Living From a Suitcase; Lessons Learned

Living From a Suitcase; Lessons Learned

Thursday, April 9, 2026

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Image: Bedside Table Laptop by Gail K. Kachnycz 25 March 2026

LIVING FROM A SUITCASE; LESSONS LEARNED

By Gail K. Kachnycz 06 April 2026

     “Be sure to write in your journal,” one of my friends advised. “You are sure to learn a lot through

this experience.” On March 24, I returned to our newly repaired and renovated house. I was away a total

of six months, living out of a suitcase and dependent on the hospitality of friends and family. During that

time, journal entries were made about 14 times; seven in the first two weeks, and seven in the remaining

five and a half months– hardly a frequent record of events and thoughts. Although I did not write down

my reflections at the time, there were some lessons that I will begin to share. For those of you who have

become readers or subscribers some time in 2025, here are some links that explain why I was on the

road for six months:

Going Off the Grid 2/13/25

Elephant Sisters 5/15/25

Emergency Tea Kit 5/28/25

     The repairs and renovations were quite extensive. A partial list of interior work included: repair water

damage to walls in garage & laundry room, raise/level “sunken” living room floor, install new flooring

on 2 levels of the house, bring electrical circuits up to modern code requirements, renovate kitchen &

three bathrooms including adding a shower to ground floor bathroom, paint all living spaces of the house

except paneled family room. The general contractor that we employed estimated that the job could be

completed in four to five months. I had been cautioned by those with experience in home projects that it

would take longer, so mentally I prepared to see the process take six months, extending through March.

Although I am back in the house, there are “punch list” tasks that need to be completed, and furniture is

not back in place. Everything is still in boxes, so it is rather like camping. But, I wholeheartedly agree

with Dorothy as she returned from Oz, “There’s no place like home.”

     When I anticipated living from a suitcase, free from household tasks, I thought I would have time to

do at least some of the things I had put off while I was downsizing and packing the house before interior

demolition and construction began. Some of the projects I envisioned were: setting up a schedule for

prayer times and reading through the Bible. I packed the Spanish CD’s from Pimsleur and the Navigators

Topical Memory System cards of Bible verses. I brought materials to make a Tee-shirt quilt, and books

to read for education and pleasure. Most of these items remained in the boxes, untouched. Had I

surrendered this unique opportunity? Had I simply drifted along, life on hold for six months? No. The

answer is, the experiences and lessons I learned were different from what I was expecting. They fall

into three main categories. Future posts will elaborate on each one.

1. “Big Rocks” Fit First; make space for what is important

2. Life Goes On; maintain connections/relationships

3. We Don’t Really Need Much; blessing is practical

     Look for these topics to appear as posts over the next weeks or months.

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Easter Dawn Revisited

Easter Dawn Revisited

Sunday, April 5, 2026

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Image: Easter Dawn by Gail K. Kachnycz 31 March 2024

Blessed Easter to Everyone. Here is a link to the story behind the photograph.

Easter Dawn Story 4/3/24

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WORD SEVEN: The Son of God

WORD SEVEN: The Son of God

Thursday, April 2, 2026

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Image: Images from Book of Matthew; heartlight.org Accessed 18 February 2026

SEVEN WORDS TO JESUS; Word Seven: The Son of God

By Gail K. Kachnycz on 7 March 2026

And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and gave up His spirit. And behold, the veil of the temple

was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth shook and the rocks were split. Also the tombs were

opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; and coming out of the tombs

after His resurrection, they entered the holy city and appeared to many. Now as for the centurion and

those who were with him keeping guard over Jesus, when they saw the earthquake and the other things

that were happening, they became extremely frightened and said, “Truly this was the Son of God” Matthew 27:50-56 NASB2020

Parallel Passages Mark 15:38-41; Luke 23:45, 47-49

     The centurion was a professional soldier and had probably seen his share of combat and keeping

order in the region of Judea. He had probably participated in more than a few executions by crucifixion.

The ominous darkness that covered the city was a sign that the death of their prisoner was not routine.

