Easter Read Out Loud Story From The Family Man~

One of my goals in raising my children was to give them a love for God. I figured if they truly loved God~they would choose to please Him. When we realise that our God sent His only begotten Son to die in our place how can we not but want to love Him back. One way we have always done this in our Homeschooling was to start the day with a Proverbs~the book of wisdom. Today is the 31st so today we read Proverbs 31. When my children were young we would read Keys For Kids ~you can visit it here. The important thing is that we teach our children to love GOD~It truly is the key to all of this world's questions

Duet. 11:19
And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

Todd Wilson~also known as the Family Man has written a really good read out loud story for your children about Easter~it makes for a great devotion time. Todd and his wife homeschool their children and have a wealth of knowledge to share. He is a funny man who loves his family and God with his whole heart. You can go here to read his wonderful Easter story to your children~ The Night Jesus Took My Place In The Easter Pageant.

The Jelly Bean Story~

Have you heard the story of the jelly beans?

Little jelly beans
Tell a story true.
A tale of our Father's love
That's just for me and you.

GREEN is for the new spring grass.
YELLOW is for the sun above.
BROWN is for the soft earth where
People sat hearing of HIS love.

PURPLE'S for the robe he wore,
RED is for that precious blood~He shed.
BLACK is for the sins He washed
From your soul and mine.

BLUE'S for the sadness of
HIS friends and family,
and WHITE is for the glory of the Day
HE rose for you and me.

Now that you've heard the story
You know what each color means.
The story of our Father's love
As told by jelly beans.

So when you see jelly beans on this Easter season,
stop and remember,

Jesus Arose!

One Potato, Two Potato, Three Potato, Four ~

***Some of last year's harvest***

My Brian plowed up my gardens last night. The dirt looks wonderful and smells like fresh earth and Spring. I am so excited.

Last year was our first time to plant a garden. Did you know that a Victory Garden will save your family $2,000.00. It was the most rewarding thing to get fresh ~good for you~ food right out of my own garden.

This year we are planting two gardens. I am hoping for a $4,000.o0 return~

My potatoes last year were good but really small. A man at our church did a visual lesson on planting 25 pounds of seed potatoes and getting about 500 pounds for his return~ in comparison with spreading the Gospel one seed at at time and watering each and every chance we get. After church I asked him what kind of seed potatoes he chose. They were huge~he had fed his entire family~sons and their families all year. I found out he planted Kennebec. So you guessed it~I found some from my Amish neighbors.

We are learning to homestead one lesson at a time. I did some research and I found this article on planting potatoes. This little lady looks like a tried and true farm girl~so I am going with her advice. Thought I would share~ It said we were welcome to share it. So Alice if you happen to read my blog~thank you for your wisdom!

I am off to prepare my seed potatoes!

