Archive for the ‘Guest Post’ Category

Those Worn Memories: Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Education Week

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Guest post from Shelly Calcagno for Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Education Week

I felt something on the corner of her quilt the other night as I sat writing in my room. I looked down, and there was her name.

Ironed on so tight.

I remembered when she first went into long-term care—ten years after her Alzheimer’s journey had begun—and I was struggling and resentful. I didn’t want her there and was upset that all her beautiful belongings were labeled with such impersonal tags, tossed into big piles with the items of strangers she didn’t even know.

tulipsSwirling together in washing machines, all coming together in their unlikely, mismatched loads.

I almost cried out, “Don’t touch my mom’s things,” because I wanted more for her life than labeled laundry in some back room as her memories slipped farther and farther away.

But that was her home, and so I had to let go.

Later, I learned to love that sacred place—those walls holding beautiful lives and stories, many often forgotten. I would come and go, and my tender heart would break and be full all at once.

Some days, I think about going back and walking the halls to remember those cherished moments and fully process those final hours of our longest goodbye, forever seared into my heart.

But I don’t think I can be there if she’s not.

So, I pull her quilt up around me, and now I’m glad for that little tag in the corner. I’ll never take it off. And I think about my kids and all the sweet grandbabies, and how one day their little fingers will touch the corner of the quilt, and they will ask about the name, and her story will be told again.

I gently open my bedside table and see her worn-out Bible, with her notes scrawled in all the corners of the pages. That precious book of God holds her memories, too. Then, I’ll pull out her favorite mug—the one she always saved for me—and sit and think of those days on a cozy Saturday morning, resting in those precious moments I’ve gathered.

And maybe we’re all just a group of heart-worn people grasping onto those precious belongings that bring us joy in loss—wearing the clothes with faded tags, gently turning the see-through pages of books with love notes written in familiar script, and sipping our drinks in comfort-filled cups.

That’s how we go on.
That’s how we reflect.
That’s how love goes on.

I’ll remember the moments and tell the stories.
Her story—and mine.

 

 

 

Shelly Calcagno, author of The Longest GoodbyeShelly Calcagno’s longest goodbye began when her mother forgot the word for dandelions and referred to them as “yellow flowers” instead. That moment started a journey that Calcagno never wanted to be on. In her memoir, The Longest Goodbye: A Family’s Hope-Filled Journey Through Alzheimer’s, Calcagno shares her own personal journey with her mother in hopes of helping herself—and others like her—say the longest goodbye.
The Longest Goodbye: A Family's Hope-Filled Journey Through Alzheimer's by Shelly CalcagnoCalcagno is open and raw as she shares each step of her journey so far—from her mother’s forgetting “dandelions” to the day her mother could no longer recognize her. She even shares brief glimpses of what life has been like for her father, who was the main caregiver until the family made the difficult decision of putting her mother in an assisted living facility.
In writing about her own loss, Calcagno hopes to help herself heal and to walk with others who are starting their own longest goodbyes. With each chapter, Calcagno shares another step of her own heartache and reflects on ways that people and circumstances helped her along the way.

Learn more about Shelly Calcagno and The Longest Goodbye HERE.

How to Transform Your Year: Guest Post From Author Shandi Stevenson

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Guest post from author Shandi Stevenson

It is all too easy to take for granted the gift of reading God’s Word in our own language. Studying the lives of those who have longed for that experience—for themselves or others—is a powerful reminder that carving out time for the Bible is perhaps the single most transformative thing we can do this new year.

William Tyndale, executed in 1536, gave his life for translating the Bible into English. He was passionate about the right of everyone in England to hear God’s voice in their own language. “That precious thing which must be in the heart, ere a man can work any good work, is the word of God,” Tyndale wrote. “Therefore it is called the word of life, the word of grace, the word of health, the word of redemption, and the word of peace.”

Pandita Ramabai, nineteenth century champion of vulnerable women in India, was a brilliant scholar fluent in multiple languages. Her life was transformed by the Christ she encountered in the Bible, and at the age of fifty she set out to master both Hebrew and Greek so she could give her people a reliable translation of the Bible in their own language.

