Second Thoughts - Saint Patrick’s Day

Greetings Dear Reader,

Sometimes I will end the day with thoughts that are important to get out.  Usually I just write them and put them in my journal folder.  I have chosen that on occasion I will share them with you Dear Reader.

Today is my Dad’s birthday.  It is also a day when we all claim to be a little bit Irish.  It is a day for green beer, green rivers, and wearing green.  By the time this is posted some of you Dear Reader will be too imbibed to read it.  Perhaps you will catch up later.

What really is on my mind is the actual Saint Patrick.  At age sixteen he was enslaved as a shepherd in Ireland.  His hard life was endured by prayer and seeking to grow closer to Christ.  He escaped to home and became a bishop. 

Some years later he returned to Ireland with one purpose. He was determined to show Christ to the people who had enslaved him.  He spent the remainder of his life serving the people who had enslaved him out of love for them. 

Imagine the impact if we as Christ followers did the same to our enemies, to those who wrong us, and to those who harm us.  We can if we will.  It is after all a choice. 

The Greening of Belfast – Michael Card

In a green, green land riding on the sea

Live a people who speak like a song

But their fertile field lies so fallow and bare

And has borne bitter fruit for so long

Pray for the greening of Belfast

That what is now barren

Might bloom and be fair

God loves the city of Belfast

For so many children who love Him live there

So many children who love Him live there

The verdant hills like strong arms embrace

A heartbreaking, heartbroken town

With the air so full of angels there

It's not hard to imagine the sound

Of their cries and tears

Of their pleas and prayers

For their city to know peace once more

Let the fighting cease

Let the saints be released

To join in true spiritual war

Pray for the greening of Belfast

That what is now barren

Might bloom and be fair

God loves the city of Belfast

For so many children who love Him live there

So many children who love Him live there

So pray for the greening of Belfast

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store."