How to grow potatoes By Alice B. Yeager

Potato plants need plenty of sunshine, a well drained soil, and no weed or grass interference. Ideal soil is a loose sandy loam with plenty of humus and potash content. Soil needs to have a pH of 4.8-6.5, but don’t hesitate to plant them if the pH is a little higher than that. Almost any good garden soil will raise potatoes, but like anything else, potatoes have their limitations where climate and soil are concerned. Don’t expect much of a crop where wet or boggy conditions prevail. Also, the higher the pH, the more likely the tubers will be victims of scab. If the scab is not too intense, the tubers will be usable by scraping or peeling them before cooking. If your garden, as a whole, needs liming, be sure not to apply lime within a year of planting to the area where potatoes are to be grown. Almost the same rule applies to digging in barnyard fertilizers. Those are best applied several months before potatoes are to be planted so that they may be thoroughly decomposed by planting time. Turning under a good green cover crop such as clover or other leguminous green manure crop within a few weeks of planting potatoes is very beneficial. Timing is crucial in planting potatoes. Here in southwestern Arkansas (Zone 8), there’s the old rule of planting as close as you can get to February 14. However, that definitely has to be adjusted if planting conditions are “not right”—too wet, too cold, etc. If this is your first time to plant potatoes, check with a gardening neighbor or your local County Extension Agent. They will know about the best planting time in your area. Most local seed stores have seed potatoes available in early spring. A few will have them in the fall, too, but fall is a risky time for potatoes, as temperature is a crucial factor in raising them. An early frost can wipe out a potato patch. Potatoes do best when temperatures go down to about 53°F at night and do not soar into the upper 80s or 90s during the day. If ordered from a seed company, seed potatoes will arrive already cut and treated unless you specify whole potatoes. If purchased locally, you will probably get whole potatoes, which you will need to prepare for planting. Simply cut the potatoes in fairly large pieces, each piece containing one or two eyes. It’s best not to have several eyes on a piece as too many shoots will develop, thus cutting down on the yield. Cut the pieces a day or so in advance of planting. Spread them out on a level surface in a cool room so that the cut surfaces will dry somewhat. (A “cured” surface is more disease resistant than fresh cut.) Another good preventive against disease is to put the pieces in a bag containing some powdered sulphur; shake until all are coated and plant. The old reliable method for planting potato pieces is to plant them in “hills.” Pieces are buried eyes up, 3 to 4 inches deep, two to a hill in hills spaced about 20 to 24 inches apart. Soil should be in good condition and deeply pulverized. If clay soil is a problem, it should be improved several weeks ahead of time by adding plenty of organic material, compost, etc. Heavy soil restricts the growth of potato tubers. Some gardeners prefer the trench method of planting, particularly if they are using commercial fertilizer. Trenches are dug about 8 inches deep and fertilizer scattered along the bottom of the trenches. Two inches of dirt are put on top of the fertilizer, and the potato pieces are placed on that about a foot apart. Roots will reach down to the fertilizer as the plants grow. Potato pieces coming into direct contact with fertilizer will “burn.” Keep plants hilled-up by drawing dirt up around the bottoms of them. Young plants can be nipped by harsh cold, so it is a good idea to put down a good organic mulch when planting, adding to it later if necessary. This also keeps soil from packing when heavy rains occur. We like our raised-bed method for growing potatoes. With the soil in loose condition, potato pieces are placed about a foot apart on top of the soil. About 4 inches of shredded organic mulch is then distributed over the bed. Plants easily push through the mulch. More mulch is added as needed to help retain moisture and keep tubers from being exposed to the sun. This method produces a cleaner potato and one that’s easy to harvest. Plants need plenty of water to develop tubers, so don’t hesitate to water thoroughly if there is a prolonged dry spell. Also, as with many other vegetables, practice crop rotation from year to year. This helps keep down diseases that may linger in the soil and assures that it is not depleted of nutrients, as happens when the same vegetables are grown in the same spot year after year. Potatoes should be dug as soon as vines die down. Tubers may be spread in a shady place until any clinging dirt has dried. Whisk the dirt off with a soft brush in order to avoid damaging the tender skins and move them to a cool, dark, well-ventilated area for storage. Everyone enjoys potatoes in one form or another: baked, scalloped, mashed, French fried, and so on. Potatoes are the top seller to go with our burgers. Have you ever heard of anyone ordering a favorite burger with a side order of broccoli?

The Lord's Supper~

It is a beautiful day here at Farming On Faith. The sun is shining and the birds are singing~even the chickens have a spring in their step. I am looking forward to celebrating the day. I spend this afternoon with My Homeschool Kindergarten class~such fun. This evening our church will take the Lord's Supper.

This is a serious day for me in that I will be seeking the corners of my heart and soul and confessing any sin in my heart. I will even ask God to reveal to me any un-confessed sin I am harboring~unknowingly. Why? This evening is the Lord's Supper at our church.

To me remembering what my Saviour did for me on the cross in one of the most sacred times of all. At our church the lights will be dimmed and we will have a Memorial service for Jesus. It will be a quiet and reverent time. I look forward to this day all year.

