Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!

March 17th is almost upon us...
 
I always look forward to celebrating St. Patrick's Day.  I feel that it is one Holiday that all Christians should celebrate.  I never thought much about this particular holiday until home schooling my children.  As I studied to teach them the significance of St. Patrick's Day, I found out how much St. Patrick did for the cause of the Christian faith.  His life story is a testimony to an enduring faith in God...He escaped slavery and came back to his slave-masters to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with them.  He also did a lot to fight against the paganism that was so entrenched in 'the Isles.'  As a Christian, celebrating St. Patrick's Day is a day we should really take hold of and not let the enemy use for a day of other celebrations.

What are your colors?  History moment - There was a period of time where Christian faiths were battling each other...it is still a source of conflict to this day.  Every now and then, you will hear of a bombing in Ireland.  It goes back to this conflict between the Protestants and the Catholics.  The color orange was for the Protestants and the Green was for Catholics.  May God get his body of believers to join with each other rather than be at odds with each other. 


My favorite meal for this day in keeping with the traditions of men -

Corn Beef and Cabbage - MMMMM, MMMMMM!!

Ingredients:

1 medium onion, cut into wedges
4 large red potatoes, quartered
1 pound baby carrots (I use regular carrots as many as I might need five or six)
3 cups water
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 Bay leaf (I use two to three Bay leaves)
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar unrefined
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 corned beef brisket with spice packet (2-1/2 to 3 pounds), cut in half
1 small head cabbage, cut into wedges       

Directions: 

 

 Place the onion, potatoes and carrots in a 5-qt. slow cooker.  Combine the water, garlic, bay leaf, sugar, vinegar, pepper and contents of spice packet; pour over vegetables. Top with brisket and cabbage.  Cover and cook on low for 8-9 hours or until meat and vegetables are tender. Discard bay leaf before serving.

 

 

And last, here is a song for remembering the Irish Washer Women - It is a familiar folk song that people know the tune, but they do not know the meaning behind the song...History is intriguing to learn when you have perspective on the issues involved.  I hope to encourage to do your own study in learning more of our rich Christian heritage.

Sheet Music

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6hmqAHE1gkIrish Washer Woman

 

For your little people or adults, who like to color, here is a page of Shamrocks for you. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 sources:  Irish Flag 

Shamrock Banner - created from free clipart source on Internet