Saint Patrick, humble Scotsman that took God to Ireland.

    Tomorrow is Saint Patrick’s day. This holiday for many is a great excuse to pinch and kiss people, wear green and drink green beer, drink Guinness Stout, Jameson Whiskey, Baileys Irish Cream, eat corned beef with cabbage and potatoes, soda bread, believe in leprechaun’s and pots of gold, act Irish for the day and party. Be that as it may, March 17 is all about a humble Scottish man that loved God. 

    In the village of Kilpatrick, in West Dunbartonshire, Scotland, Saint Patrick was born British to affluent parents.  The precise year of his death is unknown but most of those knowledgable agree it was between 460 A.D. and 493 A.D. Some credible religious accounts written indicate he lived from roughly 340A.D. to 440 A.D. Oddly enough, we do know he died on March 17. At the age of 16 he was captured in Wales by Irish raiders, then taken to Ireland to be a slave in the capacity of a herdsman. It is reported Saint Patrick has a dream while in captivity giving him a clear vision of God’s call on his life to take God and His love to the Irish. Hum... why am I thinking of Joseph serving the Egyptians? He escaped Ireland and rejoined his family, entered the Roman Catholic church, and became an ordained bishop. Returning then to Ireland he became the first missionary to that country, the very country that kidnapped and enslaved him. There he preached the gospel of Jesus, baptized Kings and Chiefs of government~ and in fact brought entire clan’s to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.  The good work he did spread across Ireland. How do you spell revival? That so excites me. 

    There are legends about Saint Patrick ridding Ireland of snakes and using the Shamrock to illustrate the Trinity, the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. There is scripture that tells us since every thing we lost in the Garden of Eden was bought back for us by Jesus, including dominion over the earth, ridding of snakes would have been a possibility. Jesus used vinedressers, farmers, sowing seeds into different types of ground, sheep, goats, weeds, fig trees, and pieces of nature the people could understand to illustrate godly principles. Therefore, I do not think using a Shamrock to illustrate our Triune God is a stretch. And, the Shamrock is now the official flower of Ireland. At any rate, I think it is most notable that Saint Patrick obeyed God and went back to Ireland to share the love of God with those that captured and imprisoned him for six years.

    For Catholics in Ireland this a Holy Day of Obligation where they will attend Mass. For some it is a celebration of their Irish heritage. Some just like it because the river gets turned green and so does the beer they will so happily enjoy. For me, it is remembering and celebrating one man’s love for God that moved him to a place of inspiring forgiveness, and the life he spent devoted to sharing God with the world. Okay, and corned beef, cabbage and potatoes are my little fodder contribution to the day.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Shona Lá Fhéile Pádraig!

Saint Patrick, humble Scotsman that took God to Ireland.

    It is Saint Patrick’s day! This holiday for many is a great excuse to pinch and kiss people, wear green and drink green beer, drink Guinness Stout, Jameson Whiskey, Baileys Irish Cream, eat corned beef with cabbage and potatoes, soda bread, believe in leprechaun’s and pots of gold, act Irish for the day and party. Be that as it may, March 17 is all about a humble Scottish man that loved God. 

    In the village of Kilpatrick, in West Dunbartonshire, Scotland, Saint Patrick was born British to affluent parents.  The precise year of his death is unknown but most of those knowledgable agree it was between 460 A.D. and 493 A.D. Some credible religious accounts written indicate he lived from roughly 340A.D. to 440 A.D. Oddly enough, we do know he died on March 17. At the age of 16 he was captured in Wales by Irish raiders, then taken to Ireland to be a slave in the capacity of a herdsman. It is reported Saint Patrick has a dream while in captivity giving him a clear vision of God’s call on his life to take God and His love to the Irish. Hum... why am I thinking of Joseph serving the Egyptians? He escaped Ireland and rejoined his family, entered the Roman Catholic church, and became an ordained bishop. Returning then to Ireland he became the first missionary to that country, the very country that kidnapped and enslaved him. There he preached the gospel of Jesus, baptized Kings and Chiefs of government~ and in fact brought entire clan’s to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.  The good work he did spread across Ireland. How do you spell revival? That so excites me. 