What we should know about the Lord's Supper~

* It is a divine command~ Christ said~".....this do in remembrance of me." I so enjoy this time at church! To neglect to observe this sacred command is disobeying God.

* It is a privilege~ We are invited to come to the Lord's table~He invites us. Wow~what an awesome blessing. It is such a sweet time of closeness with God.

*It is a necessary Memorial. Oh~it reminds me of the high cost of my salvation. It reminds me that the blood that was spilled that day was priceless and painful to my Saviour. Not only does he deserve a Memorial but He deserves that I live this life to honour Him. I should have been crucified~ I should have bled and died for my own sin.

* It is a testimony. By taking part in the Lord's Supper~I am declaring a am a follower of My Jesus!

* It is a humble confession. I am confessing that I could not save myself! Without Christ~I am nothing!

* It is a declaration of my faith. Not only do I acknowledge that Jesus was crucified for the sins of mankind but I believe He is the King of Kings~one day He will return. When Jesus left the table that day with His disciples~He went and died willingly and He will come again just as He promised! I BELIEVE!

***** There is a warning which takes me back to searching the corners of my heart and soul! If we take it unworthily there is a serious warning.

²⁷Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.

There have been times I did not partake just for this reason. I had something in my heart that I just could not confess, maybe bitterness I just couldn't let go of!

But today~ I am excited and so looking forward to this time with My Saviour!

As I partake in the Holy Communion I am going to remember each drop of blood that My Saviour spilled, each tear He cried, each stripe that was laid on His back, the pain He must of felt watching His mother suffer as she watched her son being tortured, how He cared for those hanging next to Him, how the earth went black, how the weight of the most putrid sin felt to Him and just how it must have hurt Him so when His Holy Heavenly Father had to turn away from that putrid sin.

Oh yes~today I am going to remember and cry out and because He is worthy to be praised!

1 Corinthians 11:24-27

²⁴And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.

²⁵After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, this cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.

²⁶For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.

²⁷Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.

Homemade Rice Pudding~

• 2 c. cooked rice
• 1/2 c. sugar
• 2 eggs, slightly beaten
• 2 c. milk
• 1/2 tsp. vanilla
• 1/4 c. raisins
• 1/2 tsp. powdered cinnamon

Preparation:

Place rice in bowl, add all ingredients, stir to mix. Pour into greased baking dish or pan. Bake about 25~30 minutes in a 350 degree oven.

Do You Believe In Easter?

Edith Burns was a wonderful Christian who lived in San Antonio, Texas.
She was the patient of doctor by the name of Will Phillips.

Dr. Phillips was a gentle doctor who saw patients as people.
His favorite patient was Edith Burns.
One morning he went to his office with a heavy heart and it was because of Edith Burns. When he walked into that waiting room, there sat Edith with her big black Bible in her lap earnestly talking to a young mother sitting beside her.
Edith Burns had a habit of introducing herself in this way:
"Hello, my name is Edith Burns. Do you believe in Easter?"

Then she would explain the meaning of Easter, and many times people would be saved. Dr. Phillips walked into that office and there he saw the head nurse, Beverly.
Beverly had first met Edith when she was taking her blood pressure.
Edith began by saying,
"My name is Edith Burns. Do you believe in Easter?"

Beverly said, "Why yes I do."
Edith said, "Well, what do you believe about Easter?"
Beverly said, "Well, it's all about egg hunts, going to church, and dressing up."
Edith kept pressing her about the real meaning of Easter, and finally led her to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Dr. Phillips said, "Beverly, don't call Edith into the office quite yet.
I believe there is another delivery taking place in the waiting room.

After being called back in the doctor's office, Edith sat down and when she took a look at the doctor she said,
"Dr. Will, why are you so sad?
Are you reading your Bible? Are you praying?"

