20 Bible Verses to Combat Anxiety

20 Bible Verses to Combat Anxiety

We have been living through a pandemic for a whole year.  For almost 13 months, we've seen news updates about the pandemic which always spark debates because this thing has everyone in a tizzy.  The politics surrounding the pandemic is unbelievable and opinions stretch as far right and as far left as you can possibly get. There aren't a whole lot of people like me in the middle just trying to do the right thing.  There are a lot of other things in the news these days that also might add to our anxious thoughts.  If the COVID-19 pandemic or anything else going on in your life has you feeling anxious, let me encourage you to turn off the TV, get off of social media, set some time aside, and turn to the only One who can ease your anxiety.  I know you're busy.  Everybody is busy doing something but resolve to set aside some time, whether it be 15 minutes or 2 hours.  Just unplug, take a deep breath, and open up your Bible.  Take a few minutes to consider the following Bible verses to combat anxiety.  Read them.  Study them.  Meditate on them.  Underline them in your Bible or highlight them with your favorite color highlighter.  Come back to them again and again and again.  God is the only real source of relief and peace during turbulent times.  Turn your eyes, your heart, and your mind to Him and to Him alone so that you can leave your anxious thoughts at the feet of Jesus and find true peace over your situations.

Bible Verses to Combat Anxiety

1. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy. - Psalm 94:19

2. Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up. - Proverbs 12:25

3. The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. - Psalm 34:17

4. But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” - Jeremiah 17:7-8

5. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. - 2 Timothy 1:7

6. But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. - Isaiah 40:31

7. Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. - Hebrews 11:1

8. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. - John 14:27

9. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:6-7

10. Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. - Psalm 55:22

11. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. - Proverbs 3:5-6

12. Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. - Luke 12:22

13. I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. - Psalm 34:4

14. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. - 1 Peter 5:7

15. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. - Romans 8:38-39

16. Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. - Matthew 11:28-30

17. Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you. - 2 Thessalonians 3:16

18. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. - Philippians 4:13

19. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened and do not be dismayed for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. - Joshua 1:9

20. For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. - Jeremiah 29:11

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20 Bible Verses to Combat Anxiety

3 Benefits of Virtual Schooling

3 Benefits of Virtual Schooling

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Being in the physical classroom with a teacher has been the norm since the formal educational system began. However, with technological advancement, the school system has been made even more flexible and convenient for students and their families. A 2019 poll revealed that 58% of high school students study entirely online. Meanwhile, 18% combine the online and in-person systems. Which option seems favorable for your child? Here are three key benefits of online schooling.

Self-paced and one-on-one attention

In most cases, a classroom of twenty or more students makes it difficult for the teacher to give individualized attention. With online schooling, however, students receive personal support with subject areas they find challenging. Moreover, because of online studies' self-paced nature, learners have the liberty to progress according to their respective strengths. Online teachers can also monitor students' progress' and customize strategies to improve their performance.

You’ll find such elements in a K-12 public charter high school online learning platform. Regarding the self-paced nature of virtual schooling, learners move along with their respective topics only after demonstrating mastery in it, unlike the traditional formal system, where the school calendar drives academic progression.

Online learning is less costly

Education is expensive, but fortunately, virtual schooling makes it more affordable for parents to foot the bills. Imagine having to commute to a physical school Monday to Friday by joining the school bus or getting dropped off by family. This isn’t the case with online learning. Therefore, you get to save two vital resources; time and money. This gives your child more time to learn and also be more productive, without the pressures that often come along with going to school physically.

Moreover, the average American student pays so much to purchase course materials and textbooks. On the other hand, virtual coursework simplifies this system by making resources available online. Even though some virtual books may be procured at a fee via secured payment platforms, it’s usually at a reduced price than when bought in hardcover.

Improved technical and digital skills

Digitization is the order of the day and is driving transformation in the 21st century. For this reason, taking part in online studies via the computer exposes learners to computer applications early on. The students become more proficient and build relevant technological skills that’ll be beneficial in the future.

For example, the Coronavirus pandemic exposed some digital deficiencies in the world's system. From education to health and business, people saw the need to migrate onto digital platforms to ensure continuity. Therefore, if your child is already conducting their studies via the internet, you may want to consider this as it’s a training ground for a future environment where in-depth computer knowledge will become the baseline for every career.

There are several advantages of online schooling. Besides the cost and time factor, several Americans and, indeed, people worldwide are finding it convenient to use. Nonetheless, always ensure that the virtual school you enroll your kids in is nationally accredited and follows an accepted curriculum.

