Being Dressed for Service

We all have heard different expressions about our “dress”.  A good portion relating to our jobs.  Some examples are come dressed appropriately for the type of work you will be doing. Or come looking professional.  If in the medical field come in your scrubs, they should be clean and pressed.  Your shoes should be clean and polished.  Your hair pulled back neatly.  When I started my nursing career nurses wore white.  I took great lengths to be sure my uniform was sparkling white, no wrinkles, white hose, and clean white shoes.  Now it is totally different.  Nurses wear many colors.  My husband worked in paper mills.  That is very laborious work, 8-12 hours per day.  He had to wear what the mill requested.  Heavy duty work pants, shirts with the mill emblem, and steel toe boots.  Our son is a professional musician.   He wears what is appropriate for the audiences they play for.  A lot depends on the venue.  No matter what type of work we do, it seems all of the jobs require a uniform.  And that uniform tells us to be neat, orderly, professional, and ready to perform our duties.  I would also include in these descriptions is to come prepared and dressed appropriately and with modesty.  

I can hear responses now, what does this have to do with serving God?  My faithful readers, plenty.  God has given us specific tools to equip us with.  He even tells us in Ephesians 6 what we must put on to be prepared.  

“Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the tactics of the Devil. For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens. This is why you must take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand.”

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭6‬:‭11‬-‭13‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

Jesus tells us all through the Scriptures that He will send us a helper, the Holy Spirit, to help us understand.  He will give us tools to help us, He will teach us what we must know and how we should minister to those He sends us to.  These things are part of our uniform.  We must put them on to help us be ready.  

“Stand, therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist, righteousness like armor on your chest, and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace. In every situation take the shield of faith, and with it you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is God’s word.”

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭6‬:‭13‬-‭17‬ ‭HSCB

Jesus cannot make it any clearer.  We do not have the goods to stand on our own.  We need Jesus to empower us, equip us, fill us with His Spirit, and to give us the knowledge and discernment to minister to others. We must put on our uniform that is ready to go, to enable us to do the work He has asked of us.

Now that we know how to dress and to prepare for the tasks that Jesus gives us we should have no excuse but to get up and go and do those things. We all have excuses, we all have things come up, some of us have illnesses, some of us have large families to take care of, some of us have crazy work schedules. I am totally convinced that Jesus will not ask us to do something that is physically impossible for us to do. He knows each of our needs, he knows our limitations, but he also knows exactly what it will take to empower us to complete the tasks he has given.

I’d like to encourage you this week to pray and seek the Lord. Ask Him what he would like you to do for Him and not for our ourselves.  I am quite sure that I am not alone when I think “I want Jesus to say to me well done good and faithful servant” .  

Holy Saturday

We have now gone through Holy Week and the Scriptures.  I do pray you all go through these posts again. And take in the love that Jesus has for you.  

By now, Saturday morning, we all know what happened to Jesus.  He was murdered, crucified, tortured on that cross so that we can have life.  So we can have forgiveness.  There is no more for me to say.  

I’d like you to listen to this song.  And more importantly, I’d like you to pray, ask Jesus to forgive you and cleanse you.  That is the only way to reach heaven for all eternity.  There is no in between.  Either heaven or hell. No magical island for you to sit on.  I choose life, for eternity.  

I ask you all to pray, and go to a Bible believing Church on this Easter.  There is no judgement.  Just those willing to accept you into their family.  Jesus Christ’s family.  

Part 6, GOOD FRIDAY

 Wow here we are to GOOD FRIDAY.  By early Friday morning Jesus was already arrested, had been before the Roman and Jewish authorities.  No one could decide on Jesus’ crime.  That is because He had no crime.  He was full of love.  Enough love for everyone.  And more.  

Early Friday morning Judas Iscariot was beside himself because of betraying Jesus.  He went to a cliff and hung himself. 

As the day moved along, must have seemed forever to all those who loved Jesus and followed Him, Jesus was beaten, scorned, mocked. He was whipped with rods that had burrs on them.  Jesus was beaten so severely that the flesh on His back was peeling off.  Not only all of that, they jammed a “crown of thorns” on His head.  These thorns weren’t little rose bud thorns.  They were at least 2 inches long.  They didn’t just place this softly on Jesus’ head.  They jammed it on him.  Blood streaming from every place possible on Jesus’ body.  Then they made Him carry the heavy cross to Calvary.  They continued to spit on Him, defame Him, and mock Him. 

How devastating this had to be for Mary, Mother of Jesus, His disciples and followers.  How much worse was it going to get.  Many wondering why Jesus didn’t save Himself.  Because of LOVE. 

By Friday afternoon. Some say near 3 PM, Jesus died on that cross.  I will post the Scriptures here for you to look up what took place that evening, before burial.  Then tomorrow will be my final posting of this mini series.  I hope you all have enjoyed it.  I wouldn’t normally do this, but I felt very strongly the Holy Spirit nudge me and encourage me to do this.  

Another thought- why is this called GOOD FRIDAY?  

