Feeling Lucky?

    St. Patrick's Day is right around the corner.  I don't know about you.. but usually when I think of St. Patrick's day, I think of.. corned beef & cabbage, leprechauns, rainbows, shamrocks, and green.. everything green, right?  People must wear green, eat green things, and ewww, even drink green beer!  This day has become a secular celebration of Irish culture, and to many, just another excuse to gratify the flesh.  But this is far from the real story and celebration of St. Patrick.  My knowledge of St. Patrick before I wrote this blog was that St. Patrick was a man who brought Christianity to Ireland and maybe chased away some snakes or something??  Hmmm, I decided I should investigate.

  What I learned about St. Patrick was that he was born Maewyn Succat in Roman-Britain in the latter half of the 4th century to a wealthy family.  He was kidnapped at the age of 16 by Irish Pirates and sold into slavery.  During 6 years of captivity in Ireland, he became extremely close to God, and prayed continually.  One night, in a dream, God told him to flee and go to the coast where he would find a ship to take him back to his homeland.  He listened, and after walking 200 miles, he reached the ocean & got on board!  He spent 20 years learning as a monk in Britain before he felt called to return and share Christianity to the very people who had cruelly enslaved him!  What an example of forgiveness!  Legends say he would often use a Shamrock as a way to explain the trinity, with a leaf for the Father, a leaf for the Son, and a leaf for the Holy Spirit.  He died on March 17th after 30 successful years in Ireland converting thousands of people and starting many churches.   Oh, and by the way I also learned that there have never been any snakes in Ireland. Ha


If you are interested,   I've attached the Veggie Tales Short Video about St. Patrick's day.  It is from the Veggie Tales DVD "Sumo of the Opera".  I think it does a good job of sharing about St. Patrick in a fun way kids (and silly adults) can enjoy.

  I'm starting to get a little excited!  St. Patrick's day could be a great way to explain and show the love of Christ to our family, friends and neighbors! Now, when I see a shamrock, I'll be reminded to pray for those on the mission field.  I'm planning on making it an extra special day for my family by doing some of the traditional things like wearing green and eating corned beef but I wanted to share a few other upcoming St. Patrick's Day events  you might want to do with your family.

On Saturday the 16th, there will be a St. Patrick's day Parade and faire in Downtown Phoenix.  The parade begins at 10am and travels south from 3rd St & Sheridan to Margaret T Hance Park 1106 N. Central Ave.  The Parade is free.  The faire costs $10 for adults and $1 for ages 6-12.  Under 6 years is free.  There will be step dancers and Irish bands, arts & crafts vendors, inflatable rides, face painting a petting zoo and more.  Visit Phxirish.org for more information.

On Sunday the 17th in Fountain Hills, there will be Irish music, food, kids' activities and the fountain will turn emerald green at noon. This event is $5 for adults and free for anyone under 21. Visit http://www.fountainhillsguide.com/events/st-patricks-day-celebration-fountain-hills-az.aspx for more information.  

Ok, I need your help!  What do you do to make your St. Patrick's day extra special?  Comment with an Irish recipe, a fun craft idea, a favorite tradition or memory, an activity to do or event to go to and your name will be entered into a drawing to win this adorable St. Patrick's day decoration!  The winner will be chosen on March 18th so check back for the winner!