St. Patrick's Day is just around the corner. Here are a few ideas for you and your kids to do to celebrate this fun holiday!

St. Patrick's Day is almost here! Don't miss the chance to share the rich history and fun of this holiday with your children- here are a few of our best ideas to enjoy the luck of the rainbow and the promises of God with your kids....

Teach about St Patrick and his desire to spread the news about Jesus.

What do we really know of St. Patrick, in who’s honor patrons don green? To look around at the way modern day folk celebrate St. Patrick’s day, you’d think it all had to do with shamrocks, leprechauns, rainbows and the ever famous pot of gold at the end of them. Well, that and the traditional “wearing of the green” to prevent any pinching that might occur on March 17th each year. But there is actually some wonderful truth that we can celebrate at this holiday and can pass along to the children in our lives.

For as far as history can tell, the story goes like this: At about the age of 16, Patrick, a Scottish young man born into wealth sometime in the late fourth century, most likely around 385, was violently captured by Irish raiders and forced into a life of slavery. Patrick later escaped and was reunited with his family, but in a dream, felt called by God back to Ireland to spread Christianity to the people of that isle. So this godly young man set about to make this dream come true.

Patrick prayed for God’s strength and then studied scripture to ready himself. Then He was prepared to return to the land of his captivity. He preached the Gospel and built churches throughout the country until his death on March 17, 461. For the modern day Irish, St. Patrick’s Day is considered a time for spiritual renewal as they fondly remember the slave-turned-evangelist who spread Christianity to the Emerald Isle. For our family today, we feel we can use him as an example of what a young person, sold out for God can do in their generation.

Invite a visit from a Leprechaun.

For fun at our house, when the family wakes up on St Patricks Day, there is evidence that a leprachaun visited in the night. How do we know? Because the milk mysteriously turned green! Then, there is a trail of Lucky Charms leading front the fridge out an open window. However, there is also a "pot of gold" left on the table for the kids. {a black plastic pot from the garden section of the department store filled with gold chocolate coins} And beside the pot is a hand-written note with this verse on it:

Choose my instruction rather than silver,
and knowledge rather than pure gold. Proverbs 8:10

Make some Irish-themed foods.

The Irish are well-known for potatoes and a good, hearty stew. Try this slow cooking recipe. It will make the house smell wonderful. Can also be done in a crock pot on high for six hours or low for 10.

Oven Beef Stew

2 lbs eye of round, chunked
1 large onion, chopped
1 lb. bag baby carrots
8 ounces sliced mushrooms (canned & drained or fresh)
6 cups red potatoes, chunked (with or without skins)
1- 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes (petite diced is best) and 1- 8 ounce can tomato sauce
1/4 cup minute tapioca
1 t. minced garlic, salt & pepper, to taste

In a Dutch oven or large roaster, place all the veggies & meat. Pour the tomatoes and sauce over the top and sprinkle with the tapioca and spices. Mix well. Cover tightly with lid and bake in a 275 degree oven for 5 hours. Stir and serve. Yum!!

Note: You may substitute a cup of frozen peas or corn for the mushrooms.

Serves 6

Irish Creme Muffins

Whip up a batch of these easy muffins for supper. It will bring out the leprechaun in you.

Irish Creme Muffins

One white or yellow cake mix

1/3 cup Irish Creme powdered cappucccino mix

eggs, oil and water as directed on cake mix box

White frosting

Green sprinkles, green sugar or other St. Patrick's themed cupcake toppers

Make batter according to the boxes instructions adding in the powdered cappuccino mix. Bake according to directions and top with frosting and decorative sprinkles. Enjoy!