Think of St. Patrick, of course, and Ireland.  Erin is its ancient name, a poetic version made famous in Erin go Bragh, Gaelic for “Ireland forever,” literally “Ireland for eternity.”

St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland, so deemed for his zeal and success in converting the country to Christianity following his years of training in a monastery in France and his appointment as a bishop to Ireland. This Scottish born lad knew Ireland and its people well from the years he spent as a teen in captivity there, working as a shepherd. He escaped only to come back years later in March, 433, as a missionary. He died on March 17, 461, around 76 years old.

Wear a touch of emerald.  Though any green will do, we think of this rich green in honor of the “Emerald Isle,” as poet William Drennan (1754-1820) first called beautiful lush, green Ireland in his poem When Erin First Rose.

Sing When Irish Eyes are Smiling.  This is one of Ireland’s most beloved songs, written in 1912 by Americans Chauncey Olcott, whose mother emigrated from Ireland, George Graff, and Ernest Ball. Several years later, John McCormack, considered one of the greatest Irish tenors of all time, made the song forever famous.

Buy a Shamrock Plant (Oxalis).  Its three leaves are similar to the shamrock used by St. Patrick to illustrate the Holy Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. The shamrock is viewed by most as the white clover (Trifolium repens), a common plant. When a mutation occurs and four leaves form, we consider ourselves “lucky” to find one, and since the odds are against us 1:10,000, we are lucky, indeed. The four-leaf clover, however, is never considered a shamrock.

Decorate with touches of Ireland and spring, the start of the season only a few days away.  Gather up those cherished, personal treasures that are tucked away and decorate for each season and holiday. Being able to take in hand, once more, the little gifts and family heirlooms that either represent decades of living or are brand new is an opportunity not to be missed. The value of the old is that it has survived a very long time … the who, what, when, and where of its history fascinating to contemplate.

In my photograph is a delicate Belleek creamer from Ireland that belonged to my mother, its 3rd period registry mark dating it from 1926-1946. It graces an authentic shamrock-embroidered doily from my friend, Karin, a gift from her trip to Ireland several years ago. The book is another treasure. Spring Is A New Beginning by Joan Walsh Anglund was published in 1963 and is one of her many books, her whimsical drawings and sayings extremely popular in the 1960s. I have four of Anglund’s titles. This book is extra special because it was a gift in October 1967 from Ginny, still one of my dearest friends, our friendship dating back to the second grade.

Bless others today with a traditional Gaelic blessing from Ireland.

May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back. 
May the sun shine warm upon your face; 
the rains fall soft upon your fields 
and until we meet again, 
may God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

References:
http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=89
http://www.irish-genealogy-toolkit.com/history-of-st-patrick.html
http://www.sheknows.com/baby-names/name/erin
http://www.irishcentral.com/roots/top-ten-old-irish-phrases-and-their-meanings-eirinn-go-brach-137123193-237785321
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erin_go_bragh
https://www.reference.com/geography/ireland-called-emerald-island-bf45498cae8a7e2f  
http://www.shmoop.com/when-irish-eyes-are-smiling/meaning.html
http://www.finegardening.com/history-shamrock    
http://homeguides.sfgate.com/care-potted-shamrocks-96741.html
https://www.houseplant411.com/plant-care/shamrock-plants-for-st-patricks-day
http://goodlucksymbols.com/four-leaf-clover/
http://www.lords-prayer-words.com/famous_prayers/may_the_road_rise_up_to_meet_you.html
​

​William E. Gladstone was the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, elected to Parliament four different times from 1868-1894. One of his enduring observations concerns the benefits of tea:
If you are cold, tea will warm you;
If you are too heated, it will cool you;
If you are depressed, it will cheer you;
If you are excited, it will calm you.”
 
