Dec 21

Happy Dec. 21st

Scripture: Genesis: 1: 25 And God made the beast of the earth after his kind, and cattle after their kind, and everything that creepeth on the earth after his kind; and God saw that it was good. (This was Jesus who made these things under the direction of God the father.)

Luke 2:7,8,24 …and laid him in a manger;[used to feed animals] because their was no room at the Inn.

…Shepherds watching over their flocks by night…

…they brought him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord:…and to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law…A pair of turtle doves, or two young pigeons..

Carol: Away in a Manger

I don’t think it was a coincidence that there are animals in the Christmas story…they are a significant part of the earth. And they often bring us joy!

Brief pleasure: The cold nose of a dog pushed into your hand or face, and the unconditional love that comes with it.—Simple Pleasures

Winter Solstice Dec. 21: Prepare to give a gift to the animals outside on the longest night of the year…


Recipe for Birdseed balls:
Melt ¼ lard or suet
Add 1 cup creamy peanut butter
2 cups cornmeal
Stir to make a stiff dough. Chill for 30 minutes or until cool eough to easily shape with your hands. Cut approximately ten 14 in. sections of cord. Using one section, tie the cord ends together into a know making a loop of the section. Mold balls from the dough over the knotted part of the cord. Roll the balls in birdseed until coated thoroughly and chill for at least an hour until firm. Hand on nearby trees for the birds to enjoy.

Simple way: Spread peanut butter on pinecones, old bread or tortillas. Roll in birdseed. Attach a string and hang outside. You can string popcorn, cranberries, or cheerios.

Even simpler: Take your toaster outside and turn it up-side-down.

Cut oranges or grapefruit in half. Use the insides for something yummy for you to eat, or add to your Christmas Soup. Use the peels as a bowl shape. You can push twine through the tip and hand from your trees. Fill with birdseed or sunflower seeds.

“He is not like anyone in the world. He can charm foxes and squirrels and birds just as the natives in India charm snakes. He plays a very soft tune on a pipe and they come and listen,” The Secret Garden

Christmas is for everyone, even for the stuffed animals that live with you: Don’t forget they love Christmas too. Involve them in the festivities. Bring them to sit around the Christmas tree. Don’t forget that they work hard all year to keep you feeling safe, guard your bedroom or toy room, double as a head pillow, Soothe you when you are sad, or wait on your bed until you hold them and snuggle. They are Santa’s best friends!

“Pleasure is the beginning and the end of living happily.” Epicurus