OMG! St. Patrick was Scottish! Happy St. Paddy's Day!

Thursday, March 17, 2011

St. Patrick: Man, Myth & Holiday Learn interesting facts and tidbits about the beloved St. Patrick.

(CREDITED TO CATHOLIC ONLINE WEBSITE)

St. Patrick of Ireland is one of the world's most popular saints.

Apostle of Ireland, born at Kilpatrick, near Dumbarton, in Scotland, in the year 387; died at Saul, Downpatrick, Ireland, 17 March, 461.


Along with St. Nicholas and St. Valentine, the secular world shares our love of these saints. This is also a day when everyone's Irish.

There are many legends and stories of St. Patrick, but this is his story.

Patrick was born around 385 in Scotland, probably Kilpatrick. His parents were Calpurnius and Conchessa, who were Romans living in Britian in charge of the colonies.

As a boy of fourteen or so, he was captured during a raiding party and taken to Ireland as a slave to herd and tend sheep. Ireland at this time was a land of Druids and pagans. He learned the language and practices of the people who held him.

During his captivity, he turned to God in prayer. He wrote

"The love of God and his fear grew in me more and more, as did the faith, and my soul was rosed, so that, in a single day, I have said as many as a hundred prayers and in the night, nearly the same." "I prayed in the woods and on the mountain, even before dawn. I felt no hurt from the snow or ice or rain."

Patrick's captivity lasted until he was twenty, when he escaped after having a dream from God in which he was told to leave Ireland by going to the coast. There he found some sailors who took him back to Britian, where he reunited with his family.

He had another dream in which the people of Ireland were calling out to him "We beg you, holy youth, to come and walk among us once more."

He began his studies for the priesthood. He was ordained by St. Germanus, the Bishop of Auxerre, whom he had studied under for years.

Later, Patrick was ordained a bishop, and was sent to take the Gospel to Ireland. He arrived in Ireland March 25, 433, at Slane. One legend says that he met a chieftain of one of the tribes, who tried to kill Patrick. Patrick converted Dichu (the chieftain) after he was unable to move his arm until he became friendly to Patrick.

Patrick began preaching the Gospel throughout Ireland, converting many. He and his disciples preached and converted thousands and began building churches all over the country. Kings, their families, and entire kingdoms converted to Christianity when hearing Patrick's message.

Patrick by now had many disciples, among them Beningnus, Auxilius, Iserninus, and Fiaac, (all later canonized as well).

Patrick preached and converted all of Ireland for 40 years. He worked many miracles and wrote of his love for God in Confessions. After years of living in poverty, traveling and enduring much suffering he died March 17, 461.

He died at Saul, where he had built the first church.

Why a shamrock?
Patrick used the shamrock to explain the Trinity, and has been associated with him and the Irish since that time.

In His Footsteps:
Patrick was a humble, pious, gentle man, whose love and total devotion to and trust in God should be a shining example to each of us. He feared nothing, not even death, so complete was his trust in God, and of the importance of his mission.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

IRON_RESOLVE 4/10/2011 4:16PM

This was a great blog, thank you for sharing. Report Inappropriate Comment

CHATTIEGIRL 3/19/2011 9:51PM

Hi SLIMMERJESSE; Thank you very much for the information as I am Irish with the name Flannigan. I have never been there and wish I could but I will never see that day. So people like you give me knowledge and I like that. Continue with your healthy eating and routine exercises and have a healthy life. God bless you slways. Learn from Spark people every day. Joyce Report Inappropriate Comment

GRAMMACATHY 3/19/2011 12:51PM

Thank you for sharing this information. Now wonder I am so fond of St. Patrick. My Scottish/German mother was born on St. Patrick's day, so her Irish friends made her an honorary Irishman. However, it sounds like the Brits and Italians have some claim to him too. Report Inappropriate Comment

NATPLUMMER 3/17/2011 7:29AM

Thank you for the St. Patrick info. Have a great day!! Report Inappropriate Comment

