Exegetical Report Infancy narrative Matthew 1:18-2:12 Grad school, LSTC, Spring 2023

Rolled Oats, Millet Flour, mixed Nuts and herb seeds Vegan Bread.

Rolled Oats, Millet Flour, mixed Nuts and herb seeds Vegan Bread. 

(Someone used Green buckwheat but I did not have so I used Rolled oats) 

1 cup Old Fashioned Whole Grain Oats, 1 cup Millet Flour, (I used Swad brand), 4 Tbsp ( 20 g), Flax Seeds, 2 tbsp, Coconut Oil, 0.50 cup, Sunflower Seeds Roasted and salted, 50 g, Pumpkin Seeds (roasted & salted), 1 tsp, Cumin Seeds, 1 tsp Coriander seeds (Optional), 1 tsp Turmeric powder, 1 tsp, ground, Cardamom, 1 and 1/2 cup (8 to 12 fl oz), Water, 1.50 teaspoon, Salt, 1 teaspoon, Baking powder,. 1 ounce, Dill Pickle seeds, Swad brand. tablespoon of sesame seeds. 

1. Soak ground flaxseeds in a cup and a half of water for 15 to 20 min. 

2. Mix Rolled Oats, millet flour, baking powder, salt, roasted pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, cumin seeds, dill (Suva) seeds, coriander seeds (Optional),  2 tablespoons coconut oil, cardamom, salt, turmeric powder and then add the soaked flaxseeds with water slowly and mix well. 

3. I lined up the 10-inch loaf pan with aluminum foil. If you prefer thin bread use a 10-inch loaf pan, but if you like thicker taller, you can use the smaller loaf pans. Sprinkle or brush oil to keep it moist. 

4. Add the whole bread mixture and level it well. Sprinkle sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds, and I added a few Sesame seeds to coat the top of the bread and press it a little in the dough so it sticks well. 

5. Bake it at 350F. degree for 1 hour. 

6. Remove from the oven and cool it before slicing. Enjoy! 

- Kalpana aka KC

Nutrition Facts
Servings 14.0
Amount Per Serving
calories 149
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 9 g	14 %
Saturated Fat 3 g	16 %
Monounsaturated Fat 1 g
Polyunsaturated Fat 2 g
Trans Fat 0 g
Cholesterol 0 mg	0 %
Sodium 371 mg	15 %
Potassium 63 mg	2 %
Total Carbohydrate 14 g	5 %
Dietary Fiber 6 g	24 %
Sugars 0 g
Protein 5 g	10 %
Vitamin A	0 %
Vitamin C	0 %
Calcium	3 %
Iron	5 %
* The Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet, so your values may change depending on your calorie needs. The values here may not be 100% accurate because the recipes have not been professionally evaluated nor have they been evaluated by the U.S. FDA.

Women in Matthew's Gospel are Noteworthy

Remembering the late uncle Samson Macwan

There are people of compassion and kindness who serve to uplift, inspire, and create optimism in others. Yesterday, November 11th, 2023, was Mr. Samson Macwan's funeral. He was 95 years old. Not related to many of us, yet everyone affectionately referred to him as "Samson Uncle." Samson uncle as someone said today, was a "Soft, warm-hearted" and pleasant gentleman who was respected in society. He faithfully gave rides to people and took them to church every Sunday, taught immigration and citizenship classes at the local community center and where possible reached out. He embodied the qualities of a beloved individual. He served and supported many people as a paternal and grandfatherly figure, mainly within the Gujarati Christian community and others within his range of influence. Many many people have fond memories and vivid recollections of his persona. Here is my two cents.

During a phone chat earlier this year, Samson uncle expressed both joy to hear from others and sorrow due to the loss of auntie. He communicated deep grief, and shed tears, as he wrestled with the tremendous emptiness experienced by the death of his wife last year. Despite the couple's opposing viewpoints on many matters, Samson uncle adeptly managed to maintain a harmonious equilibrium, being a devoted and faithful spouse, while also actively participating in and providing support to the community. I cherish special memories of Samson uncle's role years back in our family's dire situation.
Sixteen years ago, after losing a job and subsequently our condo, we faced eviction. Our future location was undetermined. It is notable, however, that when I called, Samson uncle listened, consulted his family members, and offered their basement/guest apartment at a reasonable amount on the same day. Additionally, we also volunteered, without being asked, to assist with yard work and other possible activities. At that time, the comradery was mutual. 

But at the end of that initial first month at their residence, the summer of 2007, Samson uncle's gracious, out-of-the-norm kind action left me awestruck. To my surprise, just as a dad would, Samson uncle came and gave us an exact cash sum. The objective of this cash was to satisfy the monthly financial commitment to Auntie, Samson uncle's wife. Unknown to me, it was generally known that Auntie upheld a strict policy about punctual payments. Samson uncle told us to pay him back when we got the funds. We paid that back to him in a day or two. But at that moment, my eyes had welled up with tears of thankfulness. It was a privilege to be in the presence of such an incredibly concerned soul.

Our families enjoyed occasional festive family fun times for nearly four years.

Our family is grateful to God for Samson uncle's kindness. In light of uncle Samson Macwan's death, his family and many community members experience bittersweet emotions, grieving yet reflecting on his remarkable life. He was a caring person who was characterized by a humble, joyful, and lighthearted disposition.

Mr. Samson Macwan, Photo credit: His Obituary page.

All copyright reserved@ Kalpana C Sharma

Vegan Basundi - Indian Dessert

 Veganized Basundi. 

Ingredients: Please use the dairy-free milk that you like. The denser, the better. The day I tried, I had Almond milk and Coconut milk, so I used 1/2 cup of almond milk and 2/3 cup of coconut milk. 

