St. Patrick and St. You!!!!

Top of the mornin’ to ya! Well lads and lassies–are you wearing your green? Yes, I am one of those crazy moms who loves to do up holidays in a big way; even if it is a simple, non-major one such as St. Patrick’s Day! Oh I love the zany, fun traditions we have—the kids awakening to find a trail of Lucky Charms leading from the refrigerator out the back door—a sure sign that a leprechaun or two snuck in during the night. The other piece of evidence? The milk has mysteriously turned green! Yes, there is enjoyment in this day, including traditional Irish Beef Stew for supper and an afternoon Irish Cream Latte, but there are also lessons we can learn in the midst of the fun and frolic.

Perhaps you joined us after reading my devotion that ran on Proverbs 31’s Encouragement for Today. If not, you can read it here. I wrote today about the legend of St. Patrick because I feel there is much we can glean from many of the non-major holidays we celebrate. While I am the sort of gal that is always game for a party and loves any reason to serve the out-of-the-ordinary or delicious ethnic food that is often associated with them, I like to dig deeper, especially for my children’s sake. Learning about St. Patrick and his desire to reach others with the good news of Christ is a gentle reminder to me and my offspring of the difference one person can make in the course of history. Perhaps they will never be famous and have a colorful holiday named in their honor, but they can influence those with whom their lives naturally intersect and help to point them to God.

This St. Patrick’s Day, we can change the way we think about this springtime holiday by asking ourselves a few questions. Do we have a desire to tell others about Christ and the awesome difference that He can make in their lives? Do we look for creative ways to bring the reality of Christ into our everyday conversations with those around us—especially those whom we know do not claim to have a relationship with Him? And, what are the aspects that attempts to hold us back from speaking naturally and freely about Jesus? How can we change this in order to be more effective communicators for Christ? And beyond what we say, what can we do that will speak louder than words? Remember, more is caught than is taught.

So today, when you wear your green, think of growth. The spread of the gospel as the kingdom grows by acquiring more precious, renewed souls; thankful men, women and children who will someday worship Jesus for all eternity. And just where will we worship Him? In a place even finer than what is said to be found at the end of the rainbow. Why, it will be more than just a pot! All of the streets will be paved with gold!!! (And in my humble opinion–I’m just sure that there–the double tall, Irish Cream Latte’s with extra whip cream and sprinkles will have all of the Weight Watchers Points removed!!)

Irish Blessings,

Karen

P.S. For those of you who were in my organization workshops at Hearts at Home last weekend and have left comments or emailed me wanting to know more about the weekly, monthly and yearly routines I have listed in my Mom’s Brain in a Binder, I’ll work on getting a link in the Simple Tools to Download section that gives my examples. I’m so excited to see so many of you going home and putting what you learned into practice!! Keep it up and remember–baby steps. Just do the next thing! And if Jesus doesn’t come back while you’re doing it, cross it off your list and then do the next thing! Good luck!

7 Comments

  1. Karen – I too was a HAH first timer last weekend. I know I’m a little delayed, but I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciated your talk on organization and am already trying to implement many of your suggestions…starting with the binder! I have started reading your book and am so thankful for your practical advice. Thank you for a great talk at HAH and for great advice that is easy to follow!

  2. Hey, Karen!

    I was at the Hearts at Home conference this weekend (my first time!), and I loved, loved, loved your workshop! I’m beginning to put your ideas into practice, starting with the paper! And, I’m looking forward to trying my hand at freezer cooking! Thanks for all the help!!!!!!

  3. Hi Karen.

    I really enjoyed your talk at H@H. This was my 3rd year attending, but only my second year as a mom (I volunteered at one of the first conferences when I was a single gal).

    YOU LOOK FAB, GIRL! I recognized you from one of my previous years at the conference and, of course, noticed your dramatic weight loss. I’m a weight loss veteran myself, but am riding the yo-yo of lose weight, get pregnant, gain weight. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat.

    During your “Ducks in a Row” talk on Saturday, you wouldn’t believe how many moms were sneaking out to your speaker table to snatch up the last copies of the freezer book, and then returning with it!

    God’s blessings!

  4. Hey Karen,
    I was at the Hearts conference and loved your talk on organization. You had some fabulous ideas–but I promise not to hurt myself and implement them all today! But I am slowly going to work at it.

  5. Hi Karen,
    I really enjoyed your P31 devotion this morning. I have been looking for some good books to read to my children about modern day missionaries/evangelist. Can you recommend some? My children range from 8-1 years old. I am not necessarly looking for children books, but something that would be appropriate for them. Thanks so much.
    Only because of Jeus.
    Krysta

  6. I attended Hearts at Home this weekend (my 5th year) with 5 other ladies from my church. Three of us “snuck” into the Braden Audit. after eation our “slow paced lunch” to hear what you had to say and we are all excited to get going on a lot of the ideas you had. We have a Moms group at our church that was born after coming to Hearts last year and we are thinking about ordering the tape of your session and then talking about your book at an upcoming meeting (2 of us will read the book ahead of time to help pass along the tips). Can’t wait to get started!

  7. Good day! I enjoyed your P31 devo this morning! Wow – we have really distorted a saintly life! I so enjoy reading about the faithful saints of old, and new! Do you know that on St. Pat’s day protestants wear orange? I too love to do up holidays. When mine were young I fixed green eggs and ham on Saint Pat’s!! Have a great day, Karen!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *