McPIFP Goal for Week #36

Hi Friends & Family!

So I've decided to do something a little different for these next few weeks before Christmas... and yes... there's only a FEW weeks left! Appoximately NINE weeks, actually! Don't stress... this is a happy thing! =) For all who know me... doing a Christmas-themed blog shouldn't surprise you. I love the Christmas season... everything about it! The music, the lights, the trees, the smells, the Christmas movies, the family time, the shopping, the baking, the wrapping gifts... EVERYTHING about it! I even love the traffic and crazy shoppers! And I'm especially excited about it this year! ;) But most importantly.. I love that we all take time to acknowledge our Saviour's birth. It's funny to me that we take away so much of the Christ-meaning behind this holiday... changing all the signs to "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas"; changing our schools' Christmas breaks to Winter breaks; company Christmas parties to Holiday parties, etc. Our society changes things to make sure it's PC (politically correct), but yet, CHRISTmas is still a national holiday. No matter how much our society tries to downgrade the meaning behind this "holiday" season... I find it hilarious that we all still celebrate it! Businesses and schools are closed; we all take the time off to spend with family and friends; And we are all, in our own unique way-- PC or not-- celebrating Jesus's birth... not Santa Claus... but JESUS.

We all know the popular song, "The 12 Days of Christmas", right? Well... I'm going to do something simliar, except this blog series will be "The 8 Weeks 'Til Christmas". In honor of Jesus's birthday and in honor of His life here on earth, I'm going to pick a 'Jesus quality' to emulate each week before Christmas. No matter who you are or what you celebrate, HE is the reason for the season! Jesus is truth and He is life! For this week's intro.. I encourage you to allow Him to become real to you. Open your hearts and minds to what He wants to do in your life this holiday season. EXPECT good things! They will happen!

I love you all!
XOXOXOXO

McPIFP Goal for Week #35

Goal: Celebrate "Pastor Appreciation Month"

As some of you may already know, October is Pastor Appreciation Month. This is kind of an unheard "holiday", unless you hear about it from your Christian radio stations. That's how I remembered it... because it definitely wasn't on my planner as important dates. Another important day this week is, "Boss's Day". I was honestly planning on doing my blog over this one, but then decided to do Pastor Appreciation Month instead. Although... you could be a double blessing this week and give thanks to both your boss and your Pastor. Your choice. =)

I don't know about you, but I am SO thankful for my Pastors! Honestly, I'm not quite sure where I would be without them; or where our society would be without them for that matter. For years and years, Pastors have unselfishly provided love, encouragement, counsel, prayer, and guidance. They are ministers of the gospel... sharing with us the greatest gift of all-- God's love. For the most part, Pastors aren't wealthy and a lot of times, they sacrifice quality time with their families in order to be there for us; They spend time in hospitals providing comfort for the sick or they spend time providing pre-marital counseling for young couples in love; They then spend time seeking the Lord for a message to prepare and teach every Sunday morning, all the while trying not to be discouraged by the guy falling asleep in the back row. Ha! ;)

The life of a Pastor is NOT easy, but like teaching... I'm sure it's incredibly rewarding. Like I said, I'm not sure where I'd be without their love and faithfulness. This week... let's show or tell our Pastors that we appreciate them. If you don't attend church regularly or don't have a Pastor, then you can focus your attentions on your boss. Send "thank you" letters/cards; or give a QT gift card; or maybe you know their favorite restaurants; or simply just TELL them "Thank You" in person.

I hope you have a great week!
I pray blessings of love and favor over your lives daily, and always.
I love you! =)