Greetings Sweet Friends and Readers!
Where did February go?? It seems to have flown in and out quicker than a dandelion fluff! St. Patrick’s Day is coming up March 17th. Does anyone do anything fun to celebrate? When my daughter was a little girl, after she fell asleep the night before the holiday, I would sprinkle green glitter or confetti through the house to look like the trail of a leprechaun! I’d place a little pile of chocolate coins at the end. For an extra fun surprise, I’d add a bit of green food coloring to the toilet water! Of course, we’d then have to cook green eggs, green pancakes, and eat green food together! It was such a fun way to spend time together.
St. Patrick was actually a 5th-century missionary to Ireland and later served as bishop there. He is credited with bringing Christianity to parts of Ireland and is one of the country’s patron saints. Saint Patrick's Breastplate is an Old Irish prayer of protection that is attributed to Saint Patrick. It is one of my favorite hymns. Scroll down for the words. You can find more information about the meanings here: https://www.prayerfoundation.org/st_patricks_breastplate_prayer.htm
In writing news, this weekend I put the finishing touches on Dalton's Dual Brides - and may or may not have cried a little during the final chapters. :-) This story definitely stole my heart and I pray that yours will be touched as well. Meanwhile, Tess is calling my name to bring her to life, and I can't wait to pen her own tale of redeeming love! Be introduced to the heroine of my next novel at the upcoming Meet the Characters event on 3/2 in the Sweet Americana Book Club. Scroll down for the invitation and link. My next article for the Sweet Americana Sweethearts blog will be published on 3/15. And stay tuned for my newsletter on the same date....(Hint: has anyone spotted my book cover for the Proxy Brides series yet? Be the first to find out more and get the link to pre-order!).
Until next time, sending you all my love, hugs, and prayers. Thank you for joining me on this amazing journey. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you'd like to connect personally any time.
Blessings,
Annee
I bind unto myself today
The strong Name of the Trinity,
By invocation of the same,
The Three in One and One in Three.
I bind this day to me for ever.
By power of faith, Christ's incarnation;
His baptism in the Jordan river;
His death on Cross for my salvation;
His bursting from the spicèd tomb;
His riding up the heavenly way;
His coming at the day of doom;*
I bind unto myself today.
I bind unto myself the power
Of the great love of the cherubim;
The sweet 'well done' in judgment hour,
The service of the seraphim,
Confessors' faith, Apostles' word,
The Patriarchs' prayers, the Prophets' scrolls,
All good deeds done unto the Lord,
And purity of virgin souls.
I bind unto myself today
The virtues of the starlit heaven,
The glorious sun's life-giving ray,
The whiteness of the moon at even,
The flashing of the lightning free,
The whirling wind's tempestuous shocks,
The stable earth, the deep salt sea,
Around the old eternal rocks.
I bind unto myself today
The power of God to hold and lead,
His eye to watch, His might to stay,
His ear to hearken to my need.
The wisdom of my God to teach,
His hand to guide, His shield to ward,
The word of God to give me speech,
His heavenly host to be my guard.
Against the demon snares of sin,
The vice that gives temptation force,
The natural lusts that war within,
The hostile men that mar my course;
Or few or many, far or nigh,
In every place and in all hours,
Against their fierce hostility,
I bind to me these holy powers.
Against all Satan's spells and wiles,
Against false words of heresy,
Against the knowledge that defiles,
Against the heart's idolatry,
Against the wizard's evil craft,
Against the death wound and the burning,
The choking wave and the poisoned shaft,
Protect me, Christ, till Thy returning.
Christ be with me, Christ within me,
Christ behind me, Christ before me,
Christ beside me, Christ to win me,
Christ to comfort and restore me.
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ in quiet, Christ in danger,
Christ in hearts of all that love me,
Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.
I bind unto myself the Name,
The strong Name of the Trinity;
By invocation of the same.
The Three in One, and One in Three,
Of Whom all nature hath creation,
Eternal Father, Spirit, Word:
Praise to the Lord of my salvation,
Salvation is of Christ the Lord.