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3 Benefits of Virtual Schooling

Christ removed our guilt.

The following are my Bible study notes based on my pastor's sermon titled Christ Removed Our Guilt.  You are invited to watch, listen, and worship with us here.  

Guilt can be a good thing.  It can make us realize a wrong we've done, resulting in an appropriate apology or a change of behavior, but guilt can also be a bad thing.  Sometimes guilt can be used against us.  The enemy (the devil) can use guilt to make us feel unworthy and worthless.  Moms and dads often hold onto guilt.  They live by it.  They are labeled by it.  But, as Christ-followers, we don't live as guilty anymore.  Don't let the enemy hold you hostage to your guilt.  Christ came to remove our guilt.

Christ Removed Our Guilt

How do we get out of guilt and shame?  Consider the acronym OUT.

O - Own your sin.

We must own our sin.  We have all sinned.  

For all saved sinned and fall short of the glory of God. - Romans 3:23

God already knows how sinful we are. He knows it all, including our deepest, darkest sins and secrets. And you know what? He loves us anyway.

U - Understand justification.

When you are saved you are justified.being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus, whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness, because in God’s merciful restraint He let the sins previously committed go unpunished. - Romans 3:24-25

Christ took our punishment.  We are declared "not guilty."  Justification means you live as if you are innocent.  

Satan will condemn us.

Others will condemn us.

We will condemn ourselves.

God does not condemn us.

My pastor mentions something I've never thought about until now.  What if Paul's victims, those he murdered, cheered for him as he entered Heaven?  Have you ever thought about that?  Wow, what a picture I have in my head about this!

Consider another statement made by my pastor.

Jesus became who we are so that we can become who He is.  Another WOW moment!

Jesus is our advocate.  We are righteous children of God.

For the demonstration, that is, of His righteousness at the present time, so that He would be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. - Romans 3:26

ALL who come to Jesus are justified.

It is because we are saved that we do good works, not the other way around.

T - Trust Christ.

We must trust Christ.  We don't get to Heaven because we are good.  We don't get to Heaven because of who our parents or grandparents are.  We get to Heaven by trusting Jesus alone.

Do you need to trust Jesus today?  Here's how.

Are you living with guilt today?  

Everything you could ever do—everything you have ever done—is nailed to the cross.  

Jesus does not condemn.

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Christ Removed Our Guilt

Christ Took Your Punishment in Your Place

The following are my Bible study notes based on my pastor's sermon titled Christ Took Our Punishment.  You are invited to watch, listen, and worship with us here.

The majority of people who believe there is a Heaven believe that doing good things is how you get into Heaven.  This is because they don't know the message of the cross.  The Bible teaches us that no one is without sin.  We all deserve death.  We all deserve the cross, but someone died in your place.  His name is Jesus.

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. - 1 Corinthians 1:18

Christ Took Your Punishment in Your Place

1.  Why did Jesus have to die on the cross?

We are not good enough.  We could never be good enough to get to God in Heaven on our own.  We cannot, on our own, escape God's punishment which is death.  His judgment is coming to everyone.  If God brings His judgment upon us right now, based on our works, we will all be wiped out.

BUT, we are made alive in Jesus.

As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.  All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. - Ephesians 2:1-3

We are rebellious by nature, but God is good, perfect, and holy. He is also perfectly just. He is a just God who cannot let sin simply slip away. He demands justice.  

God does not send people to Hell.  We were already going there.  

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. - John 3:16

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 God sent Jesus in our place.  

The next day he saw Jesus coming to him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! - John 1:29

Jesus absorbed all the wrath of God on the cross.

God is perfectly just and He perfectly loves us so that He sent Jesus to take our punishment.  God knows who you are.  Jesus knows who you are and He died for you.

2.  What will you do with the message of the cross?

It is foolish to reject it.  

it is foolish to make excuses.

It is foolish to look for another way to God.

Will you share the message of the cross?  

Will you surrender to the message of the cross?

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Christ took your punishment in your place.

Inspiration and Encouragement for Easter

UPDATE:  Since this post was first published, the articles have either been removed from the Dayspring website or the links were changed.  However, you can still read many encouraging articles at Dayspring here.

Recently, I shared with you several articles on the topic of love and relationships from one of my affiliates, DaySpring Cards and Gifts.  What you might not know about the DaySpring website is that they have some pretty amazing writers.  DaySpring writers regularly post encouraging and uplifting articles to the DaySpring website.  There are articles for almost every holiday, particularly Christian holidays.  Today, I want to share inspiration and encouragement for Easter from DaySpring writers.