1 and 1/4 to 1 and 1/2 cups of plant-based milk (you can take two cups too). Try any dairy-free milk like Oatmilk or Soy etc..( do not worry if the consistency is thinner or thicker. The thinner consistency is called Basundi, while the thicker is called Rabdi.) So whichever way you can either thicken or make it thin. Adjust milk and flour accordingly. (I have not tried coconut flour, but instead of ground almond, you can try coconut flour too.)  

1 1/2 to 2 cups water. (If you use the thinner milk of the coconut, then adjust the milk accordingly.)

1/8 cup shelled raw pistachios (two tablespoons)

Few saffron strands (less or about 1/4 teaspoon) soaked in a tablespoon of lukewarm water, 

1/4 cup raw cashew nuts soaked in warm water for a few min. 

1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom. 

1/3 cup or as per your taste sugar

1/8 c (two tablespoons) Ground almonds to resemble flour OR coconut flour. (Two tablespoons)

A pinch of salt.

1. Mix the water (add less water if your coconut milk has solid and thin liquid), plant-based milk, cardamom powder, pistachio, cashew nuts, and saffron with the water socked in. Blend it in a blender at intervals like a few seconds, then a min, and then min and a half or two. Make sure it is mixed, and the nuts are smooth and blended well. It needs to be a smooth batter.

2. Put it on the stovetop and boil on medium-high heat (it took about 4 to 5 min. As it starts to heat up, stir it every few seconds. 

3. Add the remaining ingredients: (sugar, ground almond or coconut flour, salt, and keep boiling as it gets thicker.) 

4. Keep boiling it. After it reaches the desired consistency.
(The total time I boiled from step 2 was less than 15 min.)

5. Turn the gas off and let it cool. Garnish with the 1 and 1/2 tablespoons chopped almond and pistachio on top. Or serve it in the bowls and sprinkle the chopped nuts in individual servings. 

Enjoy! - Kalpana

(Based on Vegan Richa's recipe) 

Mixed Veg. Bhajia/Pakoda Waffles (Vegan)

Mixed Vegetables Bhajia/Pakoda Waffles. 

Ingredients.

2 cups mixed veg. I used Californian Medley from Aldi, thawed, and measured 2c, and then added a chopped small onion.

1/2c. Besan (chickpea flour) 

1/2c. rice flour, 

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp of turmeric powder, 

Lemon juice, salt, and red Chilli powder to your taste. 

A little oil to moisten. (If you like, you can add more like 1/4 c or so) 

About a cup of water to make a good batter, not too thin nor too thick. Adjust the water and the flour according. It is good to pour water slowly, so you weigh in on how much is needed. 

Turn the mini Waffle maker. Add about 1/4c of the batter into the waffler maker spreading it evenly to make each Waffle. Let it cook. It takes about 3 to 5 min for one waffle to be cooked. If you like browner and more crispier, just cook for an extra min or so. Slowly remove the Waffle by the edges with a blunt knife. Repeat with the rest of the batter. It makes about 8 waffles. (if you like, you could use the regular Waffles maker. It will likely make two big ones that can be cut into quarters to get 8 pieces. Enjoy with your fav sauce and chai.

Kalpana C Sharma aka KC. 
 

Reflections on Samaritan Woman in John 4

Hi,

Re-reading the story of Samaritan woman fascinates me. Many see and now rephrase what we have been taught for decades if not centuries. Many like me sense that: 

 -She knew her theological history pretty well. 

 -She was not immoral as it is assumed to be. 

 -She could go anytime to fetch water. Many people avoid rush hours and crowds for various reasons. It does not mean she had ill-reputation, people listened to her. 

 -Had 5 husbands. Could be widowed 5 times -or could divorced (for no fault of her own? 🤷‍♀️) a man could divorce for any and every reason in those days. 

 -or mix of being widowed sometimes and divorced at other. (We may know of someone/few like I do of someone who is widowed twice and divorced from physically, financially, mentally and destructive marriage and in her 4th marriage). 

-she could have lived with a male relative or their families. (Not uncommon in Eastern culture. Many single women live with relatives. Or she may be in a live in relationship 🤷‍♀️ we don't know 🙏grace!!!) 

 -She hoped in a Messiah. 🙏 

-She debated with Jesus. 🙂 

-Even though Jesus asks question about her husband it seems more about earning her confidende than showing her sin. Jesus succeeded. 

 -Even though He showed her clear difference between Samaritan not knowing and Jews knowing and Salvation from Jews, He showed her a better way, nullifying both ethnical limited understanding. Worship God in spirit and in truth, not on a Samaritan Mountain or Jewish temple. 

 -She mentioned hoping to see Messiah who will teach these. He introduced Himself. ❤❤👍 

-She recognized and upon being interrupted by disciples she leaves her water jar and becomes a first Samaritan woman evangelist spreading the good news. 

I didn't mention before that she feels different that a Jewish man is asking her for a drink. 

- She is even amused He offers her better drink. 

-She sees no rope, no bucket and questions if HE is greater than grandpa Yakub. He eventually tells her who He is and she believes. At times we dont see the "empowering tools" in Jesus hands in our times of need, but continue to reason with the Lord and believe! Press on!! 🙌🙏 

-She also saw the well was deep..how often we think our problems are humungous and deep. 

-She didn't laugh at him mockingly but really wondered if he was greater than the ancestor Yukub!!

-She listened to Him offer living water and desired.

-She made great positive moves. 🙏❤✝️ grace.

In His gracious grip,

K

-by Kalpana aka KC