The Bible account of Good Friday is found in Matthew 27:1-62, Mark 15:1-47, Luke 22:63, 23:56, and John 18:28; 19:37.

What’s So Good about Good Friday?; The Seven Last Words of Jesus

Don’t forget to read Part 1 again.  

May you feel the love of Jesus today and everyday.  

Part 5. Maundy Thursday: Passover and the Last Supper

 Jesus and the disciples were preparing for the feast of Passover, or commonly known as the Last Supper.

Jesus spoke with them and shared the meal.  He was telling the disciples it was His time.  This would be His last meal with them.  

Luke 22:15-16 Jesus explained communion and told them what the bread and wine stood for, and why it was so important.  Even to this day we share communion amongst our churches with one another.  Luke 22:19-20

After the meal, Jesus and the disciples left the Upper Room and went to the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus prayed in anguish to God the Father. The book of Luke states that "his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground" Luke 22:44

Late that night in Gethsemane, Jesus was betrayed with a kiss by Judas Iscariot and arrested by the Sanhedrin. He was taken to the house of Caiaphas, the High Priest, where the full council had assembled to make their claim against Jesus. In the early morning, as Jesus' trial was beginning, 

We remember this being spoken about in our Scriptures earlier in the week, Judas betraying Jesus to the Sanhedrin. There were other events that took place also.  I have included those verses for you to look up on your own.  My goal is to keep this about Jesus and His promise to us

The Bible account of  Maundy Thursday is  Matthew 26:17-75, Mark 14:12-72, Luke 22:7-62, and John 13:1-38.

I do hope this format has encouraged you and helped you dig in a little deeper about this whole week.  2 More days left after this.  I hope you join me in reading the verses and praying for others at this time.  Maybe you will come in contact with someone to invite to church for Easter services.  

The Holy Week part 4. Holy Wednesday

 Here we are to Wednesday already.  The Wednesday before Easter.  This day for Jesus and his disciples was less active than the previous days.  There isn’t a whole lot written about this day.  Jesus continued to teach the crowds.  And many thought that Jesus used this day to rest a bit, knowing what was to come.  And the disciples needed a day of rest as well.  There isn’t much scripture about this day’s events.  We know that Judas was out for his own gain.  He went to bargain with the high priests for giving up Jesus to them. MATTHEW 26:14-26.

While most people were preparing for the Passover meal the next day, the Chief Priests and Scribes were trying to figure out how they were going to kill Jesus.  

I wonder if any of them felt remorse in their heart before they even arrested Jesus?  

I pray that as you have your time with Jesus today, you ask Him to teach you something new in the Easter holiday.  Sit back, put your feet up, rest easy, and soak up what our Lord Jesus has for you today.  Amen.

Don’t forget to look at day 1again.  

  https://kathrynpacco.blogspot.com/2026/03/the-events-of-holy-week.html. 

Day 3. Holy Tuesday, Mount of Olives

 Please remember to look at the original blogpost, PALM SUNDAY.

Here we are to Tuesday.  By this time I wonder how the disciples felt.  Maybe getting a bit on edge? Could they sleep well at night?  Maybe fatigue was setting in.

On Tuesday morning Jesus and the disciples returned to Jerusalem. This was roughly about 2 miles. That in itself would tire me out.  

They were met with angry religious leaders in the temple. They were enraged because Jesus had established Himself with spiritual authority.  The angry persons were secretly planning an ambush to arrest Jesus. Jesus was able to elude their traps at this time. He declared severe judgement on them.  You can read about this in MATTHEW 23:24-33   Remember I set this blog up for you to read about Holy Week and the events that happened. Part 1 is Palm Sunday and a brief description of Holy Week up to Easter.  

Later in the day Jesus went up to the Mount of Olives. You can overlook the city from here. It is here that Jesus gives a strong revelation of the end times. He tells of the end times, His second coming, and the  final judgment.  I wonder how much the people were squirming in their seats. I am sure there were plenty that were thinking about their own lives and what was going to happen to them.  Praise the Lord, we don’t have to worry or fret.  We are redeemed by the power of His blood. 

Also this is the day that Judas met with the Sanhedrin to betray Jesus.  MATTHEW 26 tells about that. Finally the rest of the events of Holy Thursday are found in MATTHEW 21, MARK 11, LUKE 20, and JOHN 12. 

I encourage you to read Palm Sunday blog again. And take a few moments to keep these verses or the events that took place.  The events that helped secure our salvation.  

Easter Week, part 2

 As I mentioned in my blog yesterday, “The Events of Holy Week”, I am going to add to the specified day the events that took place on that day. 

Please go back and read the full blog on The Holy Week before reading on to today’s post on HOLY MONDAY. 

Late Sunday evening, which would’ve been Palm Sunday, Jesus and his disciples went to Bethany for the rest of the night. Then early Monday morning, which is called Holy Monday, Jesus and his disciples returned to Jerusalem. 

This trip to Jerusalem is when Jesus went into the temple and saw the corrupt money changers  The courts in the temple were full of these money changers. Jesus overturned the tables and stated they turned the temple into a den of thieves. You can read about this in LUKE 19:46.