There is simply something about a cup of hot tea. While I’m devoted to my coffee first thing in the morning, tea is my choice mid-afternoon when energy begins to lag. Expounding on one of winter’s most delightful joys, I have written:
“And taking time for a respite on a chilly afternoon can be sublime with a luxuriously soft blanket and a fire’s warmth close by, a fine book and a mug of hot, fragrant tea in hand. With a teaspoon of local honey from the hives of friends, if one is fortunate, and a touch of organic cream to turn it milky white, the tea is especially satisfying. Yes, indeed, life can be very good in the wintertime.”
 
One of my favorite tea brands is Salada, the company originally founded by Peter C. Larkin in Montreal, Canada, in 1892 and named for an ancient tea garden in Ceylon. They were the first company to put tea in foil packets to keep it fresh. I’ve had three of their blends and have loved the uniqueness of each one:  Citrus Medley, Peach Mango, and Pomegranate Acai. It’s difficult to name a favorite, and it depends on the moment, but Peach Mango is … amazing.
 
Today, Salada USA is a division of Redco Foods in Little Falls, New York. Redco Foods is owned by Teekanne GmbH of Dusseldorf, Germany, in the tea trade business since 1882. They are the inventors of the flow-through tea bag and were also the first to sell their tea in tins. “Teekanne” means Tea Pot … one of the more perfect names for a tea company!  A final thought:
 
“I wish we could sit down together,
And have a cup of tea.
But since we can’t
When you have this one,
I hope you’ll think of me.”
~ Author Unknown
 
For more information about Salada and Teekanne  go to:
http://www.salada.ca/en/salada_tea/history_of_a_classic.aspx
http://greentea.com/company/
http://www.teekanne.com/about-us/

​Fire up the griddle, warm up the syrup, mix up the batter, tomorrow, 28 February 2017, is Pancake Day, a.k.a. Shrove Tuesday, Fat Tuesday, or Mardi Gras. In the church liturgical calendar, tomorrow marks the end of the season of Epiphany, which began on Three Kings Day, or the 12th day of Christmas, which was on January 6 this year.Tradition states that after following the star to Bethlehem, the Three Wise Men found the baby Jesus on this day.
 
Shrove Tuesday, 47 days before Easter, is derived from “shrive” meaning confession of sins and absolution. It is the final day of partying, celebration and indulgence before the self-sacrifice of the 40-day Lenten Season (the six Sundays are not counted). Lent begins the following day on Ash Wednesday. The Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 9:27 is credited with this example of personal self-denial, as part of his testimony of faith in Jesus Christ.
 
Originating in Europe during the Middle Ages, Shrove Tuesday was the final opportunity to cook with the eggs, fats, and milk that would be restricted during Lent. Preparing meals with these ingredients would keep them from going to waste. France designated the day "Fat Tuesday," or Mardi Gras, and England, and other countries, began the tradition of serving pancakes as the perfect way to clean out the refrigerator, so to speak, and thus the name … “Pancake Day.” 
 
Make them from scratch, make them from a box mix, but do make them (or have them out).
I plan to.
Enjoy!!

For more information, go to:
http://www.sharefaith.com/guide/Christian-Holidays/origins_of_shrove_tuesday.html
or to:
http://www.myolddutch.com/History/Pancake-Day.aspx 

This lovely, silver lamb pendant was a precious Christmas gift from my husband, Patrick. I began acquiring little lambs in 2004, my delightful collection a statement of the deepest and most important relationship in my life ...
Jesus Christ is my Shepherd, and I belong to Him, a lamb in His eternal fold. 

Enjoy the wonder of God's love for us, as expressed so eloquently by David in Psalm 23, the King James Version, which is how I memorized these verses as a child:

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
 

George Washington, who was born on February 22, 1732, was inaugurated as our first president on April 30, 1789 at Federal Hall in New York City. With numerous witnesses assembled for the historic occasion, he stepped onto the outdoor balcony and requested an open Bible, upon which he placed his right hand and took the oath of office. At the conclusion, the church bells pealed, the artillery roared, and the applause thundered.

