Dear Home School Solutions Friends,

Happy St. Patrick's Day! My good friend, Tamara, recently shared some great observations and ideas about St. Patrick's Day.

For example, did you know that St. Patrick is credited for using a three-leaf shamrock to explain the truth of the trinity? That's why he's often pictured holding a shamrock.

While many Protestants may dismiss the holiday as one of revelry, why not use it as a time to explore Irish culture, history and the faith of St. Patrick?

Tamara noted that there are many beautifully written Irish blessings. While some pay homage to patron saints, many are simply delightful prayers written with poetic grace. You could easily read one Irish blessing a day throughout March as a tribute to our friends in faith across the sea.

A great website to explore Irish heritage is:
www.irishcultureandcustoms.com.

Be sure to visit the kids tab and blessings tab!

This is also a fun time to celebrate the new life of a green spring that's just around the corner, and the new life we find in Christ because of this Holy Week. My husband made green pancakes for breakfast this morning by sprinkling green sugar on the tops. For fun, this is also a great day to read the Seuss classic, Green Eggs and Ham. Hide green Easter eggs around the house with favorite Easter-themed scripture verses tucked inside. Get creative, and you're sure to have some fun today!

I posted an Irish blessing below that's perfect for home schooling moms! It's so eloquent, I think I'll print it and post it in our school room. We should all voice this prayer today for our children.

Home Schooling Green Today,
Mrs. Sherry

P.S. Thanks, Tamara, for the ideas!

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A mother's prayer
for God's blessing
on her children

O Thou, to whom to love and be are one,
hear my faith-cry for them who are more
thine than mine.
Give each of them what is best for each.
I cannot tell what it is.
But Thou knowest.
I only ask Thou love them and keep them
With the loving and keeping Thou didst
Show to Mary's Son and Thine.