Dr. Phillips said gently,
"Edith, I'm the doctor and you're the patient."
With a heavy heart he said, "Your lab report came back and it says you have cancer, and Edith, you're not going to live very long."
Edith said, "Why Will Phillips, shame on you. Why are you so sad?
Do you think God makes mistakes?
You have just told me I'm going to see my precious Lord Jesus, my husband, and my friends. You have just told me that I am going to celebrate Easter forever, and here you are having difficulty giving me my ticket!"
Dr. Phillips thought to himself, "What a magnificent woman this Edith Burns is!"

Edith continued coming to Dr. Phillips.
Christmas came and the office was closed through January 3rd.
On the day the office opened, Edith did not show up.
Later that afternoon, Edith called Dr. Phillips and said she would have to be moving her story to the hospital and said,
"Will, I'm very near home, so would you make sure that they put women in here next to me in my room who need to know about Easter."
Well, they did just that and women began to come in and share that room with Edith.
Many women were saved.
Everybody on that floor from staff to patients were so excited about Edith, that they started calling her Edith Easter;
that is everyone except Phyllis Cross, the head nurse.

Phyllis made it plain that she wanted nothing to do with Edith because she was a
"religious nut".
She had been a nurse in an army hospital. She had seen it all and heard it all.
She was the original G.I. Jane.
She had been married three times, she was hard, cold, and did everything by the book.
One morning the two nurses who were to attend to Edith were sick.
Edith had the flu and Phyllis Cross had to go in and give her a shot.
When she walked in, Edith had a big smile on her face and said,
"Phyllis, God loves you and I love you, and I have been praying for you."
Phyllis Cross said,
"Well, you can quit praying for me, it won't work. I'm not interested."
Edith said,
"Well, I will pray and I have asked God not to let me go home
until you come into the family."
Phyllis Cross said,
"Then you will never die because that will never happen,"
and curtly walked out of the room.
Every day Phyllis Cross would walk into the room and Edith would say,
"God loves you Phyllis and I love you, and I'm praying for you."
One day Phyllis Cross said she was literally drawn to Edith's room like a magnet would draw iron. She sat down on the bed and Edith said,
"I'm so glad you have come, because God told me that today is your special day."

Phyllis Cross said,
"Edith, you have asked everybody here the question,
'Do you believe in Easter?'
but you have never asked me."

Edith said,
"Phyllis, I wanted to many times,
but God told me to wait until you asked, and now that you have asked..."
Edith Burns took her Bible and shared with Phyllis Cross the Easter Story of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Edith said,
"Phyllis, do you believe in Easter?
Do you believe that Jesus Christ is alive and that He wants to live in your heart?"
Phyllis Cross said,
"Oh I want to believe that with all of my heart, and I do want Jesus in my life.
"Right there, Phyllis Cross prayed and invited Jesus Christ into her heart.
For the first time Phyllis Cross did not walk out of a hospital room,
she was carried out on the wings of angels.

Two days later, Phyllis Cross came in and Edith said,
"Do you know what day it is?"
Phyllis Cross said, "Why Edith, it's Good Friday."
Edith said, "Oh, no, for you every day is Easter. Happy Easter Phyllis!"

Two days later, on Easter Sunday, Phyllis Cross came into work, did some of her duties and then went down to the flower shop and got some Easter lilies because she wanted to go up to see Edith and give her some Easter lilies and wish her a Happy Easter. When she walked into Edith's room, Edith was in bed. That big black Bible was on her lap. Her hands were in that Bible. There was a sweet smile on her face.
When Phyllis Cross went to pick up Edith's hand, she realized Edith was dead.
Her left hand was on John 14: "In my Father's house are many mansions.
I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also."
Her right hand was on Revelation 21:4, " And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes, there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying; and there shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away."

Phyllis Cross took one look at that dead body, and then lifted her face toward heaven, and with tears streaming down her cheeks, said, "Happy Easter, Edith - Happy Easter!"

Phyllis Cross left Edith's body, walked out of the room, and over to a table where two student nurses were sitting.

She said, "My name is Phyllis Cross. Do you believe in Easter?"

