I Love This Picture!!

Photo by Andy Thomas

And then I said, 'Barrack, I know Abe Lincoln and you ain't him.'

The Shamrock

A more popular symbol of St. Patrick's Day is the shamrock. From The History Channel web site, here's some interesting notes on the Shamrock:

The shamrock, which was also called the "seamroy" by the Celts, was a sacred plant in ancient Ireland because it symbolized the rebirth of spring. By the seventeenth century, the shamrock had become a symbol of emerging Irish nationalism. As the English began to seize Irish land and make laws against the use of the Irish language and the practice of Catholicism, many Irish began to wear the shamrock as a symbol of their pride in their heritage and their displeasure with English rule.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

It's a custom among those of Irish descent that on St. Patrick's day to have a traditional meal comprised of corned beef and cabbage. Now, as one who is "mostly" Irish this meal is highly recommended. Here's a quick recipe from The History Channel:

5 pounds corned brisket of beef
6 peppercorns, or packaged pickling spices
3 carrots, peeled and quartered
3 onions, peeled and quartered
1 medium-sized green cabbage, quartered or cut in wedges
Melted butter (about 4 tablespoons)

Place the corned beef in water to cover with the peppercorns or mixed pickling spices (in supermarkets, these often come packaged with the corned beef). Cover the pot or kettle, bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 5 hours or until tender, skimming occasionally. During the last hour, add the carrots and onions and cover again. During the last 15 minutes, add the cabbage. Transfer meat and vegetables to a platter and brush the vegetables with the melted butter. Serve with boiled parsley potatoes, cooked separately. (The stock can be saved to add to a pot roast or stew instead of other liquid.)

Antenna Fundraiser Update

We serve a mighty God and His people have truly blessed the ministry of WRAF-FM. This past Tuesday, we approached our listener to help us out in our time of need. We needed to raise between $70,000 to $80,000 to purchase and install a new antenna. The phones were ringing off the hook throughout the day.

Not only did we hear from our listeners but we also heard from many of our ministry partners. We heard from Wayne Shepherd, who is the announcer for Dr. James McDonald and Walk in the Word. Wayne was such a blessing.

We also heard from our friends in Puerto Rico, Janet Lutrell and Steve Dendrinos. They run WBMJ-FM and The Rock Radio Nework. Plus we heard from muscial artist Steve Amerson and Mary Welchel of Today's Christian Working Woman. What a day!!

I happy to report that we heard from over 475 of our listeners and over $65,000 has been committed to our new antenna. We have a mailing going out today that will reach those who are in the fringe areas of the WRAF that are unable to receive a clear signal.

Continue to pray for the management of WRAF has we work toward the replacement of the antenna.

Global Food Crisis

The 6 Most Important Things You Need to Know
About the Global Food Crisis

1. FACT: Over 300 million children in the world will go to bed hungry tonight and one child dies every 7 seconds
2. This Crisis is REAL! Due to rising food prices, fluctuating fuel costs and natural disasters, the United Nations World Food Program calls the Global Food Crisis a phenomenon, a "silent tsunami" that is affecting every continent.
3. Jesus said, " I was hungry nad you fed me... and I tell you when tou have done it to the least of these my brothers and sisters, you have done it unto me." -- Matthew 25:35, 40
4. $13 helps feed a child for an entire MONTH!
5. For more information or to help call 877-506-5900 or visit the Compassion Website.
6. We, as the body of Christ, can prove to the world that we CAN make a difference. If you don't help, who will?