Time Spent with a Kid, Waiting at the Doctor's; Today's Visit!

Time Spent With a Kid, Waiting at the Doctor's, Today's Visit;

We all know waiting time in Doctors' clinics/health centers can be boring at times. I usually carry a book to read. Today just as I read 2 pages of book "The Serpent of Paradise" by Dr. Lutzer, I noticed a little sweet girl no more than 2 or so years old playing around in the clinic and seeking someone to play with as there were no other kids.

Some One inside me prompted me, "Play with her." I saw few patients were waiting and the mom of the girl was perhaps tired of running around so I said, "Lets play." I stepped into the kid's play area just there in one corner and saw some picture books for kids. She followed me. The mother was able to see us from where she was sitting and she was happy looking at us playing. I was showing the little one pictures of Elmo, Big bird, and many other pictures of animals and things. She loved each picture especially when I put excitement in introducing each picture. The "Cookies!" "Big Bird!" "Elmo!" "Flower!" "Pitat" = (meaning "baby cat", a word that kids use)! She joined me in the excitement and repeated every word!!! When I showed her the picture of shoes, she said, "Look!" and showed me her own wee little shoes. Ah, the pleasure of playing with kids!

Then all of a sudden the words posted in our own bathroom back home echoed in my mind: "Lord Jesus, we know today you will cross our paths somehow someway, please help us to be vigilant, and to treat you well."

I do not know but seeing the girl and I having loads of fun, other patients, staff, and mom seemed happier. I told the mom that "We have home-schooled our kids and my husband owned a day care in Africa, we love kids." She was happy.

After sometime her turn came to go in, and the baby and mom happily went in. We all had a good happy feeling. Isn't it great to see kids having no barriers of ethnicity or age. They reach out to anyone willing to be friends within the safe environment. Lets not just make this world a safe place for our kids and, the future generation, let them see the "Jesus with skin on", He loved/s kids! It is said, "It takes a village to raise a kid." Lets choose to be a small/big part of that village. I am a game for it, are you? Do it just for fun! yes, do it for Jesus! Serving Him with joy, that joy gets reflected in others, and that in itself is a great reward!

Kalpana Christian Sharma (Mrs.) 

© all Copyrights reserved.  

Blessing someone with a Scriptural and a prayer encouragement

"Freely you have received; freely give."- Matthew 10:8
"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."1 Thess 5:11

Yesterday i went to a local copier shop to make copies of a set of 40 day prayer cards that a couple friend has designed. It has helped me a great deal and my old set of many years needed to be replaced with a new fresh looking ones. These are available online but for my daily quick glances i like to have them in a place that i look often even in those few minutes as and when i get some time (in addition to my daily devotional time).

The friendly associate at the copier store helped me make copies but it came out 'not quite good' copies. i had already fed the machine so it was paid for. So the associate offered to use another machine and did make me better copies. The newer copies looked cleaner and better than the previous ones! i thanked him and then asked him what he was going to do with the 'not-so-perfect' copies. He said, he was going to trash it. i said, "Boy, you know this is God's holy Word, i would not want it thrown, it would not be wise." For a second he looked at me, i felt as if he was thinking, which planet is this lady from! (smile!) He was busy so as a matter of fact he informed me officially that, "If i have to walk out of the door with it, he would have to charge me." So leaving him to do his work with another customer, i went and cut my good copies of the 40 cards into individual ones for my self.

As I was cutting, "Someone" in me said, "Go ask, how much he would charge and pay him for it so you can bless someone else with it, it is not that bad." I obeyed and went to asked the associate how much he would charge me. He quickly said, "Oh! you know what, don't worry about it, you can have it." I insisted, "No, please let me how much and i will pay you." He was kind and said, "No, do not worry about it, it is fine, you can have it."

So happily, I took and went to the cutting machine to cut the cards into 40 individual cards from 4 on each page as printed. As i cut, a Voice inside me now told me to "Go and now bless that same associate who has helped you with these free copies." So i obeyed and went near the counter and first said a parting "Thank you!" When they greeted back, i went close to the associate and handing him the 40 days Prayer cards with a little handwritten note thanking him, i said, "You know what, Something in me says, I should bless you with this, if you would like to read each of them every day for 40 days, its something good to start your day with. You can have it." He was SO happy and grateful; with a sparkle in his eyes he accepted it, shook my hand, thanked me and said, he was going to keep it in his drawer and read them every day. I felt so blessed by blessing him.

We have no idea which minds God is working on, so please let us learn to be alert of that "still small voice" inside us, that nudges us to do something different for God's glory! Sharing God's Word is something beautiful you can do for anyone. Encourage someone today, you do not know who may need to hear that message!