The Bible account of Holy Monday is found in Matthew 21:12-22, Mark 11:15-19, Luke 19:45-48, and John 2:13-17. Read the Bible Story of the Cursed Fig Tree

As I mentioned in yesterday‘s blog post, I encouraged you to look up these scriptures and read about the holy week on your own. Therefore, I did not go into great detail of each day in yesterday‘s post. Every day this week I will post the meaning for that specific day. Since today is Monday this is about Holy Monday. Have a blessed day as you go and read about this. I pray the Lord shows you something new about it. We’ve all heard the Easter story our whole lives and what it means to some people and what it means to other people and what it should not mean. Our main focus is the fact that Jesus went to Calvary and died on that cross for our sins. And then he rose again on the third day, as promised. 

Stay tuned for Tuesday’s post. 

The Events of Holy Week

 Palm Sunday through to Easter Sunday.  This blogpost will be a little different.  I want to list what took place through Holy Week, or the week leading up to Easter.  My hope is that as we go through everyday life, we would have these events on our minds.  I hope this brings the light and hope to you this Easter.  

PALM SUNDAY:

This is the Sunday before Jesus was crucified.  He was making His way to Jerusalem. Jesus knew His day was coming, He would be crucified and die for our sins. ALL of our sins. 

He sent a couple of disciples to find a donkey for Him to ride on as He entered the city.  Where do Palms come into play?  The crowds of people were singing “Hosanna in the highest” and waving Palms in honor of Jesus entering the city.  Some laid the palms down to cover the dirty street as Jesus entered.  Zechariah 9:9

HOLY MONDAY:

Luke 19:46 tells of Jesus coming upon the temple and seeing the corrupt money changers.  Jesus declaring His temple is a house of prayer, but they made it a “den of thieves”.  Jesus overturned the tables and cleared the temple.  

HOLY TUESDAY:

Jesus goes to the Mount of Olives. Jesus delivered His message of what is to become of Jerusalem and its destruction, and the prophecy of Jesus’ death and resurrection of Jesus.  Also on this day Judas decides to betray Jesus.  Matt 26 

HOLY WEDNESDAY:

Judas betray Jesus. 

Anticipation of Passover beginning on Thursday.

MAUNDY THURSDAY:

Passover and The Last Supper. 

Definition of Maundy- the washing of feet.

This is when Jesus and his disciples had what is known as “the last supper”, or “feast of the Passover”, and when Jesus washed the disciples feet. This is when Jesus spoke of what we call communion.  The breaking of bread and sipping of wine, in remembrance of Him.  The bread, His body. The wine, His blood. 

From there Jesus and the disciples retreated to the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus anguished in prayer to His Father God. His sweat became like great drops of blood falling to the ground. Luke 22:44

Then later that night was when Judas betrayed Jesus by a kiss on His cheek.  Jesus was then arrested.  

By the way, it wasn’t just a handful of soldiers.  It was a few hundred that came to arrest Jesus.  

GOOD FRIDAY:

A lot takes place on this one very important day.  

Jesus’ trial, crucifixion,  death, and burial.

And oh, remember Judas, he was so distraught over what he did that he hung himself.  

Jesus spoke His final words on that cross.  He said “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.

HOLY SATURDAY:

Jesus Christ in the tomb. Guarded by Roman soldiers. 

Later that evening the disciples came to prepare Jesus’ body and wrapped in linen.  

The tomb sealed by a huge boulder. Not just a little rock as we would know it.  

This is the timeline of Holy Week, prior to Resurrection Day, or Easter as we call it.  

RESURRECTION  SUNDAY:

We know what happened   Jesus was RISEN! Our Savior did what He promised. He said He would take on the sins of the world and make a way for our redemption.  

As you notice I did not go into great detail.  I left a few Scripture references.  But my hope is for each day this week you will think of this timeline and look into it during your own devotion time.  Check out all that took place each day.  Read it to your family, your children, your neighbors.  Share this good news.  

I will repost this everyday and add a verse or two.  To remind you to read the Easter Story.  I pray you all reach a heightened revelation of this powerful message.  

Jesus doesn’t have a time clock

I’ve been thinking about this title for a little bit.  Then I found myself going down different paths.  It began to get too complex for a simple blog.  So I stepped aside and prayed.  I then figured out what Jesus was speaking to me.  I hope it speaks to you as well.

Most of our lives, from early adulthood through to retirement, we live by the time clock.  We start our day by punching in on that clock at work.  Then we finish our shift, or day at work and we punch out on that very same time clock.  Some say they live by the clock.  

Let’s look at that with a different perspective.  Do you think Jesus always goes by a time clock when He is praying and interceding for us?  Or does He respond saying “I’ve already done my 8 hours, I will catch you next time”.  Oh my goodness, how devastating that would be for most of us.  Especially when we are hoping for a miracle, or huge answer to a specific prayer.  

