An old, Irish hymn

ce'ad mi'le fa'ilte!!

which is the traditional Irish greeting, meaning 

"A hundred, thousand welcomes !" 

☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘

Lots of brisky wind in this month of March!

Accompanied by some more frigid temperatures. But then some warm, balmy weather also which doesn't fool any of us South Dakotans. But we do enjoy those little in between respites that fortify us for the still winter season as it takes care of  its unfinished  business.  Back on go the coats, gloves, long underwear & wooly boots. Cozy firesides & thick warm blankets still feel pretty good. & here comes the middle of the month merrymaking as we observe St. Patrick's Day.

The wearin' of the green, the retelling of the story of St. Patrick of Ireland, whose real name was Maewyn Succat who was actually born in Great Britain. A good story that everyone should know.

 & now also, out come the plethora of St. Patrick Day jokes!

 A sample:

"What was the old Leprechaun horror movie where a leprechaun played the leading character?"

Answer: 

"King (le-pre) Chaun."

Here's another:

"Who was the famous ancient leprechaun warrior from Dublin?"

Answer:

"Genghis (le-pre) Chaun"

Oh well, you know what the Bible says about laughter!
Of course, one of the most favorite ways to celebrate March 17th is gatherin' roond the table for some good, old, traditional irish cuisine, such as, Grandmither's Irish Shtew. (yes Shtew!)

I tried a new recipe from the 'auld' country that called for 'Stout', or, Guinness beer. I have never cooked with beer before & I have to say, it is the best Irish Shtew that I have ever made. Don't worry, the alcohol cooks out & leaves a richer more robust flavor. (no taste of beer my husband says. ☘😉)

I also discovered a new recipe for Irish Soda Bread that is absolutely the best Irish Soda Bread I have ever made! Just like the Shtew! (Finn in the background thinks so too! )

This recipe did not call for potatoes but instead is ladled over creamy, hot mashed potatoes. 😋  fier a' fier!

(Translated from irish: "Man oh man!" or a reasonable facsimile. 😏)

Slainte is Tainte!!!

Some of my ancestral history is rooted in Ireland. As a matter of fact, I was named after an Irish great-grandmother, Julia Quinn. As a result of that, I believe that is the reason that I have always been drawn to Celtic music so I would be remiss if I didn't include here my favorite old hymn, an Irish one, "Be Thou My Vision", written in the tenth or eleventh century. I can't remember the first time I heard it, possibly in my early twenties, but the first time I heard it, we instantly connected. I have loved & cherished the lyrics because they are my hearts cry, my life's goal. Here are the words as I learned them.

"Be Thou my vision oh Lord of my heart.

Naught be all else to me save what Thou art.

Be Thou my best thought by day or by night.

Waking or sleeping thy Presence my light.

Be Thou my Wisdom & Thou my true word.

I ever with Thee & Thou with me Lord.

Thou my great Father & I thy true son.

Thou in me dwelling & I with Thee one.

Be Thou my Breastplate, My Sword for the fight;

Thou my whole armor & Thou my whole might.

 Thou my soul's shelter & Thou my strong tower,

Raise Thou me heav'nward Great Power of my power.

Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise, 

Thou my Inheritance now & always.

Thou & Thou only first in my heart, 

High King of heaven my Treasure Thou art.

High King of heaven, my victory won,

I will reach heaven's joys oh bright heaven's sun.

Heart of my own heart whatever befall,

Still be my vision oh Ruler of all."

 This song resonates with my whole being. So much so that I had this as my phones signature ringtone because I identify with it. I have many life scriptures, but this is my life song.

Some years ago, while I was grocery shopping, my daughter called & that song began playing. After I hung up, a 'man' appeared out of nowhere & said to me "Did you know that whenever Irish Christians were martyred for their faith that they would sing that song before or as they were dying?" Shocked, I answered "No, I didn't." I turned my head for just a second & when I turned back around, he was gone! I ran to the end of the aisle  looked all around & down each neighboring aisle, but he was nowhere to be found. I do not know who he was or where he went, although I have some ideas about it. I still am not sure why he told me that story. Maybe it was some personal history of my ancestors. Maybe this is why I have always been captivated by this beautiful, musically as well as lyrically, psalm song. It's MY song. But you don't have to be Irish to feel the power & drawing of this song. Read the lyrics carefully. Sing the song. Isn't it truly your hearts' desire too? Isn't Jesus your best thought by day or by night? Aren't you & He one? Isn't He your Shelter & Tower?

Isn't He your Inheritance forever? Isn't He first in your heart & your treasure? Isn't He truly Heart of your own heart? Isn't He your Vision? Aren't you striving for these things even if you haven't arrived yet? Me too. Let's sing it together, because it is now, but also tomorrow, even prophetic. Even forever, this old Irish hymn.

Raintree Perk of the Day:

"Heart of my own heart whatever befall,

Still be my vision, oh Ruler of all."

iosa, pronounced 'EEsha' , translated from Gaelic,

JESUS