    There are legends about Saint Patrick ridding Ireland of snakes and using the Shamrock to illustrate the Trinity, the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. There is scripture that tells us since every thing we lost in the Garden of Eden was bought back for us by Jesus, including dominion over the earth, ridding of snakes would have been a possibility. Jesus used vinedressers, farmers, sowing seeds into different types of ground, sheep, goats, weeds, fig trees, and pieces of nature the people could understand to illustrate godly principles. Therefore, I do not think using a Shamrock to illustrate our Triune God is a stretch. And, the Shamrock is now the official flower of Ireland. At any rate, I think it is most notable that Saint Patrick obeyed God and went back to Ireland to share the love of God with those that captured and imprisoned him for six years.

    For Catholics in Ireland this a Holy Day of Obligation where they will attend Mass. For some it is a celebration of their Irish heritage. Some just like it because the river gets turned green and so does the beer they will so happily enjoy. For me, it is remembering and celebrating one man’s love for God that moved him to a place of inspiring forgiveness, and the life he spent devoted to sharing God with the world. Okay, and corned beef, cabbage and potatoes are my little fodder contribution to the day. Oh, except to say that THIS Saint Patricks Day, I am in Cork and Killarney, Ireland! I am at parades ministering to children. I have been here for a few days, and will be here in Ireland for another several days as a short~term missionary, sharing Jesus! Life is GOOD! God is GOOD.......

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Shona Lá Fhéile Pádraig!

Saint Patrick, humble Scotsman that took God to Ireland.

    Tomorrow is Saint Patrick’s day. This holiday for many is a great excuse to pinch and kiss people, wear green and drink green beer, drink Guinness Stout, Jameson Whiskey, Baileys Irish Cream, eat corned beef with cabbage and potatoes, soda bread, believe in leprechaun’s and pots of gold, act Irish for the day and party. Be that as it may, March 17 is all about a humble Scottish man that loved God. 

    In the village of Kilpatrick, in West Dunbartonshire, Scotland, Saint Patrick was born British to affluent parents.  The precise year of his death is unknown but most of those knowledgable agree it was between 460 A.D. and 493 A.D. Some credible religious accounts written indicate he lived from roughly 340A.D. to 440 A.D. Oddly enough, we do know he died on March 17. At the age of 16 he was captured in Wales by Irish raiders, then taken to Ireland to be a slave in the capacity of a herdsman. It is reported Saint Patrick has a dream while in captivity giving him a clear vision of God’s call on his life to take God and His love to the Irish. Hum... why am I thinking of Joseph serving the Egyptians? He escaped Ireland and rejoined his family, entered the Roman Catholic church, and became an ordained bishop. Returning then to Ireland he became the first missionary to that country, the very country that kidnapped and enslaved him. There he preached the gospel of Jesus, baptized Kings and Chiefs of government~ and in fact brought entire clan’s to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.  The good work he did spread across Ireland. How do you spell revival? That so excites me. 

    There are legends about Saint Patrick ridding Ireland of snakes and using the Shamrock to illustrate the Trinity, the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. There is scripture that tells us since every thing we lost in the Garden of Eden was bought back for us by Jesus, including dominion over the earth, ridding of snakes would have been a possibility. Jesus used vinedressers, farmers, sowing seeds into different types of ground, sheep, goats, weeds, fig trees, and pieces of nature the people could understand to illustrate godly principles. Therefore, I do not think using a Shamrock to illustrate our Triune God is a stretch. And, the Shamrock is now the official flower of Ireland. At any rate, I think it is most notable that Saint Patrick obeyed God and went back to Ireland to share the love of God with those that captured and imprisoned him for six years.

    For Catholics in Ireland this a Holy Day of Obligation where they will attend Mass. For some it is a celebration of their Irish heritage. Some just like it because the river gets turned green and so does the beer they will so happily enjoy. For me, it is remembering and celebrating one man’s love for God that moved him to a place of inspiring forgiveness, and the life he spent devoted to sharing God with the world. Okay, and corned beef, cabbage and potatoes are my little fodder contribution to the day.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Shona Lá Fhéile Pádraig!

My pieces of Gold this Saint Patrick's Day!