We know that Jesus has specific plans for you and I.  And He has the perfect timing for His miracles to be in our lives.  By all means, that does not mean for us to give up, to stop praying, to stop believing in that miracle.  What this has shown me is our time clock may say time to go home, but Jesus doesn’t live by our time.  To Him time is eternity.  He knows the best time to bring those miracles to fruition.  

Jesus is present always.  He is always listening to us and our cries to Him.  There is no need to demand that need be filled immediately.  Jesus knows what we need and when.  

This also doesn’t mean we stop praying and stop asking.  The Lord loves to hear from His children.  You and I.  Don’t ever get tired of asking.  But we must be careful not to get demanding.  

I’ve spent many years of my life dealing with illness.  From my early teen years and still now.  I prayed, my husband prayed, my family, my pastors, my church, and more.  It took many years to see improvement.  I wasn’t instantly healed.  It is an ongoing process.  Did I wonder why I wasn’t seeing it all at once?  Sure I did.  But Jesus would gently remind me, I am his daughter and He has His hands on me.  I had to learn to be patient.  Don’t live by the time clock.  Jesus knows the time.  It took many years before I totally let it go and was convinced it will happen when it’s the right time.  

I hope this gives you new hope.  You don’t have to get weary, but hang on to the promises Jesus has given you. Don’t stop asking and believing. Your time will come.  

“There is an occasion for everything, and a time for every activity under heaven:”

‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

“He has made everything appropriate in its time. He has also put eternity in their hearts…

‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭3‬:‭11‬a ‭HCSB‬‬

Are We Willing to Go!

 How many times in our lives have we heard the Lord speak to us, with definite clarity and direction?  

Some say oh everyday.  I wouldn’t argue that.  I always ask the Lord to hear me, and for me to hear Him speak into my life.  

When we are filled with the Holy Spirit we probably can experience that more often than we do.  Jesus sent us His Holy Spirit to teach us, to speak to us, and to give us clear vision for our days ahead.  

Sometimes the Lord gives us a very specific word.  Like picking up roots and moving far away.  We all know some who have done so.  

He may be giving us a specific task to do.  Or perhaps befriending someone.  The list can go on and on.  

But do we listen and obey.  That is the big question.  Will we go?  Will we put ourselves out there for the Lord to use? Are we willing?  Some sacrifice is “more” than others.  But Jesus doesn’t think it is a lesser need.  Lord, you asked so and so to sell their home, but you asked me to make cookies for the grumpy neighbor.   Does that mean what I do is less valuable?  Absolutely not!  Our Jesus does not discriminate nor think of anyone lesser than the other.  His love is as far and deep and wide for us all to receive what He has for us.  We just need to listen and act on it.  Obey Him.  

Here I am Lord, send me!  

“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying: Who should I send? Who will go for Us? I said: Here I am. Send me.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭6‬:‭8‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

Infinite Love

 Infinite love.  What does that mean?  It means a never ending love.  A love that is so vast we will never ever see the end of it.  There is so much love, how can we fit it all into our hearts? 

In the natural it seems impossible.  But how about in the spiritual? Is it possible?  

It sure is. There is one man who has enough love in his heart for every single person here on earth, and in heaven.  Our Lord Jesus Christ.  That’s right, He has infinite love, un-ending love, a love that fills His heart.  A love that flows from His heart forever.  

“But God proves His own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us!”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭5‬:‭8‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

Jesus has so much love for each and every one of us, that He was scorned and mocked for us. He was tortured and nailed to the cross because of His love for us. 

It is hard for us to comprehend such love in the natural.  But through God’s Holy Spirit He teaches us and gives us understanding to know in our hearts the love Jesus has. 

Will we ever have that much love in our hearts? Enough to cover the whole world? Probably not.  But with the help of the Holy Spirit we can try to love one another the way Jesus loves us.

“For this reason I kneel before the Father from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named. I pray that He may grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power in the inner man through His Spirit, and that the Messiah may dwell in your hearts through faith. I pray that you, being rooted and firmly established in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the length and width, height and depth of God’s love, and to know the Messiah’s love that surpasses knowledge, so you may be filled with all the fullness of God.”

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭3‬:‭14‬-‭19‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

Will we ever comprehend totally the “Infinite Love” of God?  I’d like to think so.  I certainly hope so.  It may not always be as clear as a sunny day, but I want to definitely always feel it in my spirit.  

I can almost name the amount of times I have felt and seen that kind of love Jesus has for me, and my family.  I have experienced it first hand. He has saved me from devastating illness.  He brought my husband back from very near death, and performed a medically documented miracle on him.  

Those times certainly confirmed the infinite love Jesus has on us.  You can never ever forget what it felt like.  At least I pray we would never forget.  

Faithful readers, I pray these words inspire you to seek God’s infinite love.  Yearn in your hearts to feel it, and see it.  Because He truly does have enough love for every person in heaven and earth.  He has your name written down and stamped in His love.  