Mary MacLeod Bethune, pioneer of Black education in the United States, grew up hearing the Bible read aloud whenever a literate minister visited her family’s tiny shack. As a child, Mary prayed to her parents’ God that she might one day learn to read and write. When she was ten her prayers were answered by the arrival of a teacher to open a school for the children of former slaves. Mary gladly walked ten miles a day to attend, and was soon able to read the Bible to her family and neighbors. She would go on to train a generation of Black educators and to advocate for Black Americans in Franklin Roosevelt’s White House.

George Mueller, whose pioneering ministry to the orphans of the Industrial Revolution saved countless lives, identified a key turning point in his life when he learned to spend time with the Bible every day. Mueller, who estimated in old age that he had probably read the whole Bible two hundred times, urged that if anyone “enjoys the reading of the Word little, that is just the reason why he should read it much; for the frequent reading of the Scriptures creates a delight in them, so that the more we read them, the more we desire to do so.”

We can so easily be distracted and deafened by the voices all around us, forgetting to “incline the ear” to the most important Voice of all. Reading the stories of lives transformed by a commitment to knowing and loving the Bible is a vital reminder that God’s Word can change us, sustain us, and empower us.

Worldchangers by Shandi Stevenson, a biography of significant historical ChristiansA new year is the perfect time to set specific goals for encountering the Bible in a new way, whether through a chronological reading plan, a word study, or a new daily routine. The stories of those whose love for God’s Word changed their world prove its power to transcend the barriers of language, culture, background, and experience, and to speak to all who have ears to hear, right where we are.

 

To learn more about Shandi Stevenson and her book, visit HERE.

A Brand New Year, Full of Possibility

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Guest post from Christian children’s author Karen Ferguson

“I believe the nicest and sweetest days are…just those that bring simple little pleasures, following one another softly, like pearls slipping off a string.” — L.M. Montgomery

Does that sound too simplistic? You might be a book lover like me and already carve out ample time for your simple pleasure every day, but have you given thought to what you read? Expanding into new genres is good for your brain, and could be just what you need to discover new healthy habits and mindsets for this next year.
Do you have young children or grandchildren? Why not start a regular family reading time with them. Spending time together reading colorful, biblically based books will not only benefit their spiritual development, but will also provide a special time of bonding.
If you’re looking for more community, find a local book club or start one in your church or neighborhood. Connecting over a book is one of the sweetest simple pleasures in life.January
Would you like to grow in generosity this year? Instead of holding onto all those books, you can give some away to libraries, churches, foster care homes, and assisted living centers.
You might do all the above. That’s great! Then how about starting a Bible reading challenge so you go deeper with the Lord this year and grow in new ways.
There are many ways to recommit to a reading practice that promotes spiritual and personal growth, and Ambassador International has a plethora of books to help! Charming children’s books, Bible studies and devotionals, business and finance, Christian living, historical fiction, theology, and biographies. Ambassador’s mission is to magnify the Lord through the written word, so you can be assured that each book aligns with biblical values and promotes healthy Christian growth.
Karen Ferguson, author of Guess How Much God Loves YouI’m a children’s author, so I am particularly fond of their children’s titles 😉 If you’re a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, or neighbor, you can be a part of promoting a love for reading and for God’s Word in this next generation, by sharing a biblically-based book with young readers!
I’d like to recommend my children’s book series, published through Ambassador International, called Questions for Kids. In this series, kids will explore key truths of the Bible in a fun and engaging way, as they journey into it right alongside the main characters Lucy Lu and her trusted advisor Papa Joe. Readers adventure into unique periods of Bible history and learn about important people, places, and events, all the while discovering God’s never-changing, never-failing, never-ending love. The first two books in the series are now available with at least five more coming soon. I’ve heard great feedback that adults enjoy them, too.Questions for Kids by Karen Ferguson

However you choose to renew or enhance your reading practice this year, I wish you many hours of pleasure and purpose. Happy Reading!

 

To learn more about Karen Ferguson and her books, visit HERE.