Proclaiming Jesus to the world,
Kalpna Christian Sharma © all Copyrights reserved.  
ps. For those of you interested in these 40 days prayer-cards, here is the website of my special friends: http://inverseministries.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/PRAYERCARDS.pdf

Mothering Sunday- 2014

Mothering goes beyond giving birth.

Today I want to share a blissful spiritual mothering experience that God in His divine mercy has allowed me to experience. And so, this year's Mothers Day page is dedicated to a special lady in my life who divinely came along side my parents, and in more than one way has raised me spiritually - Yes, spiritually nurtured me in my teen and early growing years.

We could call her a "spiritual mother"-or a discipler- the one who teaches you truths about God, understands the struggles of your growing years, offers hope, time, help and encouragement and above all, herself.  She is like an elder sister, mother, friend and a teacher! You can count on her anytime, anywhere. In speech, she opens her mouth with wisdom and there is a law of kindness on her tongue.(Pro31:26)

Few of us are privileged to have such 'spiritual mentors' in our lives and for me, her name happens to be Mrs. Patricia Madhu Sheth whom I affectionately call Madhuben. (sister Madhu) or as her husband called her,  Madh, a short form; and also in Gujarati Madh= honey. I and many others have witnessed that this special lady has been a godly mother to her own children in their growing years too.

Allow me introduce Mrs. Patricia Madhu Sheth to you.

Madh, for few years now, is a godly widow;  she lives in Nairobi, Kenya, and works there too.Born, and raised in Meru, she has resided most of her life in Kenya; has grown up kids who are married, and so now she happens to be a granny.

On the spiritual front, Madh comes from a Hindu family. She came to faith in Christ in her high school years and has been a strong believer in Jesus Christ, living faithfully by His grace and by Biblical truths. She would explain to me the deep truth about Christ, how we as human beings are like small 'kidi'(ant), and if God came to talk to us in all His majesty, we would not be able to withstand His vast, enormous, magnanimous greatness, so God Himself, became a type of a 'kidi' (an ant) to communicate His love to us. (This is the gospel of Jesus Christ!)

34 years ago, I met Madhuben in Nairobi, when I had migrated to Kenya, at the age of 15; just a little later after I had chosen to 'get saved' in Christian terms. But I had a long way to go in my faith. She was already married by then, had two sweet lovely kids and worked in the banking industry when God intersected our paths. Instantly she took liking to me, and God drew me close to her too. My parents entrusted me to her care, either spending a weekend at her place or walking from college or office to her home from where I would be later picked up by Dad.  For many years in our careers, we also worked in the buildings next to each other's workplaces, something which we both felt was 'GOD ordained!' (my first, second and third job) I have enjoyed joining her family on day tours, weekend holidays, and have also had a privilege of staying at her home for few months.

She modeled for me and helped me know Jesus in a very personal and intimate way. At some points in life my faith resembled hers. Now I see, over the years God helped me personalize my faith from an extension of hers. But what a beautiful extension has that been!

We would study Bible in her home, sing songs, attend the same church, evangelize together, walk and talk of issues in life and discuss whys and why-nots of the world!

Allow me to let out a little secret! One of the reasons I had not wanted to become a dedicated Christian in my early years was because I loved watching Indian movies and sing movie songs and at that time in India if you got 'saved,' you would have to give up watching movies, as it was categorized as an 'ungodly' entertainment. Well, after coming to Kenya, I shared this troubling thought with Madhuben. She immediately understood and said, "Kalpna, what does the Bible say, does it say stop watching movies and you will be saved? NO! the Bible says, "Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved and your household also."  "As you put your faith in Christ, His Holy Spirit comes to live in you, and helps you become a new person who now enjoys God's presence and work, more than the movies or anything for that matter." She assisted in seeing movies from a Christian perspective, calling what is sin, a sin and what would be good that God could use to teach us! That brought a huge positive change in my thinking.

Also I was young, dealing with a lot of ungodly anger. I had negative ideas and notions on many things.  God used this dear woman to help me let go off and overcome my built up anger towards abusive, controlling men. God intervened and I learned to be kind and gentle.  She was patient with me. She listened, understood, and introduced me to number of Christian books that taught me the right perspective on healthy relationships; showing me how GOD views men and women and how Jesus treated women; tenderly, with love and compassion. I was able to differentiate the world's standard of men and women, and Jesus' holy standard. The books such as Walter and Ingrid Trobisch's, "The Joy of Being a Woman" "I Loved a Girl" "I Married You" etc. For spiritual growth there were Brother Andrew's "God's Smuggler," Corrie Ten Boom's, "Hiding Place," and " "Prison to Praise" by Marlene Carothers and many others. She helped me grow spiritually, and to have a right Biblical view of God, people, about myself, and towards my circumstances; The sum of it all helped me mature in this area. I was able to let go of my anger and experience healing.