The earthquake that took place as Jesus gave up His spirit struck fear into the hearts of this veteran

officer and the guards assigned with him. These were seasoned Roman soldiers, so the events they

witnessed must have been truly terrifying.  They saw the cataclysm as an indication that this was no

ordinary man, but the Son of God.

     Do we join with the centurion in declaring that Jesus is the Son of God? Do we do so with a grateful

heart each day, or does our world have to fall apart before we acknowledge that we need Christ to

sustain us?

In Him we live and move and have our being. Acts 17:28 KJV

Let’s not wait for disaster, but give Jesus the honor He is due through both times of blessing and times

of testing.

Looking only at Jesus, the originator and perfecter of the faith, who for the joy set before Him endured

the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2 NASB2020

Now to Him who is able to protect you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His

glory, blameless with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory,

majesty, dominion, and authority before all time and now and forever. Amen. Jude 24&25 NASB2020

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WORD SIX: Calling for Elijah

WORD SIX: Calling for Elijah

Wednesday, March 25, 2026

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Image: Christ; www.dreamstime.com Accessed 18 February 2026

SEVEN WORDS TO JESUS; Word Six: Calling for Elijah

By Gail K. Kachnycz on 6 March 2026

     Now from the sixth hour darkness fell upon all the land until the ninth hour. And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “ELI, ELI, LEMA SABAKTANEI?” that is, “MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME?” And some of those who were standing there, when they heard it, said, “This man is calling for Elijah.” And immediately one of them ran, and taking a sponge, he filled it with sour wine and put it on a reed, and gave Him a drink. But the rest of them said, “Let us see if Elijah comes to save Him.” Matthew 27:45-49 NASB2020 Parallel Passage is Mark 15:33-36

     A strange darkness had enveloped the site of the crucifixion for three hours. Jesus knew that His earthly life would soon end, a complete and perfect sacrifice for the sins of all humankind. As the burden of that evil was placed upon Jesus, God the Father could not remain in the presence of sin. Jesus cried out, “My God, My God, Why have You forsaken Me?” These words expressed the acute agony of separation, but also were the opening phrase of Psalm 22.

     Why did the crowd misunderstand what Jesus was saying? Why did they think he was calling for

Elijah? Why didn’t they recognize the verse from Psalm 22? David the Psalmist had spoken those

words, but they weren’t expecting Jesus to do so. Part of the answer may have been the physical

circumstances. Jesus had been beaten, so it is possible that His face was swollen, making speech

difficult. By now, He had been exposed to the elements for nearly six hours. Due to blood loss He was

weak and dehydrated, which can cause the tongue to enlarge, further distorting speech. One person

realized the need for liquid and offered Him sour wine. Everyone else stood back. They had a false

interpretation of what they heard, and therefore had wrong expectations. 

     Do we have trouble understanding what Jesus is saying to us? Do we look at the circumstances we

are in to interpret His words? The wrong understanding leads to false expectations or taking action that

was not prompted by God’s leading. The words that Jesus spoke from the cross were probably distorted

and difficult to understand. Those who knew the Scripture well would have recognized Psalm 22.

Turning to Scripture to clarify the Lord’s message to us will confirm the correct meaning. The Bible

safeguards us and keeps us on the right path.

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Psalm 119:105 KJV

For the word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, even penetrating as

far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and

intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 NASB2020

All Scripture is inspired by God and beneficial for teaching, for rebuke, for correction, for training in

righteousness; so that the man or woman of God may be fully capable, equipped for every good

work. 2 Timothy 3:16 NASB2020

For thoughtful consideration:

Do I expect the Lord to speak to me?

If I am uncertain of His message, do I look to Scripture to clarify and confirm?

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WORD FIVE: Remember Me

WORD FIVE: Remember Me

Wednesday, March 18, 2026

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Image: The Thief on the Cross; www.gotquestions.org Accessed 18 February 2026

SEVEN WORDS TO JESUS; Word Five: Remember Me

By Gail K. Kachnycz on 5 March 2026

Now there was also an inscription above Him, “THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.” 