Shadow’s Secrets | National Day of the Horse

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Imagine a dark brown and white horse, multiple spots on his hindquarters, prancing about with ears forward and nostrils flaring. He’s proud, happy, and eager to please. That’s our Shadow and he’s here to reveal a secret or two.

 

Secret #1

It’s December 13th and horse owners and enthusiasts alike will celebrate National Day of the Horse today.Shadow from Shadow's Secret by Maria Bostian

Why are they celebrating? It’s to honor the contributions horses have made to the society and culture of the United States. Throughout the ages, Americans have used the strong backs and legs of these beautiful animals to help us carry heavy sacks of goods, pull plows, carts, and sleighs, and even transport us for work, pleasure, and more. We’ve even used them to raise barns, carry our burdens, and traverse new heights.

Horses are extraordinary creatures, and some have an uncanny ability to help humans heal. Their intelligence and sensitive nature can free minds, reduce stress and anxiety, improve communication skills, and instill confidence and self-control. They are extremely aware of emotional energies, and they sometimes know people better than they know themselves.

Therapeutic horseback riding utilizes the special qualities many of them animals possess. Their tremendous physical strength and emotional intelligence help them respond to riders of all ages and needs. The rhythmic gait of the horses and the heat from their fur stimulate riders’ muscles and increase mobility. Throughout each ride, the change of gait and pace helps riders experience of wide range of sensory emotions.

 

Secret #2

Shadow is not just any horse. He’s a very special part of a therapeutic horse farm in the foothills area of North Carolina called Rising Hope Farm. Rising Hope Farms houses several horses who work with people of all ages with mental difficulties, physical and/or cognitive challenges, anxiety, grief, depression, etc. While there are many horses on the farm, Shadow is certainly the most popular because of Secret #3. What’s that secret, you may wonder? Well, we could tell you, but what’s the fun it that? You’ll have to read SHADOW’S SECRET to find out more!

To celebrate our favorite horse, Shadow, and National Day of the Horse, Ambassador International has a special offer on SHADOW’S SECRET.  From now through the end of December, we are offering SHADOW’S SECRET for a discounted offer of $7.99 through our warehouse. We will also donate $1 from each purchase to Rising Hope Farms.

We love feedback! Please comment below and let us know what you think of SHADOW’S SECRET. Got a special horse in your life? Tell us more! We’re always looking for other amazing horse stories to write!

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Information on Rising Hope Farms: Ran by owner/operator, Gail Wartner, Rising Hope Farms is a therapeutic horse farm located in Claremont, NC, in the foothills of the North Carolina mountains. To find out more about the farm, their animals, and the events and programs they offer, please visit them at risinghopefarms.com or on Facebook at facebook.com/risinghopefarmsclaremont.

Preparing Our Hearts and Homes to Celebrate Thanksgiving, Part 3: Five Verses to Ready Your Heart

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This is the third in a three-part series on preparing our hearts and homes for Thanksgiving. Dee Travis is the author of Celebrate Life: Living to Serve God and Encourage Others as We Celebrate Life Together.

 

Psalm 100 is one of my favorite Scripture to meditate on as we approach the Thanksgiving season. When I think about that first Thanksgiving I imagine the Pilgrims and Indians in 1621 gathering to thank God for a bountiful harvest.

Thanksgiving-PinterestBut long before that another group of people had set aside a time to celebrate God’s goodness. It was the children of Israel during the Feast of Booths. In the fall after crops were harvested, the people had a time of worshiping and thanking God for all He had done for them. They brought their offerings of Thanksgiving to the Lord. (Leviticus 23: 39-44)

Psalm 100 is a song of thanksgiving and praise to God that we can reflect on during this Thanksgiving.

 

Day 1

“Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth.” Psalm 100:1

Have you ever felt so thankful you just couldn’t keep quiet? Sometimes I just stand in awe of God’s handiwork in the things I see around me in His creation. Sometimes I just want to proclaim what an awesome God we serve! Everyone on the earth is admonished to praise His name because everyone benefits from God’s goodness! In Psalm 19:1-3 and Psalm 98:7-8 it says that all nature joins in to declare the glory of God and sing praises to His name. It is neat to imagine the rivers clapping and hills singing together for joy in praise to God.