She also taught me to dress modestly like a nice girl. I had a tom boyish attitude and behavior. I was able to see my identity as a woman of God, purchased by Jesus' blood and be happy without comparing myself to any man or any one for that matter.

Be it in the business world, social life, spiritual sphere or personal home front, Madh was Proverbs31 woman I saw at that time, juggling many roles: being a humble child of God, wife, mother, a successful banker and a precious mother to her own kids, and an understanding friend to so many kids like me.

Not only me, but Christians and non-Christian teens, neighbors, staff, clients, and people respected her as Madhuben. As she always blessed, spoke softly, prayed for people with faith and loved deeply. Even in her banking industry, when she was unable to approve a loan for any client, she would still not send them 'empty handed' but pray with them, assuring God had a better plan for their lives. Whether she agreed or not, whether she consented or not, any person was welcomed to seek an audience with her and talk. She was home to be with, whether she rolled her chapatis (Indian flat breads) in the kitchen, walked with us, taught the Bible lesson, was working in the office, or drove. She listened and encouraged. While she had high moral and biblical standards, she was sympathetic towards those who struggled with them, and taught with much grace. Her truth, as someone has said,  "was laced with grace" and her love had a backbone of Biblical truth. She is not perfect and neither is anyone. I have seen her like David, humble before God, like Deborah, standing up for her loved ones, like Habakkuk, thanking GOD even when the walls surrounding her newly bought home had come down; praising God in all situations, even dire ones, where one would have given up long ago, she stuck by like an oak tree. At times as she shared: she would tell God, "I am holding onto the hem of your dress, Lord, the minute I let go of it, I will fall," and then immediately authenticate how God would remind her, "Madhu, it is not you hanging on to the hem of my dress, I am holding you with my righteous right hand and would NEVER let go off you, my child!" She always thanked God that she was a Christian(!) that showed much 'self-controlled' life.

One book she loves is Psalms, even today she blesses me in every email quoting a Psalm.

She taught her children to love Jesus, to pray for anything, and memorize and recite Bible verses and thank God for all answers.  Her tiny kids were sweet and well behaved. We would often baby sit them when Madh and her husband would go on a weekly date. She spiritually educated her kids well. When I saw her kids, I took a mental note that, should God some day bless me with a family, that is exactly how I was going to raise my kids, teaching to learn to love Jesus, pray for everything, thank Him for answering, memorize and recite Bible verses and try to live by them. Yes! they would learn to pray for big or even tiniest things. They will learn to thank God in ALL circumstances. One thing that used to floor me is whenever life threw a curve ball at her, and she was caught in a dire situation, not knowing what would be the next blow, she would first thank GOD and then turn and direct her children and me stating, "These are some of the things to say 'thank you, Jesus for"! ouch! I have watched her sail thru life thanking Jesus in ALL circumstances. I guess that is why she is more on grace side.  She directed me to thank JESUS in ALL circumstances, and by seeing her do devotions with, and teaching her kids the Bible verses I have been able to be a better spiritual mom to my kids doing the similar things. I so appreciate that;

In my family, we grew up away from our parents most of our early years, so we lacked parental upbringing, nurture and discipline! She helped us see the difference of heart issues vs. legalistic rituals, or on Fasting, and other religious practices: the difference of responsible freedom vs. abused one, and acts of service out of love vs. must do attitude. These truths were rather important at that age. 

Her solid Biblical wise advise that "Kalpna, don't fill in the amount on a cheque (check) and do not ask GOD to sign it, but rather leave it blank and allow God to fill it, trust GOD to give you His best," aided me in giving up two immature relationships. I was not only able to get over my early teenage pre-matured entanglement that I had before I knew Christ, but was also able to get over my then "infatuation". Catch this: When that person said "Kalpna, I like everything about you, except your Christianity!" she guided me that, "Kalpna, that way you are disqualified kabisa (completely), what ever you are, and I am, it is ONLY because of Christ!" Thank God, for her for understanding, and not dealing harshly with me, like Paul says, "we were gentle among you like a mother!"  

She taught me to respect myself, and not give in to any temptation; especially physically or emotionally to anyone before marriage; told me stories of girls who chose to keep themselves pure. She always emphasized to me and many other girls "To remember the importance of taking the parents' blessings for marriage, no matter what the situation, else it shall not be blessed."  My own parents trusted her to be my guardian, both mom and dad trusted her to teach me right things. She taught me to respect elders regardless of whether I agreed or disagreed with them, and exhibit for me to answer with a respectful Indian term 'Jee'. 