OMG! WATCHING THE JAPAN TSUNAMI IN REAL TIME

Friday, March 11, 2011

Oh, how awful! My city sits on several major fault lines as well, so I understand this potential. My prayers go to the people of Japan in dealing with this tragedy.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

ASALYERS86 3/17/2011 12:24AM

My older brother is over there, military. Just outside of Tokyo to the south so he didn't get hit with the brunt of it fortunately. Such a tragedy, though. Report Inappropriate Comment

ALEXSGIRL1 3/12/2011 10:15AM

so super sad. thanks Report Inappropriate Comment

LIBBYFITZ 3/11/2011 6:38PM

Yes, we were watching as well, so sad to see trucks trying to do "U" turns on a bridge! Some places only got 10 mins warning! Very sad! Report Inappropriate Comment

NATPLUMMER 3/11/2011 10:38AM

I haven't been watching but I heard about it on the radio. Earthquakes and the resulting tsunamis can be so devastating. I've only experienced the earthquake part first hand. Very sad. Report Inappropriate Comment

IAM_HIS2 3/11/2011 9:00AM

Our exchange student is from Toyko. It was very difficult for me to watch it on the news. What a relief to speak with his family and know they are safe. My prayers are going out big time now. Report Inappropriate Comment

MARIE625 3/11/2011 8:42AM

I've been watching & am just horrified. I keep thinking about a flood we experienced several years ago. We'd had super heavy rains and 2 days later, the rivers went crazy. We didn't live in a flood zone, but.... the water started coming across the road and towards our house. While the flow of water was no stronger than turning on your garden hose and letting it run until it floods your yard, there were white caps and the water came on pretty quickly. In a matter of 2 or 3 hours, we had 5+ feet of water in our yard. It was pretty crazy, but NOTHING like Japan. I keep thinking about the panic & damage our flood caused and can NOT fathom what Japan is going through. My thoughts & prayers go out to them and the folks in Hawaii & the West Coast. Report Inappropriate Comment

JLITT62 3/11/2011 8:03AM

There's something to be said for not watching the news too much . . . hadn't even heard about this. What a terrible thing. SO glad DH is not there now, but of course my prayers go out to those that are. Report Inappropriate Comment

JANETLEE40 3/11/2011 2:53AM

Those poor folks have been in my prayers since the first big quake hit yesterday CA time. I live on the south fork of the San Andreas Fault line...we are past due for a "BIG" one. Ready for it too...we are fully stocked and just hoping it will never happen. But shoot...they don't call the CA Desert the land of "shake N bake" for nothing. HUGS Report Inappropriate Comment

OMG, Is It Really March Already?

Wednesday, March 02, 2011

Where did January and February go so fast?

Yikes! Time is fleeting.

Wishing all a wonderful day.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

LINDA! 3/7/2011 7:56PM

Spring is right around the corner!! Report Inappropriate Comment

SEWSWITHHOTGLUE 3/7/2011 7:55PM

Is it really the 7th already?! Report Inappropriate Comment

APPLEPIEAPPLE 3/4/2011 8:58AM

Yep, it is going fast but I am so tired of the cold I'll take it for now. Let spring & summer go a bit slower...aahh Report Inappropriate Comment

KTMAE2006 3/3/2011 7:27PM

I hope you had a great day as well!! I am constantly amazed by how fast time is flying, Geez! Report Inappropriate Comment

NEELIXNKES 3/2/2011 4:10PM

I know, I feel the same way! Make it a Marvelous Month! Report Inappropriate Comment

NANCY- 3/2/2011 9:59AM

There is no time like the present. Report Inappropriate Comment

LIBBYFITZ 3/2/2011 9:15AM

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NATPLUMMER 3/2/2011 9:10AM

And it seems to me, the older I get the faster the time goes. Report Inappropriate Comment

TRACYZABELLE 3/2/2011 8:02AM

I can not believe we are in a new month already! Crazy huh! Report Inappropriate Comment

CHERIRIDDELL 3/2/2011 1:14AM

Time is fleeting and sneaking away on us! Report Inappropriate Comment

Where's My Scale? (and my socks)

Tuesday, March 01, 2011

Okay, it's been so long since I used the scale that I don't even remember where it is. If I had to guess, I'd say I last weighed around 2-3 months ago. Before beginning this healthier lifestyle change 2.5 years ago, I never weighed myself or even owned a scale.