Our new President went inside and spoke with a gravity and solemnity that befitted the anointing of our nation.
He began, "It would be peculiarly improper to omit, in this first official act, my fervent supplication to that Almighty Being, who rules over the universe, who presides in the councils of nations, and whose providential aids can supply every human defect, that His benediction may consecrate to the liberties and happiness of the people of the United States ... No people can be bound to acknowledge and adore the invisible hand which conducts the affairs of men more than the people of the United States. Every step by which they have advanced to the character of an independent nation seems to have been distinguished by some token of providential agency ... We ought to be no less persuaded that the propitious smiles of Heaven can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right, which Heaven itself has ordained."    Peter Marshall and David Manuel, The Light and the Glory​ (Fleming H. Revell: Grand Rapids, MI, 1977), 349. 

​Christmas Tomorrow
By Ann Brubaker Greenleaf Wirtz
 
Yes, the busy days are drawing down,
The end of many trips to town;
The gifts are chosen and under the tree,
Some for you and some for me.
 
For family far away this year,
Packages sent early draw us near;
Filled with gifts to bring great joy,
Pictures and clothes and delightful toys.
 
Throughout the home Christmas shines holy and bright,
With candles, and holly, and colorful lights
That adorn the tree and cast a glow
Upon the nativity nestled below.
 
Ornaments speak to that moment so clear,
When purchased or received from someone dear;
A twinkling Santa face, hand-made by my mother
Is a treasure to me, one like no other.
 
December has now too quickly passed,
Can we slow down the days and make them last?
My eyes feast upon each tender scene,
Drawing in the beauty of what it means.
 
For soon this month will see its end,
As the New Year’s celebration sends
Us forth into another year,
With memories to cherish and keep so near.
 
My prayer for the family and friends I love,
Grateful, I am, to the Lord above,
Who gives me hope and guides my way,
May He bless each one, every coming, new day.

Red bittersweet on the mantle,
​An orange pumpkin by the door,
Yellow mums, so bright and cheery,
From the local store;
Each fills my heart with gladness
This autumnal time of year,
Each calls me to remember
Those I hold especially dear.
 
For autumn brings reflection,
As deep colors paint the trees,
A time to contemplate the past
While raking up the leaves.
 
Mother is gone, and Daddy,
Their presence no longer near,
But I always remember their loving ways
Every fall of the calendar year.
 
For Daddy would rake and burn the leaves
And put an apple on a stick,
And we would roast this juicy treat,
Being careful not to lick.
 
And mother would cut some bittersweet
And trim it for her vase,
This lovely “Ode to Autumn”
Gave our room a touch of grace.
                                                      
Do you, too, have tender memories,        
Ones you hold so dear?                           
Does fall impart the same response,        
As it brings the past so near?

Yes, autumn is filled with treasured scenes
Of life and moments clear.
To me it is unquestionably
My favorite time of year!

Two momentous occasions are happening at the same time, just a week apart.  First, I am finally able to make my Bible Study available as a free download on my web page:  www.anngreenleafwirtz.com.  It’s located in the Book section, under Hand of Mercy.  While writing this book, a journey that took nearly 5 years, culminating in its release in 2015, I was inspired along the way to write and include “A Deeper Reflection” at the end of each chapter.  I wanted to give the reader of this amazing, true story about former atheist Joseph “Joe” Nowicki and his family, as shared by his son, Gene Andrews, an opportunity to delve more deeply into what the Bible says about their life experiences, which led them to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  This extra reflection about the various events that occurred would help us understand how God works in all our lives.  I include a chapter about my late first husband, Arie Greenleaf, and the struggle his life journey took after his first wife died, and how this impacted our marriage years later.  Faith can be hard to hold onto when a loved one dies.  Sometimes, we discover “faith” was just a word.
 
I taught this study, the answers to the questions in “A Deeper Reflection,” in early 2016.  What a delightful and memorable time the ladies in my group and I had together, learning more about our Dear Lord, sharing our hearts, growing in our knowledge and wisdom of the Bible.  I have included a picture of this precious group of friends.

