These Irish Eyes are Smilin'

Top o' the morning to ya!   I just finished a scrumptious breakfast of corned beef hash to help get me in the mood for the day.  First~ a little history lesson...

St. Patrick is the paton Saint of Ireland, though he was born in Britain of Roman parents in the fourth century.  During his childhood, most people surrounding him were Christians living under Roman rule.  At the time, Britain was constantly attacked by Irish raiders who crossed the Irish Sea.  In his teens, Patrick was captured while on his father's farm near Dumbarton, Scotland.  He was taken to Ireland where he was sold as a slave and forced to work as a herdsman until his escape at the age of 22.  Patrick then returned to his homeland.  He studied Theology for 25 years, and with the blessing of the church, Patrick returned to Ireland .  He spent the rest of his life ministering to the pagan Celts who had once been so cruel.  He is creditied with many miracles, including driving the snakes out of Ireland, (which some scholars believe to actually be the Druids).  St. Patrick is credited with the use of the shamrock to illustrate the Holy Trinity to the Irish because of it's three leaves on a single stem.

An Irish blessing~

May God give you...

For every storm, a rainbow,

For every tear, a smile,

For every care, a promise,

And a blessing in each trial,

For every problem life send,

A Faithful friend to share,

For every sigh, a sweet song,

And an answer for each prayer.