Madh wore a sari in a beautiful, modest way that commanded respect. I followed her in that area. Her seamstress, a sweet Shah widow became my seamstress too, who sewed for us both the same simple blouses;  and we had the same cobbler also who custom made our shoes. When we watched movies we particularly watched for a new yet conservative style in sari blouses and then we would explain to our seamstress who would watch the movie and stitch for us the similar stuff.  

Madh carried "The Godly Woman" book by Navigators in her bag at all times; and I imitated!

Her food:

American: In those days when home made hamburgers were unheard of, in that part of the world. She and her husband demonstrated to us how to make and assemble hamburgers at home, plus bake  pizza and apple pie. Her husband loved her apple pie,and her chocolate cake was a relish we consumed well as they indicated to eat with vanilla ice-cream! And oh! yes! we would never eat hot dogs, so she is responsible to introduce me to such classy "junk food". (smiles)

Kenyan: I enjoyed her chips, Mahamri (sweet bread), Mbaazi wa Naazi (beans in coconut milk),  Banana Sandwich, Chai-latte with bread-butter sandwich and chapos.

Indian: Punjabi: Buttered Paratha, maa-di daal, lightly fried cabbage.

Gujarati: Rice, Rotli, Mixed Daal-bhajia (fried lentil fritters), raw pawpaw chili pickle, and posho (French beans & potato). Her Puris were the best, "melts as soon as you put in your mouth," attested an elderly auntie Suman.

Chinese: Deep fried chicken, Veg fried rice.

Dessert: Chocolate cake with vanilla ice-cream and Apple pie.

Her the then best restaurants:

Norfolk hotel: for Christmas luncheon.

Steak house: for Steak, yum!

Railway Royal: for Blanket Chicken

Her Bible verses: "One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple." (Psalm27:4)

"I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. Psa84:10

"Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved and your household." Acts 16:31

"Everything works together for good to them that love God and are called according to His purpose." Roms 8:28

"Even a fool is considered wise, when he is silent." Proverbs 17:28.

"When a man’s ways please the LORD, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him." Prov16:7

1 Tim 2:5-6 "There is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people.

John15, "Jesus said, "You did not choose me but I chose you.""

A great verse that she shared with me with much passion, while walking from Tom Mboya st. thru Kijabe St. round about onto Ngara,  "Kalpna, God says in His Word, even your hair will grow white and yet I will care for you."   

Her best Hymn line: "Hidden in the hallow of His blessed Hand, never foe can follow, never traitor stand, Stayed upon Jehovah, hearts are fully blessed, finding as He promised, perfect peace and rest."

Her famous line: "God never makes a mistake." (She even has this framed in her living room.)

Her kids affirmed that mom has taught, "Freedom means responsibility."

She reminded time and again, "Kalpna, if ever you find yourself asking, "God, where are you?" remember that time, that HE is right where you left Him, so just go back where you left Him and you will find Him there."

Some know when life throws me a curve ball, I get rather worked up just too soon in the moment and then I hear her say,  "Take it easy, Kalpna, GOD has not left His throne, God is still on the throne."  

She used to say, "You can only be silent when you are confident."-This was so evident in how she lived.  

There were times she would say, "Kalpna, before you sleep, concentrate on three short sentences, "Jesus I love you, I need you and I thank you." I would do just that and then I wrote a song about it; check out my CD, "Reach out" to hear.

She would converse with GOD so as a matter of fact: While driving would ask "God, did you know it was going to rain?" 

She sampled for me a super great example of what it means to be "Clothed in HIS righteousness alone" by displaying her sari on me and walking ahead and then turned back to look at me and showed me "the Lord Jesus covers us like that with His love, and then when He looks back, He sees His own love that He covered us with!" 

I often said, if ever I committed a crime, one person I will come and confess is Patricia Madhu Sheth! I have seen Christ and His love in her and like my cousin  said, "Kalpna,  Madhuben is many miles ahead of us in her walk with the LORD, that, that is where, we actually want to be!" I can communicate sharply at times, yet she knows and has told me, "Kalpna you think too much, you talk too much" but her attitude has been graceful towards me.

I think "getting saved" is one thing but having mentors to help one grow and "stay saved," in all walks of life, from spiritual, personal, social to business world is quite another. That is in fact more challenging. Getting saved is easy, staying on the narrow path and having someone to guide, solidifying Biblical truths is so very vitally crucial. GOD provided Madhuben for me. That is why the then senior Pastor John Gichinga of Nairobi Baptist church said, "In the land where you are going, they have everything but NO Patricias and Kalpnas!" so true!

I believe it is good to tell a person all the good things while we can and while they can hear and feel. I remind people, tell others you love them while they are alive, because there is no point in giving a great eulogy when someone is no more! so, this my tribute to her!