Room At The Inn

 One of the first things we think about for the Christmas season is Mary, a virgin, having to give birth in a barn, or some believe  it was an actual cave that the innkeeper kept his animals in.  It was shelter for the animals.  Wow, I cannot imagine, after riding all that way, on a donkey, in the cold air of night time, while in “active” labor, praying for a comfortable and warm bed to give birth to the King of the world.  Our Lord and Savior instead was born on a hard slab, in the chill of the air, in a cave.  Dirty, smelly, cold, damp.  

What was Mary and Joseph thinking?  Lord God this is Your son.  Is there someplace better for our Savior to be born?  Well evidently there was not enough time to look elsewhere.  But this was the best they could find. And Jesus was born, a beautiful, healthy baby boy. Who would someday conquer the world.  

This obviously isn’t the end of the story.  Here we are 2025, and there are so many looking for their Savior, or looking for Him to yet come.  Do you realize, we can relive this moment everyday?  But this time our Lord Jesus was born, He was crucified for our sins, and He rose again, sent His Holy Spirit to live in us.   But first, have we made room for Him?  This time not in an inn, or cave.  But in our hearts.  That’s right, we must make room for Jesus, the Holy Spirit to reside in us.  This Christmas let there be room in the Inn.  In our hearts.  How do we do that? By doing some house cleaning.  Let’s get rid of the dirt and cobwebs.  And make it sparkle, shine, and have a sweet sweet fragrance for Jesus. 

By confessing our sins, asking His forgiveness, and inviting Him to live in us, to live in our hearts forever.  

“For to us a Child shall be born, to us a Son shall be given; And the government shall be upon His shoulder, And His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭9‬:‭6‬ ‭Amp

Do your circumstances define you?

 All of us face trials.  Some trials last a long time, or a life time.  Some trials only last a day, depending on our own choice to climb out of the hole that was dug.  Some trials are very serious and may last a lifetime, like health issues.  Some trials are not even worth our attention, barely making it a trial.  So often we blame our angry mood as a result of a trial.  We blame our depression as a result of chronic trials or illness.  And the list goes on.  

When you are having a hard time, do you let that show through in your expressions, your attitude, or how you present yourself?  If you do, I’m not going to lay any blame on you.  But I do want to encourage you to climb out of it.  You are better than that.  Remember back when everyone spoke about a positive attitude.  There is something to that.  

I have suffered with terminal illness most of my life.  It hasn’t always been pretty, or tolerable.  However, I know Who my Creator is.  I know Who fills me up everyday.  I know that my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has empowered me to be stronger than any of that.  

Yes I do suffer at times, I am very ill at times, I do not have the stamina I once had.  However, those things do not define who I am.  At least I pray they do not.  When I begin my day I begin with prayer and read my Bible.  I journal on the days I can.  Those few steps help me start my day with the right attitude.  I want to greet others with a smile, or with encouragement.  I do not ever want my troubles to be written all over my face.  Is that denial?  No! It is acknowledging Who is in charge of my heart.  My Lord Jesus.  Do I get discouraged? Of course I do.  But that does not lead me or control me.  The Holy Spirit does, because I have asked the Lord to fill me with His Spirit.  

We are in the midst of the Advent Season.  The season we celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus.  I’d like to encourage you all, greet one another with a smile, a positive greeting. We can go a step further.  Help an elderly widow  or young single mother with snow removal, for free, as a gift.  Help an elderly person in the grocery store if they cannot find an item.  Bake some cookies and share them.  And do these things without grumbling, always with a smile, and with a heart of thanksgiving for everything the Lord does for us.  

“In the morning, O Lord, You will hear my voice; In the morning I will prepare [a prayer and a sacrifice] for You and watch and wait [for You to speak to my heart].”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭5‬:‭3‬ Amplified 

“But you will receive power and ability when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you will be My witnesses [to tell people about Me] both in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and Samaria, and even to the ends of the earth.””

‭‭Acts‬ ‭1‬:‭8‬ ‭AMP‬‬

A Thanksgiving Reminder

 My recent blog post is a reminder of how a victory can change our perspective. 

 Have you ever felt overwhelmed to the point of saying to God “you’ve had enough, you can’t take another thing”? I’m sure most of us have.  Sometimes it may be a bunch of smaller circumstances that get us frustrated.  Sometimes it may be just 2 or 3 larger problems that bring us to the breaking point.  I can remember as a child often hearing the phrase “it was the straw that broke the camel’s back”. I remember asking my mother what that meant.  Each time she explained it, the more I understood.  

Trust me when I tell you I have experienced that feeling several times.  Usually related to my health.  And I would cry out to God, Lord please, I cannot take one more thing.  Then before I realize, I’ve gotten through that crisis, and over the hurdle, and felt victorious on the other side.

  How did I do that? How did I manage?  As I said above, I cried out to God for His help.  The way I find myself in God’s presence is when I am reading His Word, and talking with Him.  I learn so much from having a one on one conversation with Him.  The hardest part is stopping myself and listen for God’s reply.  There are a few major points God always reminds me of.  