​The second momentous occasion is my 50th High School Reunion.  I grew up with a dear friend, Mary Bewig Vermillon, and together we are taking a road trip to St. Louis from Hendersonville, NC.  We both live in this lovely, mountain community, a fact we only discovered a few years ago!  To say we are excited about this trip is an understatement.
 
As the weekend approaches, I have been communicating with friends I’ve known for more than a half century, yikes, each of us thrilled with anticipation at being together again.  The maid of honor at my wedding in 1967 just recently ‘found’ me.  We haven’t been in touch for over 30 years.  It may be risky mentioning names because someone might be left out, and I am so excited to see everyone I knew at Webster Groves High School, but I do want to express my absolute wonder at seeing Jan Schnieders Pagoulatos, Ginny Burch Reed, Linda Monroe Yust, and Patricia Corrigan.  That we are really going to be together again, even for such a short time, is stunning, simply stunning.
 
We each have a story we could tell one another, but time won’t allow many details.  However, we can be sure that each life has been a personal journey of joy and sadness, accomplishment and defeat.  Life is very predictable that way.  Being from Webster Groves, students of the ’50s and early ’60s, we have had an extra measure of confidence and optimism.  We were the children of the Greatest Generation, and our fathers and mothers fought overseas and served on the home front to give us the freedom to be ourselves, with nothing holding us back.  We gained our strength to go forward in life from the quiet enjoyment of literature, from the quiet walk or bike ride down a neighborhood street, from the quiet moments of prayer in church.  We are perhaps the last generation, the one that graduated in 1966, just before the terrible escalation of the Vietnam War, to have unknowingly lived the value of quiet pursuit.
 
Isaiah 30:15 eloquently expresses this truth:
 
“For thus says the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel:
‘In returning and rest you shall be saved;
In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.’ ”
 
We are preparing to return to the lovely, mid-western community that nurtured our dreams and gave us a foundation to soar.  May we reflect, with gratitude, on our good fortune to have lived when and where we did.  For the Class of ’66, each life journey has been formed and truly blessed by the unique compassion and energy of our town, Webster Groves.

A dear friend from my Webster Groves High School days recently shared on FB how publishing a new book is like giving birth. Indeed it is!  Although it took nearly five years instead of nine months, this writing journey has been a labor of joy from beginning to end.  

I have a favorite verse from Scripture that explains how any of my writing is accomplished, Zechariah 4:6.  
" 'Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,' says the Lord of hosts."
  
To this I say, "Amen!" 

I'm so grateful to my dearest husband, Patrick, for his loving support and encouragement, and to my dear friends, Dr. Bob and Anne Little who told me about this story and introduced me to Gene Andrews.  Hand of Mercy is about Gene's father and family and how our Dear Lord reached His hand into their lives and brought healing and salvation.  It's a story of hope and encouragement, truth and enlightenment. 

Hand of Mercy is now available as a Pre-order through Amazon - see the link below.  It will soon be an Ebook, and the actual hard-copy will be launched on October 30.

Thank you for your interest in my writing.  I'm sorry I have not been able to blog in the past months.  My dear mother-in-law, Helen, has been in a severe decline and died on September 27.  She was my best friend and I miss her terribly.  I am so grateful for the years of love and support she gave me - I am blessed beyond words.  I rejoice she is home with her Lord and Savior, our Dear Jesus, and with her family she loved and missed so deeply.  She was the last one to go, and I know she longed to be with them in heaven.

Thank you for purchasing Hand of Mercy, may it bless you in the reading as it has blessed me in the writing!

HOM is now on amazon for pre-order: http://www.amazon.com/Hand-Mercy-Story-Gods-Grace/dp/1620205327/ref=sr_1_cc_3?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1444384432&sr=1-3-catcorr&keywords=ann+wirtz