Precious Father God,  Thank you for blessing my friendship with Madhuben. I am so grateful that just at a time when I needed,  you divinely chose and brought me all the way form India to Madhuben in Kenya! Thank you for touching my life and my world thru her. Thank you for helping her model for me early in life what it means to be a godly woman in that culture, and in that day and age. Thank you for guiding, teaching, and standing by us thru thick and thin. At that time she was a "Jesus with skin on" for me. The world particularly needs more godly spirited women like Madhuben to teach, pray, guide, model after and look up to. 

Thank you, Madh,  for loving me, for taking me to be as your own flesh and blood. Thank you for teaching me, guiding me, rebuking me, nurturing me. Thank you for being obedient to HIS call on your life in little and big tasks He asked you to do, and doing it with love and grace! God impacts lives thru you, you matter to so many of us! In those younger years, you were the best coach and role model anyone can dream of. I am very grateful to God for you, and for saving you, and for your presence in my life.  I thank God for you, and for your faith. I  love you, pray for you, honor you and look forward to the big day when King Jesus will put a crown with jewels on your head, and say, "Well done, my faithful servant, Patricia Madhu Sheth, come and enter into the joy of your Master." Madh, I know along with me so many others will also be there to cheer you, to whistle, shout and clap. So many will say, "Madhuben, I made it to heaven because of your obedience to Jesus. Thank you for investing in our lives." What a blessed eternity at the feet of Christ, with you will that be? Rejoicing over your life and wishing blessings upon you and yours always! It is my prayer that I will walk in your footsteps in this area and go beyond to be a spiritual mom, and a mentor to many who need a Madhuben in their lives. Have a happy and blessed Mothers' Day 2014. - Kalpna

Patricia with my Mom, Germana Christian                                       Patricia Madhu Sheth-my mentor

 

Memories of August 1, 1982 - Attempted but failed Coup in Nairobi

A friend today posted on Facebook, inviting to share what memories do people have of 1 August, 1982 of Nairobi, Kenya! And I did write but then felt, ah, this needs to be on my blog. So here are my memories of that unfortunate day of an attempted, and failed Coup in the capital of Kenya, Nairobi, the green city in the sun.

I shall not forget August 1, 1982 in Nairobi! Too many memories!

1. Early morning of August 1st, 1982, my parents, now no longer alive on earth, were in a car caught right in the middle of the mess. Dad was dropping Mom to her work place (Park Road Nursing Home) for an early morning shift. This ride was all the way from Dagoretti suburbs, nearly 17 miles distance. Our family was completely unaware of what was happening in Nairobi town that morning! Talk of Sunday morning church rush to get ready, no time to listen to radio back then nor did people have non stop news channel to watch TV.

2. My parents were stopped by the gun totting rebels and ordered to get out of their small Mini car. Dad's side door could not open so through the window guns were placed at my parents' heads. Then in that moment, in that unfortunate happening, the most amazing and eternal thing took place. My Dad prayed and accepted Christ while that gun was pointed at his forehead, near the museum hill roundabout. I still remember Dad's narrations of few sentences, "God, on one side is death and on the other side is life, I choose you, I want to go and worship you at Nairobi Baptist church, my daughters are waiting, help me, Lord Jesus, save! Today I accept you as my personal Savior and the Lord of my life!" (life changed for my dad, an otherwise a regular religious church goer, from then on he was on fire for God)

3. Then thanks be to God for HIS mercy, my parents were told to get out of their car and flee for their lives. (Phew!) As much as that was a relief, that must have been a walk and a half, walking among dead bodies, looters, killers-yes, aggressive personnel moving with guns, shooting at sight anyone they thought was not worth living! Thank God, Mom and Dad made it safe (an otherwise good 15-20 minutes walk but that day dreadful, fleeing, ducking, running, watching all sides, not knowing where the gun shot might come from, amidst gun-totting, fully armed terrorizing individuals moving about) to the home of Sheth family. Madhu and Deepak Sheth, our dear family friends who happened to live nearby happily housed them in for that day and for the night. They saw from being indoors, how much looting was going on outside and wondered where will the break in occur next! Nairobi downtown, Ngara Road, Park Road, Pangani, Eastleigh areas were in a real bad shape from looting to rape, to killing,  evil was on rampant. Later it was known they did not leave young girls or even 80 year old granny. One Indian lady later told us she boiled a huge pot of spicy hot red pepper powder with water ready to fight back, pouring on anyone if they invaded.

4. And, 17 miles away, in Waithaka town, Dagoretti suburbs, my sister and I were joyfully, singing and getting ready, waiting for Dad to come back and take us to Nairobi Baptist church for the 8:30 am service.

5. He did not come the whole day. We wondered. Then our landlords came telling us to be careful and informed us that there was a political disturbance in town.

