McPIFP Goal for Week #15

Goal: Acknowledge Earth Day (April 22nd) and Arbor Day (April 24th)

"Take sides-- neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim"

-Ellie Weisel, Holocaust Survivor

(a quote used by one of my very best friends)

I realize that this quote might be out of context in regards to Earth and Arbor Day, but I want you to open your mind and look at it this way: The definition of "neutrality" is 'the state of being impartial or committed to any party or viewpoint'. It's almost like the quote, "ignorance is bliss". But is it really??

In defense of our beloved Earth (the victim), I feel that too many of us (the "opressors") show neutrality vs. taking its side to make it a better place. I, myself, am guilty of this very thing. I ignore all of the environmental issues, because I can't see it directly applying to my life.... but it's the lives of those coming after me that I should really think about. I look at all of the environmental fact sheets listed on the website for Earth Day (http://www.earthday.net/) and it really makes me re-think my complacency/neutrality.

This week, I encourage you to EDUCATE yourself! Find out what you can do or how you can be aware of the environmental issues going on around you, and TAKE SIDES!

http://www.earthday.net/

http://www.arborday.org/

http://www.arbor-day.net/

http://www.earthday.wilderness.org/

"He has risen from the dead!" Week 14

They found that the stone covering the entrance had been rolled aside. So they went in, but they couldn't find the body of the Lord Jesus. They were puzzled, trying to think what could have happenend to it. Suddenly, two men appeared to them, clothed in dazzling robes. The women were terrified and bowed low before them. Then the men asked, "Why are you looking in a tomb for someone who is alive? He isn't here! He has risen from the dead!"

Luke 24: 2-6

The story doesn't end there. This was just the beginning! Why did He rise from the dead? Why did he have to die such a gruesome death? After Jesus had risen, he met up with the remaining 11 disciples as well as a group of Jesus' followers. He told them, "When I was with you before, I told you that everything written about me by Moses and the prophets and in the Psalms must all come true. Yes, it is written long ago that the Messiah must suffer and die and will rise again from the dead on the third day. With my authority, take this message of repentance to all the nations..... There is forgiveness of sins for all who turn to me."

As we go through this week before Easter Sunday, take a minute to meditate and think about the above scriptures. "There is forgiveness of sins for all who turn to me." This is such a bold statement that sums up why Jesus went through what He did. I'm blown away! He loves us THAT much! And He loves us so much that He didn't leave us alone here on earth. He said, "And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven."

As a daughter of the King, I have been given that power from Heaven. YOU have been given that power from Heaven! We are never alone and Jesus is always right there within us. It's such a comforting truth and I encourage you to revel in His love for us this week (and always!).

This is the reason we celebrate Easter! The word "celebrate" means 'to observe a day or event with respect, festivity, or rejoicing'. Let us REJOICE this week in the love our Lord Jesus has for us! And let us spread the good news to the ones we love! He has risen and He is real and alive!!!

I pray that He becomes alive in your hearts as He is in mine.

Much love to you always! =)