Inspiration and Encouragement for Easter

5 Strategies for Planning the Perfect Easter Celebration by Mariali

5 Strategies for Planning the Perfect Easter Celebration

Easter is coming! You can tell it’s close—tulips are blooming and colorful, candy-filled Easter baskets now line the walls of our favorite supermarkets. It’s time to start thinking about Easter dresses and bonnets for the kids, preparing for community-wide egg hunts, and inviting loved ones to Easter dinner. With all these tasks in mind, it’s easy to focus on our ever-growing Easter to-do list rather than what Easter is primarily about—our heart’s response to Jesus and the Cross. So, before we start stressing out about having the perfect Easter celebration, let’s dive in to what it means to observe this beautiful, life-giving holiday. Continue Reading . . . 

Spring Bunny Table Topper Easter Decoration

Spring Bunny Table Topper Easter Decoration

When Jesus Said, "It is Finished," He Was Talking About You by Melody

When Jesus Said, "It is Finished," He Was Talking About You

There’s such gravity in that moment. Imagining the Son of God, our Savior, with His battered and broken body nailed to a cross, stirs up a sense of both sadness and shame. He endured such terrible things that even thinking about them leads me to close my eyes in sorrow. Most every time I heard or read the story, my focus was on what happened, the events themselves, and less so on those three simple words He spoke at the end: “It is finished.” What did Jesus mean when He said “it is finished?"  Continue reading . . . 

Remembering Holy Week by Shawna

Remembering Holy Week

And with those words…Holy Week began. As we begin our Holy Week celebration and head toward Easter Sunday, let’s remember the events leading to Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection and acknowledge their meaning. Reflect upon what happened on Palm Sunday, the Sunday before His crucifixion, when Jesus was welcomed into Jerusalem with coats and branches laid at His feet and people praising Him. Those shouting Hosanna, or “save us,” were looking for an earthly warrior to rescue them from the harsh Roman rule.  Continue reading . . . 

Awesome Collection of Easter Songs by Amazing Song Artists

Positively Easter:  An Awesome Collection of Easter Songs by Amazing Song Artists

How to Share His Good News with Family This Easter by Michelle Reyes

How to Share His Good News with Family This Easter

It can be hard to talk about the true meaning of Easter with some of our family members. We worry that we’ll say the wrong thing or just fumble over our words and not make any sense. What if we make them less interested in this holiday or confuse them or make it worse? 

These are real and valid concerns, which thankfully can be a bit alleviated by a bit of practice, sensitivity and planning. Below are three ways to get the conversation about Easter started with your non-believing family members.  Continue reading . . . 

Finding a seat for Easter by Leigh Sain 

Finding a Seat for Easter

“We have to go move the chairs. It’s Easter — the holiday of moving chairs . . . and talking about Jesus,” my youngest explains to his friend as I herd my kids into the car.

“What?” I ask, thinking that there are a thousand other ways to talk about the highest holy day on the church calendar. Moving chairs?

“Yeah, mom,” he answers grinning. “Jesus comes back to life; so we have to go move all the chairs!"  Continue reading . . .

He is Risen Yard Sign with Metal Stakes

He Is Risen Yard Sign With Metal Stakes

Faith-Filled Easter Gifts for Grandchildren by Paige

Faith-Filled Easter Gifts for Grandchildren

Whether your grandkids live nearby or far away, Easter is a wonderful time to connect with them. It’s not only a time for fun and springtime surprises, but also a special opportunity to share the true meaning of the season. It’s never too early to start helping them learn more about Jesus—His sacrifice and the new life He offers to us all. One way to share the meaning of this season is through Easter gifts for your grandchildren.  Continue reading . . . 

An Easter Prayer by Tina

An Easter Prayer

As we reflect on the Resurrection of Jesus, let’s take some time to praise Him and ask for even more of His Presence in our lives! Here’s a simple Easter prayer you can reflect on:  Continue reading . . . 

The Tomb is Empty - Our Hearts are Full by Paige 

The Tomb is Empty - Our Hearts are Full

And suddenly, I was reminded of the empty tomb and the childlike wonder of those who witnessed it—who stood at the entrance of the place where just hours before, the turning point in history had happened: human feet on holy ground. Hearts filled with the utter delight of God’s love made visible in a way that it had never been before.  Continue reading . . .

