is Faith?

2015-05-07T01:00:00.000-04:00

So often we are living in the aftermath of an event that left us full of tears. Now we’re in a dark time, experiencing the pain of suffering, despair, heartache.

Much like the disciples must have felt on the Saturday after the crucifixion.

They waited in their despondency, unaware of what was to happen the next morning; the joy of new life, resurrection, rising from the ashes of pain.

And that’s where faith grows.

In the dark, when we can’t see. The very definition of faith is “...the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Heb. 11:1

Faith isn’t wishful thinking, or hope without a solid foundation. It is comprised of two elements: truth and experience. And it must have both, or it isn’t true faith.

There are people who know Scripture well, but have no experience or relationship with its Author. Years ago, I worked with a brilliant guy, a certified Mensa genius. While he was in seminary, he memorized the entire Bible. Sadly, he also decided that he didn’t believe in God and so quit the seminary.

He had more knowledge of the truth than I ever hope to. Yet he had no experience or relationship with God, and so all his knowledge was in vain.

Then there are people who trust only in their experiences, but have no anchor of truth in the Word. Consequently they are tossed about with every wave of life. Their faith rests in their emotions and so they’re happy and trusting God when things are going well, but lose all hope when trouble strikes.

In the first episode of the TV series A.D., there is an excellent exchange between Mary, Jesus’ mother, and Mary Magdelene. After Mary tells Peter and the disciples, “Have you forgotten His prophecy? He promises to rise from death. Have you forgotten so quickly? CAN YOU NOT WAIT?,” she then left the room, and Mary Magdelene followed and asked her, “Are you sure He’s coming?”

“I know He is,” Mary replied.

“How can you be so sure?”

“He raised others from death. This is what was prophesied, what He promised. Then why not Himself?”

Mary’s reply contains all the elements of faith:

Truth: “what was prophesied, what He promised.”

Experience: “He raised others from death.”

Faith: He’ll raise Himself.

Our faith grows and deepens in the dark when we stand on the truth of God’s Word lived out in our life experiences.

How Can I Know God's Will?

2015-04-27T01:00:00.000-04:00

The question of the day – most every day – for those who desire to follow God. How can I know God’s will? Choices are not always crystal clear no matter how strong our desire to follow God’s plan. The Apostle Paul provides a clue in two of the choices he made.

In Acts 16, Paul planned to go east to Asia but sensed God saying not to. So he and his companions headed north, but that was a closed door too. Then that night, Paul had a vision of a man in Macedonia in Greece (due west), and concluded “that God was calling us to preach the Good News there."

Making those choices eventually landed Paul and Silas in jail where they sang worship songs and prayed, survived an earthquake, led the jailer and his family to faith in Jesus, and founded the church at Philippi and others on their second missionary journey.

Later, on his third journey, Paul planned to go to Rome. He was arrested and appeared before the Roman rulers and would have been set free except for his appeal to go to Rome. After several years, he finally set sail, still a prisoner in chains. A storm arose so fierce that the sailors were terrified, but Paul the prisoner reassured them, "But take courage! None of you will lose your lives, even though the ship will go down. ...For I believe God. It will be just as he said..."

On his second journey, Paul twice did an about-face changing the directions of his travels. But on his third journey, he was resolute to reach his destination of Rome despite storm, shipwreck, snakebite, and being a prisoner.

So here’s the question – how did he know? How did Paul know to give up his plans for Asia, yet never giving up on Rome despite serious setbacks?

What would I do?

Would I have been willing to quickly abandon my plans because a dream indicated to go another way or would I stubbornly set my jaw and press on against God’s will for what I think I want?

Would I be resolute to journey forth despite storm and hardship or would I give up under the strain thinking something so difficult couldn’t be of God?

Honestly, I can’t say. What I can conclude is this - I can’t rely just on circumstance or emotions.

When I first got involved in justice ministry, people flocked to me like the animals flocked to Noah – no knocking on doors or trying to persuade people to get on board. It seemed clear that God was orchestrating it all. But when people dropped out, I wondered if this was still God’s call for me. And He reminded me that Noah toiled for many years building the ark, and that’s part of His plan too.

Paul didn’t make his decisions according to the emotions he felt on any given day.

He didn’t make a list of pros and cons reasoning out the best plan to follow.

He based his decisions on a lifelong sensitivity to God’s leading.

In prison, he worshipped and prayed. He didn’t decide to develop a prayer life when hardship hit. This godly behavior in tough times came from a life of prayer and worship in the ordinary times. <<click to tweet>>

Give thanks in all circumstances;

for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

1 Thess. 5:12

Do not conform to the pattern of this world,

but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is

His good, pleasing and perfect will.

Romans 12:2

How God Used A Nightmare to Birth A Ministry

2015-04-10T01:00:00.000-04:00

Many of you have heard my story of how God used a nightmare, and I became an accidental abolitionist!

Please join me over at Circles of Faith where they are running the story of Justice Network's humble beginnings.

Hang In There!

2015-04-09T01:00:00.000-04:00

Easter Sunday morning, there was still a little pile of snow tucked into the garden beside my driveway. The recent rain, wind and warmer weather washed away much of the snow; yet there still remained piles of graying white. For months they sat like giant beached whales. Mounds of snow, at the edges of fences, by the sides of highways, in corners of parking lots. For the entire winter, our lawns were cloaked in white.

Each of those snowflakes that fell en masse last January were so delicate, it’s amazing that they are still present in April. What can we learn from these fragile flakes that have such staying power?

1. They stick together.

Despite the fact that one person can make a difference - which I absolutely believe - it is also true that there is power in numbers.

We simply were not made to go it alone. God made us to be part of a body, His body. He made us for fellowship. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another. Heb 10:25

God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness.." Gen 1:26 He is one God, but He is a plural God (like one family or one class or one snowstorm are singular, yet are plural.) He is in fellowship with Himself. We are made in His image, and therefore, we need to be in the fellowship of believers. We are made that way for a reason. We are stronger together than we are alone.

Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Eccl. 4:12

2. They were pushed out of their comfort zone.

Oh, it’s so much easier to stay within our comfort zone, isn’t it? But those flakes that remained so comfortable out on the open lawn were the first ones to melt away. It was the plowed flakes, the ones that got pushed and shoved around that remained. If the snowflakes could speak, they would say that it sure didn’t feel good at the time. To the snowflake, the plow seemed brutal, a real bully. But it was precisely because it yielded to the plow that it survived.

When we don’t understand our circumstances or we have to change our status quo, we need to recognize that there is Someone greater than ourselves in control, Someone who has our best interests at heart.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jer. 29:11

If you’ve been trying to go it alone or if you’ve been facing a difficult struggle, hang in there and be encouraged by remembering that frail snowflake that first arrived in January and is still hanging around in April.

Happy Resurrection Day!

2015-04-05T08:15:00.000-04:00

The door of the Garden Tomb, Jerusalem

“Why do you look for the living among the dead?"

"He is not here; He has risen, just as He said."

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again:

Rejoice!"

Rejoice, dear friends! May this Resurrection Day usher in a year of peace and victory for you. May you walk closer than ever with our risen Lord day after day after day.

1. Lk. 2:45

2. Mt. 28:6

3. Phil 4:4