 

Day 2

“Serve the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful singing.” Psalm 100:2

There is joy in serving Jesus! We can all serve Him whether we are young or old. Offer to teach a Sunday school class or volunteer to take a meal to someone or go visit someone who is in need of a friend. And sometimes the hardest thing is to do it with a happy heart. Many times we do something because we know we need to…. but our heart isn’t really in it. Having a joyful attitude comes from loving God and reading His word and spending time in prayer. With happy hearts we can use the talents God has given each one of us for serving Him not just during the holiday season but each and every day!

Day 3

“Know that the Lord Himself is God; It is He who made us and not we ourselves; we are His people the sheep of His pasture.” Psalm 100:3

God is the very one who created us. He knows us better than anyone. He know when we all overwhelmed or discouraged with so many things pulling at us in a hundred different directions during the holidays. That’s when we go to Him as His sheep and lie down in green pastures. (Psalm 23:2) Find that quiet spot and sit beside the still waters talk to God. He loves us and will restore our weary soul! He cares for us like a good shepherd and for that I am truly thankful.

 

Day 4

“Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him and bless His name.” Psalm 100:4

We are so blessed in this country to be able to go to church and worship God freely. Being thankful for God’s love will show in our actions as we enter into worship and praise with others who love Him too. I love to gather together with my church family during Thanksgiving and hear testimonies of God’s goodness and faithfulness and mercy. Bless His name for all he has done for us!

Day 5

“For the Lord is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting, and His faithfulness is to all generations.” Psalm 100:5

One of my favorite sayings is “God is always good and you are always loved”. What a great truth to know that the God of this universe loves us so much He was willing to send His Son to die and take the punishment for our sins. We simply have to believe and He gives everlasting life! (John 3:16). God’s lovingkindness is everlasting! He will love us forever!! And His faithfulness is to ALL generations! God daily loads us with so many benefits. God knows our needs and watches over us and never leaves us to fend for ourselves. He cares about us and will always do what is best for us. God is so good!

 

Thanksgiving is a time of celebration and a time to turn our thoughts to God and His Word and realize how very blessed we are of Him. Every day is a gift that we have been given…so every day (not just at Thanksgiving) thank Him and praise His name!

Did you miss part 1 of this series? Find it HERE. Part 2 can be found HERE.

Have a blessed Thanksgiving.

Preparing Our Hearts and Homes to Celebrate Thanksgiving, Part 2: Welcome an Attitude of Gratitude

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This is the second in a three-part series on preparing our hearts and homes for Thanksgiving. Dee Travis is the author of  Celebrate Life: Living to Serve God and Encourage Others as We Celebrate Life Together.

I really enjoy our church Thanksgiving Eve service. My week has usually been hectic and I have a house that needs cleaned and food that needs to be prepared but nothing helps my “attitude of gratitude” more Thanksgiving-Pinterestthan this night! Everyone enjoys homemade pie and then we have an informal time of singing and testimonies. It is good for me to hear others thanking God for what He has done in their lives over the last year. For some it has been a difficult year with pain and sorrow but they are still praising God and that is so encouraging. Sometimes it is a child who gives a testimony and it doesn’t get much better than childlike faith! I always go home feeling blessed and thankful for my church family! If you don’t have a Thanksgiving service at your church maybe you can make a list of the ways God has been good to you over the last year. Then have your own testimony time by thanking Him for all He has done!

We can also welcome gratitude to God for all He has done and provided for us by doing something special for others! We have so much to be thankful for as Christians. We have a God who loves us and has provided a way for us to have a home in heaven through Jesus Christ. When we place our trust in Him we receive eternal life. We enjoy the freedom to worship God here in America. We also have warm homes to live in and an abundance of food to eat at our tables. Every day God has richly blessed us and that should make us willing to bless others.