“I will give thanks and praise to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well.”          ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭139‬:‭14‬ ‭

Most of my struggles have to do with my health. When God reminds me of this verse it is as though He has His arms around me consoling me and making my flesh brand new.  He reminds me that He doesn’t make any mistakes. He has made me to be His faithful daughter and servant of His.  He will take care of my every concern.  

““Before I formed you in the womb I knew you [and approved of you as My chosen instrument], And before you were born I consecrated you [to Myself as My own]; I have appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” 

‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭1‬:‭5‬ ‭AMP‬‬

You see God is our Creator.  He loves us so very much.  He formed us with His own hands, perfectly.  He doesn’t make mistakes.  He loves us so much that His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, died on that cross so that we may have abundant life and live victoriously through Him.  

Next time you are having a bad day, try to remember how much our Creator loves you.  And how much He provides for you and protects you.  He has a plan for you, a plan for me.  He will take our hand and guides us along the chosen path

The Straw That Broke the Camel’s Back

 Have you ever felt overwhelmed to the point of saying to God “you’ve had enough, you can’t take another thing”? I’m sure most of us have.  Sometimes it may be a bunch of smaller circumstances that get us frustrated.  Sometimes it may be just 2 or 3 larger problems that bring us to the breaking point.  I can remember as a child often hearing the phrase “it was the straw that broke the camel’s back”. I remember asking my mother what that meant.  Each time she explained it, the more I understood.  

Trust me when I tell you I have experienced that feeling several times.  Usually related to my health.  And I would cry out to God, Lord please, I cannot take one more thing.  Then before I realize, I’ve gotten through that crisis, and over the hurdle, and felt victorious on the other side.

  How did I do that? How did I manage?  As I said above, I cried out to God for His help.  The way I find myself in God’s presence is when I am reading His Word, and talking with Him.  I learn so much from having a one on one conversation with Him.  The hardest part is stopping myself and listen for God’s reply.  There are a few major points God always reminds me of.  

“I will give thanks and praise to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well.”          ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭139‬:‭14‬ ‭

Most of my struggles have to do with my health. When God reminds me of this verse it is as though He has His arms around me consoling me and making my flesh brand new.  He reminds me that He doesn’t make any mistakes. He has made me to be His faithful daughter and servant of His.  He will take care of my every concern.  

““Before I formed you in the womb I knew you [and approved of you as My chosen instrument], And before you were born I consecrated you [to Myself as My own]; I have appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” 

‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭1‬:‭5‬ ‭AMP‬‬

You see God is our Creator.  He loves us so very much.  He formed us with His own hands, perfectly.  He doesn’t make mistakes.  He loves us so much that His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, died on that cross so that we may have abundant life and live victoriously through Him.  

Next time you are having a bad day, try to remember how much our Creator loves you.  And how much He provides for you and protects you.  He has a plan for you, a plan for me.  He will take our hand and guides us along the chosen path.  

Good vs Evil

  From the beginning of time there has been good vs evil.  Through every generation people could see it intensifying more and more.  Grandparents telling grandchildren “ you haven’t seen what we have, or you haven’t lived through things we have.  Parents telling their kids all of the things they went through.  Like we had to walk 5 miles to school, through 3 feet of snow, while it was 30° below zero (f).  And they had holes in their boots.  And the stories went on.  But telling us about wars, good vs evil in our own cities.  The terrible wars between countries.  And the list goes on and on.  We come to today, it is no different.  Some areas more intense.  Some improvements in other areas.  No matter what it is, God tells us to be prepared.  He gives us His Word, and the full armor of God.  He has given us the tools and weapons to fight spiritual warfare.  

“Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by His vast strength. Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the tactics of the Devil. For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens. This is why you must take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand. Stand, therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist, righteousness like armor on your chest, and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace. In every situation take the shield of faith, and with it you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is God’s word.”

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭6‬:‭10‬-‭17‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

These are the tools God Himself has given to us.  They are always at our disposal.  We must reach out to God, call on Him.  He will equip us.  

Jesus goes on to encourage us to pray and intercede for one another.  Pray for that spiritual armor.  Pray without ceasing.  We must be prepared.  We can see for ourselves the good vs evil in the world today.  Each and every country has battles going on.  Neighbors against each other.  Family members fighting with one another.  Think about it.  Is it worth it?  Just because someone disagrees with you.  Or someone has a better car than you.  Or a bigger house.  Who are we trying to impress?  There is only one whom we are to impress.  That is our Lord Jesus Christ.  Open your heart to Him, ask His Holy Spirit to fill you,  and for you to be protected always by His full armor.  

A Miracle That Inspires Me Everyday

 For this blog I’m sharing about my husband’s miracle.  By now you all know I believe in miracles.  And I pray for miracles in my own life.  But instead of sharing about me I wanted to share about my husband’s miracle.  

It was September 29, 2008, our son had moved to Colorado in August, we both were still missing him so much.  My husband Paul was sleeping upstairs.  He was working the night shift.  It was overcast skies.  I heard Paul call for me.  I ran upstairs, he was calling out in pain, he lay there lifeless.  I could not get his vital signs.  I knew he had an Aortic Aneurysm.  My worst fear was right in front of me.  He was bleeding to death.  