   One of the criminals who were hanged there was hurling abuse at Him, saying, “Are You not the

Christ? Save Yourself and us!” But the other responded, and rebuking him said, “Do you not even

fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we are suffering justly, for

we are receiving what we deserve for our crimes; but this Man has done nothing wrong.” And he

was saying, “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom!” And He said to him, “Truly I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” Luke 23:38-43 NASB2020

     The faith expressed by this man absolutely astounds me. There are other examples of great faith in

the Gospels, some of whom Jesus specifically commended. There was the woman who touched the

hem of His garment [1], the Centurion who recognized Jesus’ authority to heal with only a word [2],

and the Canaanite woman who was willing to accept “crumbs” of healing for her daughter [3]. However

these people made their pleas to Jesus during His ministry of teaching, healing, and working miracles.

The criminal on the cross was seeing the end of any possible kingdom on earth. How could he make

such a request as, “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom!”?

     Many Jews believed that on “the last day” everyone would be raised from the dead. Martha expressed

this when her brother Lazarus had died [4]. Is this what the criminal believed, that on the last day Jesus

would be raised and accorded His proper kingship? He would have heard the insults of the crowd and

the Chief Priests, mocking Jesus as “The King of the Jews.” Is it possible that this man had been an

insurrectionist, trying to usher in the reign of a Jewish king with violence, while Jesus had challenged

corrupt authority consistently but peacefully? How did he come to recognize Jesus as the True King,

Who would come into His kingdom?

     It was common for a victorious king to remember those who assisted him and reward them with land,

titles, or roles with power. Those who opposed him were punished, often executed. Was the repentant

criminal asking to be remembered and given a pardon for not following Him sooner? All we know is

that Jesus immediately accepted him, gave full pardon, and welcomed him into the eternal kingdom.

The words of the criminal give us hope that anyone can reach out to Jesus, even when life is fading,

and enter His presence.

He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved

Son. Colossians 1:13 ESV

For thoughtful consideration: Where am I choosing my own path rather than allowing Jesus to reign in

my life?

[1] Matthew 9:20-22, Mark 5:25-34, Luke 8:43-48

[2] Matthew 8:9, Luke 7:8

[3] Matthew 15:27, Mark 7:28

[4] John 11:1-45, especially verse 24

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WORD FOUR: Save Yourself And Us

WORD FOUR: Save Yourself And Us

Wednesday, March 11, 2026

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Image: The Crucifixion, St. Louis Art Museum slam.org Accessed 18 February 2026

SEVEN WORDS TO JESUS; Word Four: Save Yourself and Us

By Gail K. Kachnycz 3 March 2026

And with him they crucify two thieves; the one on his right hand, and the other on his

left. Mark 15:27 KJV

Then there were two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the

left. Matthew 27:38

One of the criminals who were hanged there was hurling abuse at Him, saying, “Are You not the Christ?

Save Yourself and us!” But the other responded, and rebuking him, said, “Do you not even fear God,

since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are

receiving what we deserve for our crimes; but this Man has done nothing wrong."Luke 23:39-41 NASB2020

     Matthew and Mark specify that Jesus was crucified with other condemned men, one on either side.

The King James Version (KJV) uses the word “thieves” to describe them, but the modern translations

use the more accurate terms “criminals” or “rebels.” Since I am no expert in Greek, I asked our pastor

to supply and define the Greek words that were used. The Gospel of Luke uses the word “kakourgos,”

which means criminal or evil-doer. Matthew and Mark use the word “leisteis,” which means robber,

brigand, or insurrectionist. The Oxford Dictionary provides these definitions:

Robber: a person who takes property unlawfully by force or threat of force

Brigand: a member of a gang that ambushes and robs people in forests and mountains.

Insurrectionist: a person who is engaged in violent uprising against an authority or government.

Thief: a person who steals another person’s property, especially by stealth and without using force

or violence. [emphasis added]

     With the proper translation and definition, it makes more sense that crucifixion was the punishment.