Plan to take a traditional Thanksgiving meal to some elderly or needy people in your church or neighborhood. It would probably be easiest to plan your dinner before Thanksgiving. This is a great service for kids to be involved in. They will love helping and it is good for them to see that we love and care about others. You might also want to print out Psalm 100 and attach it to one of the food containers. Contact families ahead of time so they will know you are coming and be sure to spend a few minutes and visit with them as you deliver their Thanksgiving meal. I know it seems like a lot of work but everyone will receive a blessing!

And then there is Thanksgiving Day that we spend with family and friends. It might be the biggest test for our attitude of gratitude! Most people get together on Thanksgiving Day with those they love and friends they care about. We celebrate together on Thanksgiving Evening. If we know of a family who doesn’t have their family close we will ask them to come join us. Since some have already had turkey and stuffing and are a little “stuffed” themselves we just do appetizers. It seems to be a big hit at our house. I usually put out our Scrabble game and everyone is to make a word about something they are thankful for. Mostly the kids like to do it! Sometimes I have the grandkids draw something they are thankful for and we have to guess what it is! An active game time usually finishes or evening together. I am so blessed and Thanksgiving Day and every day is a good time to celebrate God’s goodness!

 

Did you miss part 1 of this series? You can find it HERE.

 

Preparing Our Hearts and Homes to Celebrate Thanksgiving, Part 1

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This is the first in a three-part series on preparing our hearts and homes for Thanksgiving. Dee Travis is the author of  Celebrate Life: Living to Serve God and Encourage Others as We Celebrate Life Together.

November is here and it makes me start to think about the holidays. I always feel bad because Thanksgiving it such a great holiday and it gets here so fast and then after one day….it’s over and Christmas bells are ringing. Just one day of thankfulness doesn’t do it for me. There is so much to see and do as we think about Thanksgiving approaching. How about taking the whole month of November to celebrate Thanksgiving with me?

Thanksgiving-PinterestStep into November by getting outside and looking for God’s goodness and bounty! His glory in creation can be seen everywhere in the fall! The trees are changing into a beautiful display of God’s canvas of red, orange and yellow! How about visiting a pumpkin patch or a farm during harvest of the crops. Take your kids or grandkids to an apple orchard and pick some crisp juicy apples. We live on a farm in rural Iowa so we get to see harvesting of corn and soybeans first hand. We also grow a ton of pumpkins for the grandkids to pick. God is so good to us! We have a few apple trees so one of our favorite traditions is picking apples and making fresh apple cider! Those times all makes me reflect on how good and faithful God has been to us throughout another year. Harvest time with the bounty He gives us through crops and food and nature’s beauty will help us prepare our hearts to thank and praise an Almighty God!

Try reading a Psalm every day during November! Every day is a gift from God so celebrate His goodness every day. Start with Psalm 100 and go through Psalm 136. Some are short so you will be able to combine a couple of chapters on certain days. I kind of think that the Psalms and Thanksgiving go together like turkey and pumpkin pie! Each day after you are done reading write down three different things you are thankful for so that you can look at them during the month and then read them all on Thanksgiving Day! Always be ready to give thanks to God for what He had done for us! God is always good and you are always loved.

One of the things I love to do every year in November is attend my grandchildren’s Thanksgiving program at school. It really makes me think about our 9781620205310country and how the first Thanksgiving Day was started. The Pilgrims came to America to be able to worship God freely. They set aside this special time at harvest to thank God for all He had done for them. (And it was probably more than just one day!) It is such a good example for us to follow! The pilgrims not only shared their food with the Indians but they also shared their faith in a mighty God. Our forefathers sacrificed a lot for the freedoms we enjoy today and for that I am truly thankful!

Well are you in? I hope you will start to prepare your heart all month long and this Thanksgiving may be the most blessed ever!

Guest Post: Fire Prevention Week

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Did you know this week is Fire Prevention Week?! In honor, here is a guest post from Firefighters’ Busy Day and Fraidy Brady Visits the Fire Station author, Maria Bostian.

Fire Prevention Week 2024 – Smoke Alarms: Make Them Work For You!