I will now use Paul’s words for the rest. 

Words of Paul Pacco :

I thought about writing this earlier today but I was working on how to say it.  

Today is my 17th anniversary of almost bleeding to death and having a miracle done before many eyes. 

I have an aortic aneurysm and 17 years ago today, that broke open and I was bleeding to death.  I was flown to Albany Med in a helicopter, rushed into the ER, and the cardio team was ready to operate on me right there.  

I had one heart beat per 45 seconds, no blood pressure, and  two pockets of blood forming in my abdomen.  

I couldn’t move, I couldn’t hear them yelling to me to stay awake, and I was looking around and seeing all the people there, but I couldn’t move my head!

They rushed me to a CT scan and thats when the power of prayer was displayed! 

The doctors, nurses, flight crew, everyone was stunned!  They had pictures of the blood and then the next set of pictures, the blood was gone!

They had pictures of my heart and then it showed it had stopped bleeding out and the aneurysm was actually smaller!

They didn’t know what happened.  I started to move around and they just looked and couldn’t believe it!  

You see, there were a bunch of people praying for me in different states and countries.  My wife had contacted our church and said to start praying.  One couple was walking in a park in Saratoga and they saw the helicopter go over their heads and they felt God speaking to them to pray, so they did.  One friend of ours was going by when the ambulance was at the house and she started praying.  Our son was out in Colorado at the School of Worship when his mom called and immediately, the students surrounded him and started praying.  Friends of ours in Australia and New Zealand heard about it quickly and prayed.  

See where I am going here?  The power of prayer is so powerful!  People heard, and they prayed.  I used to wonder why God allowed me to live but I know I have a lot more to do for Him.  

He brought me out of a certain death.  But why doesn’t this happen to everyone we pray for?  How come some people get healed and others don’t?

I still have the aneurysm, and it took me a long time to get my strength back.

The answers to the questions you ask can be found in the Bible and when you get into a good Bible teaching church.

None of us know all the answers but I know that Jesus is my Lord and Savior and when I do die, I know I will be with Him in Glory!

Around 3 weeks ago, a young man was assassinated in front of thousands of people for his opinion rooted in his faith and love for God.

And since that time, hundreds of thousands and many more have come to know who Jesus is and accepted Him into their hearts. 

So, if you have read this LONG testimony of mine, and if you haven’t accepted Him, I want to tell you that you never know when you will die.  You might say “ thats all that religious stuff, it’s not real!”.  Well, I am here to tell you that God is REAL!  What happened to me is unexplainable in the medical fields!  And I am not the only one that has had a miracle.

Don’t wait another minute!  Get a hold of me if you want to hear more about who God is and what He can do for you!  

I will get you a Bible and we can walk through it together!  There are so many believers out there that can help.  A lot of good churches that you can become a member.

Amen and God Bless! 

Paul

God did hear the prayers.  He stood along side of me and promised it would be ok, that I was never alone.  

When I got to the hospital, an hour away, I ran in asking for my husband.  They pointed, I ran in, he was sitting up talking, asking me what happened.  

Folks always believe, the Scriptures tell us Hope does not disappoint.  Amen.

But I’m Not Like Him (or Her)

 But I’m not like that person, Lord.  The Lord responds to me, “You are not like who?”

I cannot speak out like that person sharing the Gospel.  I don’t have the memory that person has.  I cannot quote Scripture like that.  I’m not like Charlie Kirk, who was an ambassador for Jesus Christ.  Who could debate in love.  Who would have a conversation with anyone who had different views than he.  And the list is endless.  

The Church is especially grieving over the horrible evil that took Charlie Kirk’s life.  The evil that robbed a Daddy from 2 very young children.  And the evil that has left a wife grieving over the loss of her husband that she loved dearly.  

That has left many asking more questions than ever. It has left many thinking how can they have such an impact like Charlie Kirk?  The truth is, you cannot.  Not like Charlie, or like your Pastor, or like your spouse.  Unless the Holy Spirit has empowered you to do so.  Charlie Kirk had a brilliant mind.  Because he was empowered and filled with the Holy Spirit. Our Lord Jesus chose him to do the work he was called to do.  

So what has Jesus called you to do?  We cannot pretend to be like our neighbors, pastor, teacher, or your spouse.  However, we can be just as effective at sharing the Gospel, or praying for someone to be healed, or teaching about the Word of God.  When God calls you, and you respond willingly, He empowers you and fills you with His Spirit.  Enabling us to be just as effective for the Lord, in the way He has chosen for us.  

My husband can teach and share about the Word of God.  He can study the Word and never become tired of it.  I am not like him.  But Jesus has placed these blogs on my heart.  He is using me to write these blogs.  His Holy Spirit empowers me.  

I encourage you all, pray and ask Jesus what He wants you to do for Him and His glory?  Then ask Him to fill you with His Spirit.  Ask Him to enable you.  You!  Do not try to be just like another.  But be who God has called you to be.  

