ArcaMax

Dear Readers: Happy St. Patrick's Day. Here are some famous and uplifting Irish blessings to add a little sunshine to your day.

An Old Irish Blessing for St. Patrick's Day

"May your days be many and your troubles be few. / May all God's blessings descend upon you. / May peace be within you, may your heart be strong. / May you find what you're seeking wherever you roam. / May the strength of God pilot us, may the wisdom of God instruct us. / May the hand of God protect us, may the word of God direct us. / May thy Salvation, O Lord, be always ours this day and for evermore."

Traditional Celtic Blessing

"May the raindrops fall lightly on your brow. / May the soft winds freshen your spirit. / May the sunshine brighten your heart / May the burdens of the day rest lightly upon you. / And may God enfold you in the mantle of His love."

Irish Blessing

"As in the old Irish blessing, may God give you, for every storm, a rainbow; for every tear, a smile. For every care, a promise; a blessing for every trial. For every problem life sends, a faithful friend to share; for every sigh, a sweet song, and an answer for every prayer."

Dear Annie: My divorced niece has offered to host a large dinner for a holiday later in the year. The issue is that her home is not large enough for all the people she is planning to invite, so she is planning to have the dinner at her ex-husband's house.

The problem is that she has not told the out-of-town guests where the dinner will be held. She told them it was going to be in the city where she lives but not the specific place.

Some family members might be OK with going to her ex-husband's home, while some might object. I think she should tell them -- and soon -- so they can decide to come or make other arrangements. Do you think she should notify the guests? -- Holiday Dinner

Dear Holiday Dinner: Yes, I do think she should tell her guests the location of the dinner. I'm sensing a lot of judgment in your letter regarding her ex-husband's home. If you don't want to go, then don't. But if you do go, then don' t complain; just try to be a gracious guest.

========

Annie Lane's second anthology, "How Can I Forgive My Cheating Partner?" -- featuring favorite columns on marriage, infidelity, communication and reconciliation -- is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit http://www.creatorspublishing.com for more information. Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com.