The Case for Christmas/The Case for Easter by Lee Strobel

The Case for Christmas/The Case for Easter by Lee Strobel

Learning Lessons on Faith:  God's Love is the Common Thread by Rachel Wojo

Learning Lessons on Faith:   God's Love is the Common Thread

 In reflecting on all that my mom taught me about sewing, I can easily see that her method of teaching was used in every area of life. Each day she took small deposits of time and purposed them to teach a bigger lesson. The stitches of her faith were sewn into my heart as she shared Bible lessons through worship music and Bible verses. The Bible stories she read to me as a little one were pieced together into bigger examples of faith as I grew older. Her faith wasn’t just a tapestry she was weaving in her own heart; it was a legacy she was sharing with others.  Continue reading . . . 

Explaining Easter to Kids (Without Scaring Them) by Gini

Explaining Easter to Kids (Without Scaring Them)

Easter is a unique holiday for Christians because it carries weight. We know that in order for the stone to be rolled away, Jesus had to first be crucified, tortured and left to die next to thieves. This is not an easy topic for adults to discuss, so how do we explain Easter to our kids without completely terrifying them? How do we describe the gravity of the holiday without horrifying them with the ugly, painful details of the suffering that Jesus endured? Or are we supposed to let them feel the pain and join them where they are?  Continue reading . . . 

Sharing the Gospel with Teens This Easter by Mariali 

Sharing the Gospel with Teens This Easter

When it comes to teenagers, it’s interesting that many adults have a challenging time with this stage of life. Many of us are confused by how to parent them, teach them, relate to them, and even talk to them. They’re not kids anymore, but they have yet to go through some experiences that help them fully become adults. And when it comes to talking about Easter or sharing the Gospel with teens…well, where do you start?  Continue reading . . .

A Grandparent's Guide to Easter by Anna

A Grandparent's Guide to Easter

When we give gifts (especially as a grandparent to a grandchild) we have the chance to bless even more deeply than the thrill of having something fun to unwrap. We have the chance to let the recipient know that we know them. And we have the chance to pass on eternal truths about the Lord’s love, even via the gifts that make their way into a plastic grass-filled Easter gift basket.  Continue reading . . .

Favorite Easter Hymns and Their Histories by Julie

Favorite Easter Hymns and Their Histories

My fondest Easter memories are centered around singing together as a congregation. I can remember the church being filled with Easter lilies and other girls like me decked out in our new, pastel-colored Easter dresses. But more than anything, I recall everyone’s voice being raised to God with hymns of worship, praising Him for sending His Son to die for our sins. Including my own. The stories behind the hymns we sing and the history of these Easter songs hold lessons about the songwriters’ great faith.  Continue reading . . . 

What's in Your Easter Basket? by Paige

What's in Your Easter Basket

For many of us, life is filled to the brim. Commitments, activities, relationships and to-do lists take a lot of our time and energy (often in wonderful ways!)—especially as we are preparing for Easter. As you pack Easter baskets for children and friends, have you stopped to think about what’s in your Easter basket? We all need a pause now and then—an opportunity to be still and allow our Creator to fill us up with His goodness and love.  Continue reading . . . 

Shine God's Light in the Midst of Holiday Stress by Gini

Shine God's Light in the Midst of Holiday Stress

Yes, in my world, holidays are action-packed with family, kids, utility vehicles, last years’ fireworks, heated political debates and even an occasional attack turkey. And, even though I wouldn’t change it for the world, it’s a lot to take on and many times, I find myself stressed out at the situation just trying to manage to get through the holiday without getting hurt.  Continue reading . . . 

3 Simple Ways to Prepare Your Family for Easter by Gini

3 Simple Ways to Prepare Your Family for Easter

Yes, Easter is a beautifully amazing holiday—one that stands out from the rest. Why? Because to fully understand the celebration, to fully accept the joy of the season, we must first comprehend the hard truth of Jesus’ sacrifice. So, the question is: how can we prepare ourselves and our families in the days leading up to Easter so that we can fully accept His love and grace on that beautiful Easter Sunday morning?  Continue reading . . .

Christian Hymns for Easter (These are Hymn classics you will absolutely love.)

Classic Christian Hymns for Easter

The Blood of Forgiveness and Cleansing by Roy Lessin

The Blood of Forgiveness and Cleansing

Jesus was crucified at the time of the Jewish Feast of Passover. This was not a coincidence. It was ordained of God. Jesus is called our Passover (1 Corinthians 5:7) and also the Lamb of God (John 1:29).