When I bought one to embark on this great adventure (yeah right! smiling), I took a guess before getting on the scale. Of course, nearly fell off with shock as I'd had no idea where I was at in the numbers realm.

However, this past few months I've been exercising a lot and my body has felt healthy with no poppage. (as in popping out) I still have weight to lose, but have been on what I call a forever plateau and have made peace (for now) with my current weight. (I really think it's a thyroid thing.)

But I don't look forward to finding and getting on that scale. Even though I know that number doesn't rule my life, it has a way of creeping into my psyche and saying BOO! I'll do it by the weekend, my promise to myself.

And a random thought, while I'm looking for that scale, where do all my lost socks go after the washer and dryer? I mean - POOF - they're gone, gone, gone. I wind up with only one of a pair. So now I've bought identical pairs so I can match up the solo survivors. One of the mysteries of life. (smiling)

Wishing all a wonderful day.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

SKYEFYR 3/18/2011 2:22PM

I kept hiding my scale and blamed my daughter for bringing it back out all the time. Then I found out it was my husband. He was worried he was losing too much weight (due to a liver disease) and wanted to keep check of it. I keep telling him I'll give him all the weight he wants!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

1NICUBABE 3/3/2011 9:49AM

Good luck with making peace with the missing scale. Report Inappropriate Comment

SHOOTIN4STARS 3/2/2011 10:10PM

Ha ha! You are too funny! Report Inappropriate Comment

ZOMBIEGIRL.NET 3/1/2011 9:39PM

i wish it was as easy to lose weight as to lose a sock! we'd look like supermodels =) Report Inappropriate Comment

SIMPLELIFE4REAL 3/1/2011 5:25PM

I do the same thing with the socks! I can't imagine not knowing where my scale is. It will be interesting to see what you weigh when you find it. Report Inappropriate Comment

SLIMTHICK2 3/1/2011 5:10PM

A few months ago I wrote a blog saying that I was refocusing my attention from the scale to healthy eating and exercising. I think I've done fairly well but ever so often that scale thing gets to me I would so like to say like you that I haven't weighed in a while which will be a total lie. You did great by not weighing yourself for a couple months. Hope all is well with the scale. All the best. One last thing the problem I was having has sorted itself out apparently it originated with me. Report Inappropriate Comment

JLITT62 3/1/2011 2:28PM

This is so funny - just yesterday my washer really DID try to eat my sock! I was missing one & actually foubpnd it sort of wedged into the washer liner! Report Inappropriate Comment

LIBBYFITZ 3/1/2011 2:16PM

I think the washing machine eats them! Socks that is! Weight , i am back to weighing every day as my fluid retention has gone overboard! Report Inappropriate Comment

CHERIRIDDELL 3/1/2011 1:58PM

LOL this blog spoke to me as I am in the same boat !I will do the same thing as you weigh myself this weekend too! The socks are enigma! Report Inappropriate Comment

FMCDANIEL 3/1/2011 12:22PM

Those darn socks, I have even hand washed my favorites to keep from losing them. If only weght could be lost as easily as socks. Report Inappropriate Comment

NATPLUMMER 3/1/2011 12:00PM

Good luck with the weigh in. You might be pleasantly surprised. Socks.....no idea where they go. Perhaps they spontaneously combust. Report Inappropriate Comment

Apple Cider Vinegar... POOF, My Appetite Is Gone!

Monday, February 28, 2011

I recently discovered and researched the many benefits of apple cider vinegar, including taking a tbsp before a meal (about a half hour or so) and my hunger disappears. Since I just recently discovered this, I've forgotten to do this most of the time so now the bottle is out on the counter to remind me. Wonder if this will "work." Sure, I know better than to seek instant remedies, but hey, you just never know what will help along the way. Will keep you posted.