6. So my sister and I prayed and then cooked Indian chevra (similar to sweet spicy chex mix), not really knowing what was going on in town! No telephones worked and the radio station was taken over, so no news to listen to.

7. Our very kind and gracious, christian, Kenyan, Kikuyu family (our landlords and neighbors) took my sister and me in their home for that night to sleep in, informing us that Nairobi was in a bad shape, and praying my parents would return safely next day! God bless them as they thought it was not safe for two young adult Indian girls to be on their for that night. They showed real Christian love to us as foreigners at that time.

8. It was comforting later in the evening, hearing the then President Daniel Arap Moi, with a shaken voice, addressing the nation. God was in control. (Years later, whenever we passed by Kenya's Langata Army Barracks we remembered how they helped save the country on August 1st, 1982; all of us would get flashbacks of that day!)

9. Next day, thank God, my parents made it back home safe and sound, narrating the entire episode of Nairobi town that they had personally seen and experienced! Many dead bodies in blood, with open empty wallets and purses, lipsticks and valuables were on the highway and the streets (an awful sight) yet God protected many. I had many reasons to rejoice as from that day on, Dad read his Bible every day without fail, grew closer to the Lord and lived to tell the story for two more years of how this impacted his life.

10. Oh, last thing; then on for few days, everyone headed for town had to carry Id cards from that morning. We looked at the bakery that was making my birthday cake, for 2 Aug, yes, that shop too was broken in, and stolen from as well; my cake was messed up along with many other cakes!! Well, thank God, I am still alive and I praise God that we all survived that disruption, particularly my sister and I, peacefully, away from ghostly scene of Nairobi town, in a safe heavenly place called Waithaka, with three huge fierce dogs marching in the compound, guarding!

Our God, our Help in ages past, our Hope for years to come, 
our Shelter from the stormy blast, and our eternal Home.

To God be the glory! Under the shadow of HIS wings,

Kalpana Christian Sharma (Mrs.) All copyrights reserved

Benefits of Home schooling

Stuti Sharma's Graduation speech -

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10151484710436481&set=vb.583311480&type=2&theater

or you can try this link: https://vimeo.com/70992289
or: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xyuMBx6-oYQ

Everyone sees what works best for their family. For us, home schooling was the best option. Here is our girl testifying that she actually wanted to be home-schooled from day one and made sure that her dream came true! We were all blessed following God's lead through her in this area! 

To God be the glory! Thanking God and thanking our sweet little one, Stuti!!

Kalpana, Bharat, Narita and Stuti Sharma. © All copyrights reserved. No part of this video may be used without the prior permission from the authors. 

Mothering Sunday 2013 - thoughts of my dear aunt Shanta-mami

I have been thinking and praying about whom I want to honor on my blog for this Mothering Sunday.

I keep getting my maternal aunt Shanta-mami's name in my thoughts. (Mami is maternal auntie, the wife of mom's brother in Indian language). So, lets talk about Shanta mami. (Shanti means peace)

My mom had only one brother, Uncle John, and Shanta-mami was his wife. She was born in India, and she lived and died in India as well. All her sisters' names started with S. Shanta mami was the oldest of all and so more of a motherly figure. She is survived by 4 kids of her own. She was a very pretty, good looking and a gracious, kind woman. A Sister Nurse-in-charge by profession, dedicated to her work; she had a passion for cooking yummy-licious Indian food and loved her God, her work, her husband, her children, her family, her nieces and nephews; and people in general.

Shanta-mami was one of the best cooks, and her dishes were famous among the family and friends. Her mango pickles used to be the best. Back home in India, during my childhood, I remember every year in summer vacation she would come home and make mango pickles for us to last us a whole entire year. Her Christmas sweets were the best and her Chapatis - what can I say! She knew and taught me many kinds of Indian flat breads (Chapati) and their sub-divisions: What is Kori Rolti, Fulka, Bhakhri, Chopda, Paratha, Thepla, Puri, Dhebera, Vedhmi (sweet chapati) etc.. Despite her full-time job as a full-trained midwife, she would try every new recipe. She made scrumptious Handva (an Indian version of spicy corn bread), ice-cream, etc. I have fond memories of big feasts held in her home on Resurrection Day and Christmas Day celebrations, and then we would be taken out for a picnic or outings in general.

Together with my two older siblings, I was privileged to be housed by her for a couple of years when my parents were away in Nairobi, Kenya. Even though she had 4 kids of her own she took my sister, brother, and me in and looked after us, loved us, and trained us. I remember the good times we have shared with her in Pij. I was the youngest of all the kids, so she showered extra love on me. My Mom and Shanta-mami had a good understanding between them. Early in life, during her sickness, my mom breastfed one of her kids and during the time my parents were away, Shanta mami looked after us. My uncle and aunt would play games with us kids in the backyard after meals during summer's bright late evenings.