This year, busy firefighters from fire departments across the globe celebrate the NFPA 102nd Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Smoke Alarms: Make Them Work for You!™” This year’s theme strives to educate community members about the importance of having working smoke alarms in the home.

While I wish it weren’t true, firefighters continue to witness fire injuries and deaths in residential properties. There is an alarming trend showing many of these incidents occur in properties with no smoke alarms and/or non-working smoke alarms present. “But why,” you may wonder.

Safety devices when property installed are often out of sight and reach of occupants. Depending on how and when they were installed, occupants may have a false sense of security given their mere presence and assume they are in proper working order. Coupled with that, many adults don’t fully understand the basics of fire behavior, the dangerous effects of smoke on the body, and the need for proper emergency planning.

So, let’s break that down info a few Fast Fire Facts:

  • A small flame can turn into a big fire very quickly. Fire doubles in size every 30 seconds.
  • Fire can fill an area with thick smoke and intense heat in which our lungs are not able to handle. Inhaling even a few breaths of smoke and heat can damage the windpipe, breathing passages or lungs causing injury or far worse. In addition, harmful byproducts of fire can cause dizziness and confusion and may lead to loss of consciousness.
  • Modern homes and furniture burn faster than they did 30+ years ago due to the prevalence of synthetic materials. This leads to rapid fire growth and spread.
  • WORKING smoke alarms save lives! Having early warning devices in place helps occupants get out before it’s too late.
  • Know what to do when the smoke alarms sound. Get Out & Stay Out!

 

“Smoke Alarms: Make Them Work for You! ™” delivers three key calls to action: INSTALL, TEST, and REPLACE and encourages community education and interaction to learn more about smoke alarm basics, best fire safety practices, and the importance of having a planned escape in case the smoke alarms sound.

 

INSTALL: Install smoke alarms on the ceiling or high on a wall in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on each level of the home. You do not need to install a smoke alarm in the kitchen. Too many nuisance activations make this a less-than-ideal place for a smoke alarm.Firefighter Installing a Smoke Alarm

Make sure smoke alarms meet the needs of all family members, including those with sensory and physical disabilities.

For best protection, interconnect all smoke alarms so that when one sounds, they all sound.

 

TEST: Test your smoke alarms once a month by pushing the test button. For alarms out of reach, consider using a broom or mop handle to activate the test button.

In addition, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning to keep smoke alarms always working.

 

REPLACE: Replace all smoke alarms that are 10 years from the date of manufacture or those that have stopped responding when tested. You can find the manufacturer’s date on the back of the alarm.

Smoke alarms with non-replaceable (long-life) batteries are designed to remain effective for up to 10 years. If the alarm chirps, warning that the battery is low, replace the entire smoke alarm right away.

For smoke alarms that do not have non-replaceable batteries, replace batteries at least once a year. If the alarm chirps, replace only the battery.

 

Follow This Up with These Next Steps: Continue focusing on your family’s safety by having a practiced escape plan that includes knowing two ways out of every room in the home and a designated meeting place where firefighters can find you. When the smoke alarms sound, go outside, and stay outside. Call 9-1-1 from a mobile phone or trusted neighbor’s phone. Key information to share includes (in this order): your emergency, location, and name.

 

So, how can you incorporate this year’s fire prevention theme into the lives of those around you? It’s simple. Pick your audience and use some of the many NFPA Fire Prevention Week resources to make sure you get the message just right. The NFPA makes it easy to share. Visit this link to review tip sheets, social media cards, coloring and activity sheets, and much, much more. There’s something for everyone!

These NFPA Fire Prevention Week resources are great for:

  • Families
  • Students
  • Caregivers of Older Adults
  • Teachers/School Administrators
  • Scouting and Civic Organizations
  • Public Safety Organizations
  • Injury Prevention Coalitions
  • Doctor’s Offices/Healthcare Facilities
  • Residential Complexes
  • Local Businesses
  • Community Leaders
  • Social Media Influencers, etc.