On another note, doing very well with sugar banishing. Hooray for me.

Wishing all a good day.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

JOYATLAST 4/18/2011 5:41PM

I actually have a book about apple cider vinegar. It's probably been 20 years since I took it. I don't even remember the results! LOL But I was thin then and probably didn't notice anything. I'll have to look it up again. Report Inappropriate Comment

PURPLE180 4/8/2011 11:52AM

Thanks for the information. I will have to try this. Report Inappropriate Comment

SHUNN84 4/8/2011 11:07AM

i just started drinkin ACV as well and i noticed i do get full faster. so far i love this stuff! Report Inappropriate Comment

GRAMMACATHY 3/19/2011 12:58PM

When I have eaten too much sugar in the past, I would take a table spoon full of the apple cider vinegar to help level my blood sugar. Never thought to take it before I ate. I have finally, had weight loss success by abstaining from refined sugar. One side benefit about taking a tsp a day in water, is that your skin will glow and your hair will get shinier. The only time I ever stayed with it was when I was a teen and Mom got on the ACV kick. She made us take it daily. We sure looked good. It also tasted pretty good on salads and spinach. Think I will try it again. Report Inappropriate Comment

SKYEFYR 3/18/2011 2:47PM

Are you taking the unprocessed verison of the ACV? The kind with the cloudyness in the bottom? That's the one that's good for you. That gunk is called the "mother". I've tried taking it in the past but all it ever does is upset my stomach. I can't even stand the smell of it anymore. Never did much for me along the lines of weight loss either, but my aunt swears by it, so everyone is different. I really hope if you're subjecting yourself to that stuff it works for you! Report Inappropriate Comment

APPLEPIEAPPLE 3/4/2011 8:59AM

I have some on my counter, thanks for reminding me why it is there!! LOL Comment edited on: 3/4/2011 8:59:53 AM Report Inappropriate Comment

SIMPLELIFE4REAL 3/1/2011 5:01PM

Way to go on the "sugar banishing"! Report Inappropriate Comment

NANCY- 3/1/2011 4:30PM

Do you do it like a shot? Report Inappropriate Comment

SUGARBABY60 3/1/2011 5:57AM

I drink it in hot water with sweetner as a " tea" very satisfying not just before meals but any time. cider vinegar has many health benefits including releaving constipation when taken first thing in the morning with hot water and a dash of honey Report Inappropriate Comment

JLITT62 3/1/2011 5:29AM

Nice to see you back! I use it a lot in dressings, and it is supposed to have a lot of health benefits. Keep us posted! Report Inappropriate Comment

CHERIRIDDELL 2/28/2011 11:04PM

I have apple cider vinegar capsules . Report Inappropriate Comment

MILLISMA 2/28/2011 10:37PM

Do you mix it with water or just take it straight? Report Inappropriate Comment

VMCSHANNON 2/28/2011 10:33PM

Ok how are you taking this ? I tried it and it gave me such bad stomach pains! How do you do it? Report Inappropriate Comment

SHOOTIN4STARS 2/28/2011 9:05PM

I could sure use this these days. I have been stress eating, and that is not good. Let me know if it works! Report Inappropriate Comment

DDHEART 2/28/2011 4:57PM

I have heard about the vinegar trick before and I say whatever "tools" we use the better! It's only an instant remedy if that is the only thing a person tries but you are doing so much more! I'm always impressed with anyone who can banish sugar or chocolate or anything else for that matter! Report Inappropriate Comment

NATPLUMMER 2/28/2011 4:54PM

I guess it couldn't hurt. Let me know if it works. YAY for the sugar banishing. Report Inappropriate Comment

JEEP8294 2/28/2011 4:52PM

Congrats on your sugar bashing! I may give your apple cider vinegar method a try. :) Report Inappropriate Comment

ROXIESROCKS 2/28/2011 4:46PM

This also works to settle your stomach! I really like it. Report Inappropriate Comment