“And He personally gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, for the training of the saints in the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ,”

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4‬:‭11‬-‭12‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

*************************

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.””

‭‭Acts‬ ‭1‬:‭8‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

Be The Light

•  “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord shines over you.”  Isaiah‬ ‭60‬:‭1‬ ‭
• “In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”‭‭. Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭16‬ ‭HCSB‬‬
• “For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true.”                 ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭5‬:‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Have you ever thought of yourself as a light for all the world to see?  Have you ever thought of your home  as a lighthouse beaming in the darkness, for all to see? 

The Scriptures tell us before we received Christ into our lives, we were full of darkness.  In other words being controlled by evil. Our thoughts and actions based on evil and darkness.  But when we ask our Lord Jesus to come in and control our hearts, thoughts, and actions.  We are full of light.  Full of our Living God.  His light shines from us for the world to see.  A beacon on a hill shining His light for the lost to see. A bright lighthouse for the world to see.  

I remember many years ago someone asked my mother if  my home belonged to her daughter and son in law.  My Mom said proudly yes it is.  Why do you ask?  The lady said to my Mom, that house emits such a bright light.  As if  an angel is guiding the way.  She said she likes to drive by our home just so she can see the light and feel the encouragement.  My Mom replied to her that was the Holy Spirit she was feeling.  It was He that empowered my husband and I, along with our home to shine for all the world to see.  

That was the first time I ever heard that before.  And little did that lady know but she encouraged us so much.  We looked at that statement as a lesson to be learned.  Never underestimate yourself.  Our Lord can use us, use our homes whenever and however He likes.  And there is always a purpose.  

Wow! Imagine that, our home is a lighthouse.  Our lives shine with the light of our Lord. Our lives have a clear purpose.  That is to bring glory and honor to our Lord Jesus.  

The next time you are searching for your purpose, or thinking you do not do anything worthwhile for the Lord, or you go unnoticed, remember our Lord Jesus has filled us with His Holy Spirit.  He loves you and has filled you with purpose.  And your home is that “lighthouse “. 

Be encouraged faithful readers.  Love our Lord God with your all.  And be willing to be His light.  

               

Challenges in the Midst of Your Hope

Most of you know by now where my hope and faith come from. My Lord Jesus. That is also where my strength, wisdom, knowledge, perseverance comes from. Without Jesus and His Holy Spirit I would not have these in my life. I am totally convinced of that.
With that said, what do we do when we have challenges and "big" hurdles in the midst of that hope?
As you know, I have many health issues I struggle with. Most coming from the result of the spinal cord damage, and then others from leukemia. These last several weeks I've had some hurdles to get over. I've had some new challenges. The question is how do I respond to these things without losing my hope and faith? How do I react so that I am not losing my trust that Jesus has His best for me?
I respond the only way I know how, prayer. I have to get into that quiet place with Jesus and have a nice comforting conversation with Him. I need to know that I am walking in the wisdom He has given me. I need to know that I am not relying solely on someone else's suggestion. Then I must take that wisdom and discern what is right for me. My doctor, whom I have a very good relationship with, understands my concerns, and even my fears. This is important. We need to have that type of trust. With her wisdom and knowledge, we talk things through, weigh the pros and cons, and together with my husband, make a decision that is best for me. But none of this happens before I have totally put my trust in Jesus, and had the conversation with him. I need to know I am walking in the path Jesus has set before me.
Okay, I can hear some comments now  "If you are trusting in Jesus then why aren't you healed?"
"If you want to trust Jesus, then why do you need a doctor to treat you?"
I have heard all of these comments many times. I do not have all the answers. But I do know my body is flesh. My body will never be perfect until the day I go to heaven. If Jesus chooses, He can heal me instantly, or over a period of time. But the one thing I have always believed is that I want Jesus to be glorified through my situation, and I want others to see the hope I have because of Jesus' love for me.
I want others to have hope for their own lives.
With all of that said, how do I keep that hope and faith in the midst of decisions. I have that personal relationship with Jesus so when I sit and spend time with Him, I know with my whole heart Jesus is with me no matter what. Even if I may not make the best decision, Jesus won't desert me. He will continue to guide me through my trials. That is faith and hope and trust in my Lord. And that is how I get through my challenges and maintain my hope.
You also can have that hope through any trial you go through. Jesus is always with you. He comforts us, fills us with His peace, floods us with His love, and has His arms around us.
Faithful readers, I pray that whatever your challenge is, whatever your hurdle is, you can reach deep within and pull out that hope, and run right through those hurdles. Jesus is right there with you.

One of the first, and most important things we must do is ask Jesus into your heart.  Acknowledge you cannot do life without Him.  Love Him with your whole heart.  It all begins with that.  Our relationship with Jesus, and acknowledging He is Lord, the King of Kings, our Savior.  

I pray you find your comfort place that you and Jesus share together.  Amen! 

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding;”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭3‬:‭5‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

““Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭11‬:‭28‬ ‭HCSB‬‬