Resurrection Cookies~

When I worked with MOPS ~a long time ago (my children were all small) I was given this recipe. I made it with my children and it was great fun. I am now looking forward to making these cookies with Boston.

It is such a wonderful way to teach our children about The Resurrection.

Resurrection Cookies

1 cup whole pecans
1 teaspoon vinegar
3 egg whites
a pinch salt
1 cup sugar
a zipper baggy
1 wooden spoon
scotch tape
Bible

Instructions:
These are to be made the evening before Easter. Preheat oven to 300F.
*** (this is very important --- don't wait until you are half done with the recipe).
Place pecans in zipper baggy and let children beat them with the wooden spoon
to break into small pieces. Explain that after Jesus was arrested. He
was beaten by the Roman soldiers. Read: John 19:1-3

Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1 teaspoon vinegar into mixing bowl.
Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross He was given vinegar
to drink. Read: John 19:28-30

Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His life
to give us life. Read: John 10:10&11

Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand. Let them taste it and brush the rest
into the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers,
and the bitterness of our own sin. Read: Luke 23:27

So far the ingredients are not very appetizing. Add 1 cup sugar. Explain that the
sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to
know and belong to Him. Read: Psalm 34:8 and John 3:16

Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed.
Explain that the color white represents the purity in God's eyes of those whose sins
have been cleansed by Jesus. Read: Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3

Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoon onto waxed paper covered cookie sheet.
Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid.
Read: Matthew 27:57-60

Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF.

Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door.
Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed. Read: Matthew 27:65-66

GO TO BED!

Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight.
Jesus' followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed. Read: John 16:20&22

On Resurrection Sunday (Easter) morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked
surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! On the first Easter Jesus' followers were amazed
to find the tomb open and empty. Read: Matthew 28:1-9

Happy Lord's Day~ Peach Cobbler

I am up making Grandma's Sunday Meatloaf for dinner after church.

I am looking forward to hear what God has for me this morning.

When I go expecting~God always comes through.

Grandma's Sunday Meatloaf~

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 ribs celery, chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef or 1 pound lean
• ground beef and 1/2 pound ground pork
• 3/4 cup oats, quick or old-fashioned
• 1/4 cup chili sauce or ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 3 tablespoons water or milk

Preparation:

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped celery and onion; cook, stirring, until tender, about 7 to 9 minutes.

In a large bowl, mix ground beef or beef and pork mixture, oats, chili sauce or ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, beaten egg, celery and onion mixture, and the water or milk. In a 13x9-inch baking pan, shape meat mixture into a 9x5-inch loaf. Bake at 375° for 1 hour. Using 2 spatulas, carefully move meat loaf to a serving plate and slice.

It was cloudy yesterday at Farming On Faith. What do you like to do on rainy days? I like to clean. So that is what I did~sure feels good to have a job done!

My girls played in the rain all day long as you can see from the picture above! My Brian and I cleaned out the messing chicken coop and lined it with fresh clean straw. In return one of my girls blessed us with this enormous egg. Really the blue egg is extra large but this egg is huge. I think I might blow it out and keep it.

Here is Sunday's Scripture. You are welcome to snatch this picture and use it if you like. I thought it turned out so cute! I pray you have a good and Godly day!

My Favorite Sunday Mashed Potatoes~

8-10 Russet potatoes~ peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks ~cooked

1 1/4 teaspoons salt or to taste

I stick real butter

1/2 to 2/3 cup hot milk

1 package of cream cheese

Take cooked potatoes, drain and put the he mixing bowel. Add butter, milk, cream cheese, and salt and pepper to taste. I make before church on Sunday and place in crock pot on warm. They keep great!

My girls will be excited this morning. When I make potatoes~I boil the skins for them. What a fine treat ~ They love them!

