Peace on Earth Good Will Toward Men

These Shepherds
by Sharon Price Anderson

Sheep of the Judean hills give meat,
skins and wool for raiment, tents—
cover from storm, shelter from heat.
In fields of Bethlehem where David slew
lion, bear, and fed his father’s sheep,
temple flocks now safely graze.
Those who watch have been well taught
that in the shadow of a distant Eden
firstlings offered hope. They know how
God spared birthright son of Abraham,
provided sacrificial ram for
grass-kindled flame, stone-tabled meal.
Remembering that death
passed over Israel’s house
because of unblemished blood,
these know the altar-end
of tender ones they nurture, name,
and carry in their bosoms.
For solemn feasts they gently lead
the young into Jerusalem
so sin-stained robes may be washed
white as the glory of the Lord,
so peace may be complete.
Tonight with faith they haste to find
a Savior and a certain sign—
Christ the future sacrifice—
swaddled, as the angel said,
in wool-soft bands
and lying in a manger.
These are they prepared
to spread the word abroad:
This day is born the Lamb of God.

Thoughts on the Future from a 3 Year Old

My wonderful sister got to go on a much needed vacation to the virgin islands with her great hubby and the Christensen clan. I wanted to stow away in her suit case but I let her use my snorkel gear instead (not quite the same eh)? So I am dreaming of white sandy beaches and palm trees through the eyes of my snorkel gear. Anywho! My parents get to take care of the Christensen munchkins and I got to spend some time with them today. The next is a fabulous conversation I had with sir Eli.
Eli to Joanne: "When I grow up I am going to be a dentist and a rodeo clown." Joanne to Eli: "O really, at the same time?" Eli to Joanne: "Yep."

So later in the day Joanne says to Eli: "Are you going to dress like a clown when you work on peoples teeth?" Eli to Joanne: "Yeah, with rainbow clown hair, a big red nose and blue pants!"

Ok, so this guy doesn't have rainbow clown hair and blue pants but seriously this is some new kind of psychedelic profession he is creating. This clown talk comes on the very same day that one of my sister-in-law's, (not naming names), sent me a different not so lovely picture of a clown from outer darkness! By this time in the conversation with Eli, grandma and I are laughing out loud.
Joanne to Eli: "So Eli, are you going to have people that help you when you are working on peoples teeth?" Eli to Joanne: "Yes." Joanne to Eli: "What are they going to wear?" Eli to Joanne: "Just clothes like grandpa wears to work in."
So essentially he will open a dental practice looking like some freak of nature clown man with dental assistants dressed like men, even if they are not men:D
This little boy makes me laugh every time I see him. He is a hoot! He even let me call him cute which is a victory in itself! So to my sister and brother who are basking in the sun on the sand, we hope you are enjoying yourselves, because we sure are with your kids!