  Today is day of wearing green, parades, great Irish food, dancing, fun and often some Leprechaun mischief. This day however started out honoring a man that was a missionary to, and a bishop of, Ireland. He was canonized a saint and became the  primary patron saint of Ireland, Saint Patrick.  This Scottish man’s love for God that was so deep he forgave the Irish Raiders that imprisoned Him, and then took Jesus to their country, Ireland. We do not know when he was born exactly, but it is well recorded that he died on March 17, 461 AD.

Pinterest treat I found, so cute.

   

   I had been on Pinterest and stumbled onto this cute little treat. I liked the idea and decided to make it for my grandchildren. I did not have the plastic pretzel sleeves and not a lot of time to go where they might have them, so to my grandchildren’s advantage I used treat bags. More sweet treats there! I had fun making these and thought I would share them. For the treats I made the gold is Rolo and milk chocolate Gold Coins, the clouds are miniature white marshmallows, and the rainbows are Fruit Slices.

You can always click a photo to enlarge it.

Gift tags! And a great excuse to get a little stamping in!

The stuff that brings the word Treats into these little gifts.

The Gold!

Depositing the Gold in the bags.

Punching out circles for a little platform between the gold and clouds.

Clouds in.

So far nibbling has not been a problem, but here come those fruit slices!!!

Rainbows in.

All tied up.

Labels attached with ribbon.

A little note from, Nana.

Off to Post!

   On the back of each label I wrote, “name”,  At the end of the rainbow, behind the clouds ~ you are a piece of my Pot of Gold! Nana.  I love putting things together like that for them! You can see the note I sent them by going here. I hope your Saint Patrick’s Day is going well and full of fun!

Happy St. Paddy's Day!!!

Saint Patrick

In the village of Kilpatrick, in West Dunbartonshire, Scotland, Saint Patrick was born British to affluent parents.  The precise year of his death is unknown but most of those knowledgable agree it was between 460 A.D. and 493 A.D. Some credible religious accounts written indicate he lived from roughly 340 A.D. to 440 A.D. Oddly enough we do know he died on March 17. At the age of 16 he was captured in Wales by Irish raiders and taken to Ireland to be a slave in the capacity of a herdsman. It is reported Saint Patrick has a dream while in captivity giving him a clear vision of God’s call on his life to take God and His love to the Irish. Hum... why am I thinking of Joseph serving the Egyptians? He escaped Ireland and rejoined his family, entered the Roman Catholic church, and became an ordained bishop. Returning then to Ireland he became the first missionary to that country, the very country that kidnapped and enslaved him. There he preached the gospel of Jesus, baptized Kings and Chiefs of government and in fact brought entire clan’s to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.  The good work he did spread across Ireland. How do you spell revival? That so excites me. 

There are legends about Saint Patrick ridding Ireland of snakes and using the Shamrock to illustrate the Trinity, the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Well, there is scripture that could back up the ridding of snakes and Jesus used vinedressers, farmers, sowing seeds into different types of ground, sheep, goats weeds, and fig trees, all pieces of nature the people could understand to illustrate godly principles.  I do not think using a Shamrock to illustrate our Triune God is a stretch. And, the Shamrock is now the official flower of Ireland. At any rate, I think it is most notable that Saint Patrick obeyed God and went back to Ireland to share the love of God with those that captured and imprisoned him for six years.

For Catholics in Ireland this a Holy Day of Obligation where they will attend Mass. For some it is a celebration of their Irish heritage. Some just like it because the river gets turned green and so does the beer they will so happily enjoy. For me, it is remembering and celebrating one man’s love for God that moved him to a place of inspiring forgiveness, and the life he spent devoted to sharing God with the world. Okay, and corned beef, cabbage and potatoes are my little fodder contribution to the day.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Billy Graham

I just got in and thought I would check my email. I saw this when I logged on and wanted to share it. It is an article about, Billy Graham. He has had surgery today and is awake. I know some of you have connections and, or affections for him and his ministry. Those of you that know me, or have gotten to know me through this blog, know I love this man and his wonderful family. I am sure he and his family would covet our prayer. It is a good article and he is quite a trooper.