Rome would certainly eliminate anyone who threatened the safety on their system of roads, or dared to

overthrow their rule. 

     It is quite possible that the two men being executed were comrades in arms, part of the same gang

of brigands or fighters trying to undermine Roman authority. Whatever their crimes, they were violent

men. In extreme pain, one chose verbal abuse as a way to attack even in his final hours. The other

recognized that he had lived by the sword and was therefore dying by the “sword,” that is, the rightful

punishment for the violence he had inflicted on others. 

     The abusive brigand challenged Jesus: “Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!” In times of

pain and crisis, do we sometimes question God? If God really cared, He would smooth our path and

relieve our suffering. If God doesn’t help, He must not love us. If God is love, why does He allow

innocent babies to be born with birth defects or get cancer? If God is all-powerful, why does He allow

natural disasters such as floods or earthquakes? Why doesn’t He prevent them and save us? Why do bad

things happen, especially to people who trust Him, if God could change them?

     There is no easy answer. In the foundation essays for this blog, I state that Christian scholars have

addressed this better than I ever could. The book by the late Dr. James Dobson,

When God Doesn’t Make Sense, is recommended. Deeper Questions 4 June 2025

     Because Jesus did not step down from the cross, He can enter our suffering and say, “I understand

your pain.”

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who

has been tempted in every way, just as we are– yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of

grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.Hebrews 4:15 & 16 NIV

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WORD THREE: See and Believe

WORD THREE: See and Believe

Wednesday, March 4, 2026

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Image: Amazing Love, www.heartlight.org Accessed 18 February 2026

SEVEN WORDS TO JESUS; Word Three: See and Believe

By Gail K. Kachnycz 24 February 2026

In the same way the chief priests also, along with the scribes, were mocking him among themselves and saying, “He saved others; He cannot save Himself! Let this Christ, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross, so that we may see and believe!” Mark 15:31-32a NASB2020

In the same way the chief priests also, along with the scribes and elders, were mocking him and saying,

“He saved others; He cannot save Himself! He is the King of Israel; let Him now come down from the

cross, and we will believe in Him. HE HAS TRUSTED IN GOD; LET GOD RESCUE Him now, IF HE

TAKES PLEASURE IN HIM; for He said, ‘I am the Son of God.’ “ Matthew 27: 41-43

     The chief priests were there as Jesus was crucified. They ridiculed Him along with the general crowd.

They felt that their goal of silencing Him was achieved. They truly believed they were punishing a

blasphemer and protecting the purity of the Jewish religion and tradition. They taunted Him, fulfilling

Psalm 22:7-8 

All those who see Me ridicule Me; They shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying, 

“He trusted in the LORD, let Him rescue Him; Let Him deliver Him, since He delights in Him!” NKJV

     The Gospel of Matthew notes that they mocked Him for being “the King of Israel,” and saying,

“I am the Son of God.” Since they were well versed with the Scriptures, they thought they knew what

the King of Israel would do and say, and Jesus did not fit their description. They wanted Jesus to behave

as they thought a king or messiah should, to show regal power according to their definition.

  “I’ll believe it when I see it.” How often have we said that to ourselves? How often have we said

that to God? God, if You would only…

…heal my loved one…provide the finances I need…get me out of this crisis…

…then I will believe in You.

     Maybe the prayer is framed as “either/or:”

…either heal my loved one or take them to heaven…either restore this relationship or help me separate

and start over…

     We want God to do something specific, the answer we want or the positive outcome according to our

definition. But God is not like that. He is not, “either/or.” God thinks and acts outside the box!

     It is hard to trust the Lord when we don’t know what the outcome will be, or when the worst- case

scenario is unfolding in front of us. I think God understands that. He just asks us to take one step of faith

at a time and trust that He has our best interests at heart. It is probably something we would never think

of.

For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD.

“For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways,

And My thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55: 8-9 NKJV

But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man

The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9 NKJV

Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me you have believed. Blessed are those who have

not seen and yet have believed.” John 20:29 NKJV  

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