The first Passover took place more than 3,000 years ago. It happened on the night when God sent the tenth plague upon Egypt. This plague would bring death to the first born in the land. To escape this judgement, the Jewish people were to follow God’s specific instructions for deliverance.  Continue reading . . . 

 The Blood of Redemption by Roy Lessin

The Blood of Redemption

“In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace. ” Ephesians 1:7 KJV

“You are forgiven and made clean.” How glorious and freeing are these words spoken from God’s heart to the hearts of those who have confessed and repented of their sins. And to those who believe and are God’s children, no words spoken by your heavenly Father could be more assuring than, “You are mine!”  Continue reading . . .

The Blood of Access by Roy Lessin

The Blood of Access

How could this problem of separation be solved? How could sinful people gain back access into fellowship and communion with a Holy God? It was impossible! God was the only one who could provide the way to bring us back to Himself. He provided it through love—by His grace, by His mercy, and by the blood of atonement.  Continue reading . . . 

The Blood of Eternal Hope by Roy Lessin

The Blood of Eternal Hope

It is His blood, and His blood alone, that makes it possible for us to carry the hope of heaven in our hearts. To say that we must do something to merit a place in heaven is to say that the blood of Jesus is not sufficient. When Jesus said, “It is finished” the price of our redemption was fully secured…three days later, when Jesus rose from the dead, our hope of heaven was fully assured. The hymn writer, Edward Mote, understood this truth when he wrote, “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.”  Continue reading . . . 

 Surrounded by Roy Lessin

Surrounded

Suppose you owned a flashlight that was able to shine a light completely around you and send out a beam for a distance of 100 feet. Now suppose you had a super flashlight that was able to shine a beam completely around you that could reach to the end of the universe. God’s grace is like a super beam of light. It radiates from His presence and arrives unbroken from His throne to the place where you are.  Continue reading . . . 

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Inspiration and Encouragement for Easter

 

St. Patrick's Day Snacks and Foods

In addition to wearing something green so you don't get pinched on St. Patrick's Day, it's also fun to eat St. Patrick's Day foods.  Here's a list of fun St. Patrick's Day snacks and other foods so you can make your grocery shopping list and prepare for your fun St. Patrick's Day plans.

10 St. Patrick's Day Snacks and Foods For Your Family to Enjoy

1.  Trail Mix always makes a good snack, but it's more fun to eat it with a St. Patrick's Day twist.  Sarah and Jessica over at Pretty Providence share their recipe that only requires 3 ingredients.  Take a look here and give it a try.  You can change out the candy colors to coordinate with any holiday or special event theme.

2.  Oh  my goodness, these are just too cute.  Turn Nutter Butter cookies into leprechaun faces!  Vera Sweeney over at Lady and the Blog shows us how she made hers.  Once you see these cookies, you will want to make them . . . and of course . . . eat them.

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 3.  Looking for a St. Patrick's Day breakfast idea?  How about these amazing looking cinnamon rolls with shamrock sprinkles?  They look delicious!  Check them out at Craftibilities.

4.  Remember the Rice Krispies treats your mom used to make?  My mother made Rice Krispies treats for us quiet often while I was growing up.  They were always so good especially when they were still warm.  Here's a recipe for Rice Krispies treats St. Patrick's Day style.  Check them out at Classy Clutter.

5.  Would you like to send your kids to school with a fun St. Patrick's Day lunch?  Here's a cute idea and it looks like it won't take too much time in the kitchen on a busy weekday morning.  Here's a great home packed lunch idea from Lakeview Farms.

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 6.  Who loves red velvet cake?  I know I do!  How about a green velvet cake?  Actually, how about a green velvet cheesecake cake?  Try this recipe from Lori at Recipe Girl.

7.  I'm sure you've probably enjoyed peppermint bark during the Christmas season.  Why not enjoy leprechaun bark on St. Patrick's Day?  Check out this colorful version of leprechaun bark from This N' That with Olivia.

8.  The Lucky Charms folks have shared a recipe for Rainbow Lucky Charms Frosted Cookie Bars on their website.  Check out this easy and fun recipe here.

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9.  Do you enjoy pancakes?  Have a stack of green Lucky Charms pancakes.  Here's the recipe from Betty Crocker.

10.  Want to avoid using green food coloring?  Melissa at Bless This Mess has compiled a list of naturally green foods.  Check them out here.

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St. Patrick's Day Snacks and Foods

Since Spring is only a few days away, you might also like this cute coffee filter flower planter craft.

Coffee Filter Flower Planter Craft