Today's dessert~

QUICK AND EASY PEACH COBBLER

---

1 c. sugar
1 c. flour
3/4 c. milk
1 tbsp. baking powder
1 stick butter
1 (No. 2) can sliced peaches
6 to 8 fresh peaches, can be used

Sift flour, sugar and baking powder together and then add milk. Stir thoroughly. Melt butter in 9 x 9 inch square baking dish. Then drain all juice from peaches and arrange them in a dish with the butter. Next pour over the peaches the flour mixture. DO NOT STIR. Top with 1/4 cup sugar mixed with a dash of cinnamon. Bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes.

Grandma's Sunday Meatloaf

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 ribs celery, chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef or 1 pound lean
• ground beef and 1/2 pound ground pork
• 3/4 cup oats, quick or old-fashioned
• 1/4 cup chili sauce or ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 3 tablespoons water or milk

Preparation:

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped celery and onion; cook, stirring, until tender, about 7 to 9 minutes.

In a large bowl, mix ground beef or beef and pork mixture, oats, chili sauce or ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, beaten egg, celery and onion mixture, and the water or milk. In a 13x9-inch baking pan, shape meat mixture into a 9x5-inch loaf. Bake at 375° for 1 hour. Using 2 spatulas, carefully move meat loaf to a serving plate and slice.

Chickens In My Road~ Need Chick Advice

My Girls~

I received the most wonderful Easter basket from My Secret Pal at church Wednesday night. Inside were these adorable kitchen towels, the cutest To DO pad, sticky notes, chocolates in a cute Easter dish, and none other than a New Amish Cook Book. She knows the key to my heart. Secret Pal ~I have a feeling you are reading to know me so well~you have blessed me beyond measure~ you have just spoiled me so~THANK YOU!

In the bowel are today's farm fresh eggs that my girls blessed me with today~pretty as a picture! Who needs to color eggs when you have these beauties?

These are my farm fresh eggs I blew out so my Kindergartens could paint them with watercolors. We had such great fun learning all about chicks last week!

Spring is officially here~I am so excited! I am looking forward to bright long days, warm sunshine and getting my hands into some dirt. Frankly~ I am looking forward to getting outside and working in my garden. After being cooped up all winter~I am so excited to just get outdoors! Woo Hoo~

My chickens are looking a little worn and weary from this long hard winter. They have been getting out most of the day to free range. I have been giving them good chicken feed and oyster shells~along with many treats. For my chicken farmer friends~do you have any idea how to beautify them a bit? I think some have entered a moult time again. I was getting 12 eggs a day and now we are down to 6-8 eggs a day. If you have any ideas ~I would love to hear them.

They seem to love digging in my flower beds~so I was thinking maybe you~ my chicken farmer friends ~could clue me in to any flowers they don't like to eat! I noticed they leave certain flowers alone. Any ideas? I must say a city girl who loves my flowers might have lost her mind.

BUT~I am so excited to see them running around once again. They are always in search of the next treasure. Each one has a different personality. My Sami has became the most personable~imagine that. Her stay in the house completely transformed her into a very social character. For a chicken who has bathed in a whirl pool tub had to learn some social graces. She has become my favorite. With all the special treatment she received she is very capable and is thriving among her siblings~maybe even a bit to much!

If you would pay Farming On Faith a visit today you would see chickens in the road for sure. They seem to know that Momma Hen loves them and that they truly do rule the roost~all 10 acres!

Isaiah 41:10

¹⁰Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Fun Facts About St. Patrick's Day~

Fun Facts about St. Patrick’s Day

The first St. Patrick’s Day Parades were not in Ireland, but in Boston (1737) and New York (1762).

Irish immigrants living in New York actually outnumbered Irish living in Dublin, Ireland at one time!

St. Patrick was born in Scotland, but spent 40 years preaching Christianity in Ireland.

Legend says that St. Patrick chased all the snakes out of Ireland.

The three-leaf clover was used by St. Patrick to explain the Holy Trinity to pre-Christian Ireland.

For St. Patrick’s Day every year, Chicago dyes its river bright green to celebrate.

Leprechauns are hard-workers although sometimes mischievous! They are the official shoemakers to the fairy kingdom.