My special memory of her is when she used to occasionally take me with her on her public health visits to the people in the village. Everyone in Pij town knew Shanta mami  and respected her as "Bahen" the only Nurse back then who loved and cared for them, not only while they were sick, but otherwise, as she was a friendly person. She was called "Ben," endearing term meaning "Sister." And every one knew I was her youngest bhaani (niece). On those visits while passing through the market place, I would be pampered by these dear lovely people, the market place businessmen and women, i.e. the fruit sellers, the grocers, the vegetable vendors; they handed me seasonal goodies and candies! Mami was kind and sweet to me and taught me many good things.

I admired curly hair more as I have very straight hair, so after washing my hair, she would plait 7 chotlis (braids) for me and let it dry for sometime; when it was opened, it was all curly like Goldilocks. During the drying time of those braids,(ah! you know what waiting means to a kid)! So to keep me calm and forget about it for a while, she would let me to go and play with other kids on the slide and swings in the play plot near the bus station that was a stone-throw away from the hospital premise where we lived. In Biblical terminology, it would be almost like at the entrance of the city gate!

She introduced me to the little library that the hospital had and allowed me to read almost all the kids' books, the biographies of the Indian freedom fighters, and other famous diligent and good people. It helped build character in me. Mami would cover her head while praying, and, at night, reading the Bible and praying in my uncle and her household was a must - something I am thankful to God for helping me learn.

Regardless of what the elders in the extended families argued about or even as cousin brothers and sisters, we had our own games and arguments, my uncle and aunt did not treated us differently. They loved us and showered affection on all of us. During afternoon naps or sleeping at night, she would gently stroke my hair with her fingers. Yes, that was my dear aunt (Shanta-mami)

On this Mothering Sunday, I want to honor and remember that I am thankful to God for my Shanta mami and her sister youngest sister Sunanda. Sunanda masi (ma-si means ma-like) was like an elder sister to me in my early teen years, talking to me, listening to me, and helping me cope with teen age life. I am thankful for both of these dear ladies and their presence in my life when I needed it most.

A few years ago, Shanta-mami died due to illness; medical condition of fighting cancer in her body. On this mothering Sunday, I miss her, and I am sure her children and grandchildren miss her too. The world is a better place because there are godly aunties present who are truly mothers to all. They fulfill a high calling of the sacred role of motherhood.

She is resting in peace for now and I hope to see her on the Resurrection Day at the feet of Jesus and hear God say "Well done! my faithful servant" to her for looking after us, loving me and for doing His will for her life well. Here is Shanti-mami:

Copyright © Kalpana Christian Sharma (Mrs.)

Resurrection Sunday 2013

This year the Resurrection Sunday celebration came rather early even though it fell on March the 31st! March seemed packed with many things like Daylight Saving Time, Palm Sunday, Holy Week, and also Resurrection Sunday happened to be the last day of March.

This year I was reflecting on Resoluteness of Jesus from Palm Sunday right through to the Resurrection Sunday. Somethings that came to mind as I read the Scriptures: It was amazing to see "Jesus in full control of himself" as one pastor put it. No one forced him and he did not feel like a victim, He willingly gave his life and was obedient till death on a cross! ( a very shameful death) Only after Lord Jesus was crucified that Cross got a lot of reverence and holiness attached to it. Jesus takes what is shameful and makes it sacred. Do not be afraid to come to Jesus as you are. As you come, Jesus cleanses you and makes you holy.  

I also saw that there were different scenes of his anointing before death! One was 6 days before in the home of Martha, Mary and their brother Lazarus as per John 12:  "Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. ² Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. ³ Then Mary took about a pint^[a] of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume."

The second dinner was given 2 days before Passover in the home of Simon the Leper, and this is done by an unknown woman and what she had done will be told in her memory wherever the gospel will be preached. Both Mathew 26: and Mark 14th chapter narrate the story of the unknown woman! Mathew 26: ⁶ While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of Simon the Leper, ⁷ a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table.⁸ When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. “Why this waste?” they asked. ⁹ “This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor.”¹⁰ Aware of this, Jesus said to them, “Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. ¹¹ The poor you will always have with you,^[a] but you will not always have me. ¹² When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. ¹³ Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.”

So many people make mistakes on these two anointing and also on the ladies who anointed. Let us read and be sure what we present. 

It was interesting to note that these two women gave their most expensive possessions, and how it is contrasted by John that Judas Iscariot took what was put into the bag. He took what was not his and he betrayed for mere 30 pieces of silver, while these women gave the best they could! 