Do your loved ones know what to do when the smoke alarms sound? If so, share that with us and help show others how to take the appropriate steps to be “fire safe.” Ambassador International would love to saturate social media this Fire Prevention Week with snapshots of smoke alarm installation and/or testing, and pictures of escape plans and meeting places. Show us how your smoke alarms are working for YOU and your family!

Want more fire safety information. If so, two of my books, Firefighters’ Busy Day! and Fraidy Brady Visits the Fire Station would be great reads. I’m always available to be a resource, as well. Feel free to contact me at [email protected] and download a fun Fraidy Brady’s Fire Safety Word search HERE.

 

SOURCES:

National Fire Protection Association www.nfpa.org

US Fire Administration apps.usfa.fema.gov

The Real Saint Patrick – According to a Northern Irishman

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Saint Patrick

Musings of an Irishman

Who was the real Saint Patrick? A collection of resources. 

With it being St. Patrick’s Day, I thought it would be appropriate to write a little something about the man who inspired the holiday. Although there is much speculation about who St. Patrick was and what he did, there are some indisputable facts that many people do not know.

Ambassador author John Holmes describes the life of St. Patrick and explains the many trials and triumphs that St. Patrick faced throughout his life in his book, Saint Patrick: The Man and His Mission. In the opening preface of his book, he explains:

“St. Patrick is among the most famous figures in history. He is forever linked, and rightly so, with Ireland and the Irish people. Around the world innumerable places, churches, colleges and institutions carry his name and yet surprisingly few individuals have anything more than a slight knowledge or understanding of the man himself. You would be hard-pressed, for example, to find anyone, even in our halls of learning, who could quote something that Patrick has said. It is true that in recent years some well-researched books on Ireland’s patron saint have been published but it would appear that most of these have a limited circulation and are not widely read.

Patrick belongs to the fifth century; to times and conditions far distant from ours. Our knowledge of society in Ireland in those days is limited indeed, for virtually nothing remains of the materials needed to construct some kind of detailed history. By nature of the case it must also be admitted that there is a multitude of questions about Patrick which cannot be answered with complete confidence. There is a multitude of questions which can never be answered – at least not in this life.

We can, however, be reasonably certain about many things and there are areas where the scholars are in general agreement. The historical basis of this little book rests on such material.”

In one of the first chapters of his book, Holmes explains how it is almost impossible to give an exact date for St. Patrick’s birth due to the rarity of records during the time; however, it is widely assumed that he was born in England around 390 AD. He was born into an aristocratic and religious family. Around the age of 16, he is believed to have been captured by Irish raiders and taken across the sea to Ireland as a slave. According to legend, Patrick worked as a shepherd near Slemish Mount while in captivity. After six years of slavery, he escaped confinement, obtained his freedom, and returned home to England and his family. Little did he know (upon his return home) that one day, he would be called back to the land of his captivity to preach the gospel of salvation to the people of Ireland. Today, many remember him as the man who used the shamrock (clover) to explain the holy trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

I believe it is only fitting to share the writing of St. Patrick entitled, The Confession of Patrick, which can be found within Holmes’ book.

“I pray those who believe and fear God, whosoever deigns to look at or receive this writing which Patrick, a sinner, unlearned, has composed in Ireland, that no one should ever say that it was my ignorance if I did or showed forth anything however small according to God’s good pleasure; but let this be your conclusion and let it so be thought, that – as is the perfect truth – it was the gift of God. This is my confession before I die.”

As we enter St. Patrick’s Day this year, let us remember the love that he had for the Lord and the vision he sought to fulfill by ministering in Ireland. In closing, let us remember the words (so similar to the feelings of St. Patrick that they could have been sung by him) from the old Irish hymn, Be Thou My Vision:

High King of Heaven, my victory won,
May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heav’n’s Sun.
Heart of my own heart, whate’er befall,
Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.

 

To learn more about Holmes and Saint Patrick: The Man and His Mission, visit HERE.

 

And learn more about some of Ambassador’s other Irish titles including:

A Little Irish Love Story

The Titanic’s Last Hero

A Shiver of Wonder

Favorite Flavors of Ireland

Flavors of Ireland

The Shamrock and Peach

Delicious Flavors of Ireland