19 U.S. Presidents have claimed Irish heritage.

Seattle paints a green stripe on roads on St. Patrick’s Day.

Corned beef is completely an American invention, but very popular with Irish-American immigrants nonetheless!

Homemade Disinfectant~

Photo by Hannah Bell

Homemade Disinfectant

2 Tbsp. ammonia

1/2 cup rubbing alcohol

1/4 vinegar

Put ammonia, alcohol and vinegar in a spray bottle and fill with water. This works especially great for counter tops but I also use it to clean showers, toilets and sink.

Irish Black Ginger Cake~

This unique ginger cake is loaded with flavor from molasses, coffee and spices like cinnamon, cloves and ginger. This cake is so tasty it doesn't even need frosting, but if you're craving a sweet topping, try a coffee icing.

Ingredients

• ¹/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
• ¹/2 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 cup blackstrap molasses
• 2 ¹/2 cups flour
• 1 ¹/2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger (or 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated ginger root)
• ¹/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 ¹/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 cup hot strong freshly brewed coffee

********************************************************************

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Butter an 8-inch square of 9-inch round cake pan and set aside.
   
2. Cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. In a large bowl, beat the egg into the molasses, then add to the butter mixture. Sift together the flour, spices, and salt, then fold into the butter mixture.
   
3. Dissolve the baking soda in the hot coffee, then add it to the batter. Beat vigorously until well blended.
   
4. Scrape the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 45 to 60 minutes, or until a tester inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

St. Patty's Day Punch~

• ¹/2 gallon box lime sherbet
• 2 liters bottle ginger ale or Sprite/7-Up
• 1 large can of pineapple juice

Place the sherbet into the punch bowel,

pour pineapple juice and soda over the top.

Kids are sure to love this!

Pot Of Gold Craft~

dollarstorecrafts.com

Have you visited theDollar Store Crafts.com?

I visited it awhile back but forgot about it. One of my blog friends~Be Different Act Normal brought this craft to my attention. I have been away this weekend with My Brian on a business trip and I needed a St Patty's day craft to do with my 4 & 5 year old kids this week. I found all of these items I needed~ to do this craft. You can go to the site for detailed instructions and a printable rainbow. Although I think the butterscotch candy is so very cute~I did not want to give those to my little ones~so I bought gold fish to fill my little pails instead. You can go to the Dollar Store Craft Site here!

Happy Lord's Day~

Farming On Faith is under construction~

Deli Roast Beef~

I found this recipe for roast beef sandwiches~just wanted to share.

Deli Roast Beef~

• 5 pounds top round roast
• garlic salt, to taste
• coarse black pepper, to taste

1. Preheat oven to 500F degrees.
2. Bring the meat to room temperature and season with the garlic salt and the pepper.
3. Place meat in a shallow roaster pan with a rack to sit the meat on.
   
   
   
   
   Cook the roast at 500F degrees. Time varies according to your desired doneness:
4. • 6 minutes per pound for rare
     
   • 7-10 minutes for medium-rare or medium
5. Turn off the oven and let the roast sit in the oven for 1 1/2 hours before opening the door.

The Robins Have Arrived~

Farming On Faith is in the great melt down~that means mud~mud~ and more mud! However~we are having beautiful Spring like days finally after a long~long~long winter here in Missouri. I was so excited yesterday to see the Robins arrive!~that has to mean good things are to come~Woo Hoo!!!

I am off to a brunch this morning to celebrate a very special friend's birthday. I think it is going to be a wonderful day!

Spring, Almost The sunshine gleams so bright and warm, The sky is blue and clear. I run outdoors without a coat, And spring is almost here. Then before I know it, Small clouds have blown together, Till the sun just can't get through them, And again, it's mitten weather. What the Robin Told The wind told the grasses, And the grasses told the trees. The trees told the bushes, And the bushes told the bees. The bees told the robin, And the robin sang out clear: Wake up! Wake up! Spring is here!