Even when Judas Iscariot is mentioning the poor, he has misplaced humanistic values, he did not really care for the poor; and you can also see that his remorse too was not deep enough to go to Jesus and ask for forgiveness. His remorse was more of a self pity; it did not drive him to the foot of the cross, it led him to a rope to hang himself. The Bible says, Godly sorrows bring repentance; it brings life. Sadly Judas did not have that kind of remorse. 

I also noted that next day after the triumphant entry into Jerusalem, Jesus went to the temple and cleared it. And for few days he preached so empowering messages. We can ask the Lord to cleanse us as we are the living temples of the Holy God. Like Jesus told Peter, he who has had a bath does not need to shower again but only clean his hands and feet. Spiritually speaking we need to do daily cleansing as well. Many things compete with the number one position of our Lord and we must be the living sacrifices, not dead but living sacrifices as Apostle Paul reminds us. 

It is with deep concern that we note,next day he commanded the fig tree that did not give him fruit when he needed, to never bear fruit and it withered. We need to be ever ready for the Lord to use us when He needs us. We cannot only have the outward show and not real fruit!  

The feast of unleavened bread: The unleavened bread is supposed to be the pure, holy body of our Lord Jesus, a lamb without blemish that He sacrificed for us. The bitter herbs are the remembrance of the bondage of slavery in Egypt for Israelite people but also spiritually speaking, for us its a bondage of sin that Jesus gets us out of. The wine is his blood poured out for us. The fine wine is made out of crushed grapes. His life was 'a broken bread and a poured out wine'(as E Stanley Jones and Mrs C Cowman rightly puts it).  

I think in physical terms the Resurrection meals that would be great to remember these events would be more of a fish, lamb, unleavened bread, bitter herbs and wine, or to add to it, bean sprouts, (as Jesus said, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground, it cannot produce, but if it dies, it produces a harvest.) I do not see 'easter eggs, or easter bunnies. These do not seem to be Biblical and we must be careful what we associate Resurrection with.This day is not about easter - the goddess of fertility, nor about bunnies, nor about eggs,) it is about Lord Jesus rising from the dead and showing there is life and hope beyond earth!! Pascha is more fitting as a Passover. Jesus is our Passover lamb in spiritual terms. Fish in the meal is to remember Jesus saying about Jonah: as Jonah was in the belly of the fish for 3 days and 3 nights, the Son of man be too.

From Thursday morning through out the night when he was arrested, then trial after trial, mocked, beaten, insulted, abused, and then into the Friday morning without any rest:

Friday morning: Jesus was crucified at 9 A M in the morning, at 12 noon the darkness fell over all the earth and at 3 pm he gave up the spirit declaring "IT IS FINISHED". The earth shook, the rocks split and the tombs were open (as Mathew reports). So we see even the sun refused to shine. Jesus hung on a cross for 6 hours and suffered shame and agony. After he died,  Joseph a righteous man and a member of the council and Nicodemus asked Pilate for Jesus' body and embalmed it and put it in a new tomb in which no one had been buried.  

Next day was the Sabbath. Things are quiet somehow in general but the Pharisees did not seem to be at peace though. Early in the morning they went to Pilate and asked for assistance to make the grave of Jesus secure. (Mathew 27:62) on a Sabbath!!! but on the flip side, I thought about the Genesis 1, the creation week; after completing his creation, God rested on the seventh day from all his work.

And then the Resurrection!!!!! Resurrection day changes the gloominess and gives us time to rejoice over the victory; Early morning on the day after Sabbath, when the women went to the tomb there was another earthquake.(Mathew 28) Jesus rose from dead. The empty tomb has no bones!!! Because He lives, we can too IF we believe in Him. He gives us a hope to look forward to.

And now on that hope - now and beyond now! I love the way Apostle Paul says that "as Christians if we have hope for only this life then we are to be pitied of all men." Thank God, Resurrection gives us hope beyond this life. 

So dear reader,  as I said it on my Facebook, I say it here, whoever you are, a nominal christian, Hindu, Muslim, atheist, Buddhist, Jain, agnostic, or Sikh, by definition of being a human being, you are a sinner under God's judgment and the only payment you can make to reconcile to GOD is the pure Blood of Jesus!!! take advantage of this offer in the grace period, admit that you are a sinner and need JESUS, believe in His death and sacrifice and be born again and HE will give you the power to live holy life. He took the gruesome, cruel, brutal punishment for you and me!!!! His back was shredded, so we can be healed, He was like a sheep before the shearers so we can be confident, His holy and pure blood pouring down like rain that we might be cleansed and He died so we might be born again and live eternally!!!

Because Jesus lives, 

©Kalpana Christian Sharma (Mrs. )- KC
Scripture references are taken from NIV.