God bless you and good night,
Teresa

Ruth Graham's Final Earthly Home

I brought glory to you here on earth by completing the work
you gave me to do. John 17:4 (NLT)

Ruth Graham, was laid to rest yesterday. I thought this article was very interesting and wanted to share it with anyone that would care to read it. It always blesses me when I read about this family. They are humans and so not perfect. But oh, for my family to just be so human.

It won’t be long-
the sun is slowlyslipping out of sight;
lengthening shadows
deepen into dusk;
still winds whisper;
all is quiet’
it won’t be long-
-til night.

It won’t be long-
the tired eyes close;
her strength nearly gone;
frail hands that
ministered to many
lie quiet, still;
Light from another world!
Look up, bereaved!
It won’t be long
-till Dawn!

Ruth Bell Graham

Ruth Bell Graham’s Collected Poems
by Ruth Bell Graham,
1977, 1992, 1997 Ruth Bell Graham,
Baker Books, Grand Rapids, Michigan.

UPDATE:  November 8, 2013   As I look back today to  see look at the two article links above I discovered they were no longer available. 

Ruth Bell Graham

Ruth Bell Graham

June 10, 1920 ~ June 14, 2007 Thank you Ruth, for who you are and what you left us!I must say that I do not remember not knowing the name, Billy Graham. Billy Graham's Crusades were on our radio and television as far back as I can remember, and we never missed one if it was available to us. He was an evangelist sent to minister the gospel of Jesus Christ, to those that had not made Him their Savior. But like us, Christians around the world for five decades enjoyed listening to the good Word he preached. There was always good teaching for those who knew Jesus as their Savior, as well. In addition to Crusades, my grandmother had his books around. My mother had his books around. And, I have always had his books around. We have given them as gifts and spent time discussing them. They read them, and so do I. Then one wonderful day, a man named Franklin Graham, hit the scene as did his book, Rebel With a Cause. I loved this book. I related to Franklin Graham, the son of Billy Graham. He was wild, fearless and in his own world. Then after a short conversation with his father somewhere between New York and Washington D.C. (I believe... I will double check that) his conscience was pricked and very soon after Franklin gave his heart and entire life to Jesus. Being an all or nothing kinda guy, he turned everything around and now heads a ministry he founded and that I favor, Samaritan's Purse, as well as his father's ministry, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. My family always loved Billy Graham, so did and do I. Presidents and foreign heads of state have asked for his counsel and he has been timely changer of the complexion of this world for over half a decade. But, Franklin??? What a character! I was so excited about his book because it meant that it looked like there would be a Billy Graham for my generation. And indeed, that has turned out to be the case.

But, let me tell you what was woven into the fiber of that book of Franklin Graham's; the son of the very famous and wonderful evangelist, Billy Graham. There inside those pages was his mom,
Ruth Bell Graham. There was the great woman behind the man. She made Billy Graham's ministry possible and was the one that shaped the lives of their five children. I gleaned some wonderful faith, strength and a few good tips about raising children from, Rebel With a Cause. I do not think that was Franklin's intent in writing that book, but it was a valuable perk.

Ruth Bell Graham, was the quiet force in that home. Her Lord was the power, peace and direction. And that is where she got hers. A great woman left this side of glory less than an hour ago. Oh, what is she doing now? Singing? Dancing? Worshipping? Laughing? I am sure of it. Please take a moment and read this obituary about this extraordinarily lovely woman. This slideshow memorial will give you a really good look at who Ruth Bell Graham was. I urge you to take a moment and watch it.

There have been two good biographies (probably more) about her that I am aware of . Ruth Bell Graham: Celebrating an Extraordinary Life is one of them. And, another one that was penned by Patricia Cornwell, the contemporary crime novel author.

Ms. Cornwell gives Ruth Graham, a hand in the credit for the forming of her career. The title of that
biography is, Ruth, A Portrait: The Story of Ruth Bell Graham. Take some time and read these books. Only through the written word have I gotten to know, respect and love this woman for who she was and what she has left us. Heaven, as if there weren't enough beautiful perks there, just welcomed home one more. I look forward to meeting this virtuous, excellent, and blessed woman among women one day when I step over into glory.