Gratitude

How could I express all my gratitude?

     We celebrated 11 years of Myra's life the past few days. It was beautiful to spend time with her, Amy and the rest of my family. As I reflect upon how the beginning for Myra's life came about and the turbulence she was born in the midst of, I lean into the Father and remember with gratitude how much He has done for me. Myra was born in November 2011 and in February of 2012, I was wrongly and unjustly imprisoned by the State of Illinois. Two weeks after my farce of a trial and me being put into the infamous Cook County jail, little Myra had open heart surgery to repair a condition called AV canal. Amy and Myra and my other children had to face this extremely frightening and challenging experience without me. As I reflect further on all that has transpired since then, I am overwhelmed with the presence of God's love and grace and mercy. Truly, His faithfulness endures forever. This morning, I sit here in a Panera Cafe blogging about my life, sipping on a dark roast coffee, and I remember where I was just 7 years ago. The smell of coffee is similar as I was fortunate to purchase instant coffee and a hot pot through the commissary. That taste and smell as I recollect, was a reminder, a hope for my freedom to be restored. And glory to God, it was! 

     Many friends have wanted to ask about my experiences in the Illinois Department of Corrections, yet have been too worried they will offend me, others have been kind to visit me and show me love and gently ask the questions they were so curious to have answered. To the few who came and lunched with me, even bought me birthday gifts, messaged me and help provide support, I cannot express how much that has meant to me. To this day, I am so grateful for your genuine and generous acts of love. You know who you are. Thanks to those who have helped me with offering me work, improving my job situation and life situations, to those who have desired a relationship with me and are not ashamed of me or what happened to me. I have said this to many people when sharing what occurred, that if they could do this to a guy like me, they really can do it to anyone. Today, I am looking for work again, and with a conviction on your record, it is extremely challenging to find gainful employment. It has really enlightened me to the challenges faced by many men and women who have dealt with incarceration. As someone who has higher education, a great deal of professional experience and various skills and talents, it breaks my heart to think how much more difficult it is for those who are not as educated, don't have the experience, have records and are therefore overlooked for jobs. I will persevere in faith.  Thank you Lord God for another day in the life of Michael Cacini. God bless my friends, my family, and the USA. 

Freedom

 8 1 but Jesus went to the Mount of Olives.

2 At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. 3 The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group 4 and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5 In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” 6 They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him.

But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. 7 When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” 8 Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.

9 At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. 10 Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”

11 “No one, sir,” she said.

“Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”

I Am Free (Who The Son Sets Free)

Will Bday Party

Thank you to all the family and friends that celebrated this wonderful young man this past weekend. Truly, the best things in life are free.

What A Beautiful Name - Hillsong Worship

Happy Valentine's Day 2018 This morning, as I drove into work, the radio personalities were talking about a survey done where people were asked "what is one word you think of when you think of love?" They said that the number one answer was warmth. On a cold day in February, and as cold as it has been lately, not sure warmth is the best response. My answer: GOD God is love. Have a blessed day!

The Beginning

March 23rd has come and gone...

What did I do to make a difference in someone's life today?

As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.

James 5:11