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 

Various Vegan Kulfi (Ice cream) flavors by KC 2021 (Plain Kulfi, Dark Choco-Coco Kulfi, Mango-Coco Kulfi, Rose Kulfi)

As a Kulfi lover since my childhood, here I came up with these Vegan versions and they all taste great! Try them,

Vegan Kulfi - Plain 

Vegan Kulfi- Plain. 5 Ingredients

3.30 cup(80ml), Coconut Milk, (I used two cans)
18 Tablespoons, Sweetened condensed coconut milk

22 Tbsp (12g), Coco Whip (sightly melted)

1to2 teaspoon ground, cardamom spice (add more if you like the flavor)
1 pita, large (6-1/2" dia), Bread, pita, whole-wheat

Method:

1. Break Pita bread into small pieces to almost crumbles so it is easy to mix (or you can use  Coconut flour too) 

2. Mix all the liquid ingredients. The Coconut milk, Sweetened condensed coconut milk and melted Cocowhip.

3. Add the cardamom spice and the crumbled bread and blend it in a blender for few seconds like half a minute or until it mixes well. 

4. Pour into molds and freeze it overnight. 

5. Next day let the molds run thru running water and slowly remove from the molds. Kulfis are best eaten slightly melted. I added crushed pistachio for added flavor.

Nutritional Information: Approx. 20 to 22 of 1/4 cup servings. Calories:140 per serving, Carbs 14.9g, fat 8.8g, protein.08g, Cholesterol:0mg, Sodium24.3mg, Potassium33.4mg 

 

Enjoy! 

Vegan Mango-Coco Kulfi by KC

Ingredients: 

half can (9 tablespoons) Sweetened Condensed Coconut milk

2 cups Almond Milk-Vanilla - Unsweetened.

1teaspoon ground Cardamom

Half container Light Cocowhip Coconut Whipped Topping 

Coconut Flour, half cup

Mix all the ingredients one by one and mix the coconut flour well so no lumps remain. (use Blender to blend well)

Fill in the molds and freeze it overnight. Next day let it melt for few seconds or run it thru water and remove carefully from the molds and sprinkle crushed pistachio. Enjoy! 

Nutritional info: 

Makes about 20 1/4 cup servings. Calories: 73, Carbs11.02g, Fat2.6g, protein.09g, Cholesterol:0mg, Sodium30mg. 

Vegan Dark Choco-Coco Kulfi by KC

Ingredients: 

2 cups Dark Almond Chocolate milk,

9 tablespoons (half can of Sweetened Condensed Coconut Milk

half cup Coconut Flour

1 teaspoon or so ground Cardamom power 

Mix all the ingredients one by one and mix the coconut flour well so no lumps remain. (use Blender to blend well)

Fill in the molds and freeze it overnight. Next day let it melt for few seconds or run it thru water and remove carefully from the molds and sprinkle crushed pistachio. Enjoy! 

Nutritional info: 

Makes about 10. Calories:108, Carbs18.4g, Fat3.3g, Protein1g, Cholesterol:0mg, Sodium60mg

Rose Kulfi:

9to10 Tablespoons of Sweetened Condensed Coconut Milk

2.3 cups Vanilla Soy Milk - Organic

Rooh Afza Syrup 3 tablespoons or so, (add as per the color and flavor  you like)

1 to 2 teaspoons Ground Cardamom powder,

Few drops of Rose water or essence

1 whole-wheat pita bread, crumbled well. 

Method: Grind the crumbled pita bread into the blender and add all the other ingredients. Blend well and make sure no lumps remain. 

Fill in the molds and freeze it overnight. Next day let it melt for half to one minute as per the temperature or run it thru water and remove carefully from the molds and sprinkle crushed pistachio. 

Nutritional info: 

Makes about 14. Calories:88, Carbs14.9g, Fat1.9g, Protein2.7g, Cholesterol:3.6g, Sodium48.5mg

Enjoy! 

All copyrights reserved @Kalpana Christian Sharma

Father's Day 2021 thoughts dedicated for the late (Uncle-like) Mr. Joshua Narayanan Mylatore

Dear friends,

My thoughts on this Father’s Day are on an uncle-like person, Joshua Narayanan Mylatore. He went to glory just three weeks ago this year. Today on my blog I write honoring him. The world needs many Joshua-like men in our communities as brothers, uncles, dads, and godly role models to showcase what God is like.

He and his late wife had no kids of their own but they treated young people from the church’s youth group as their own kids. They practiced generous hospitality like: “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares” (Heb 13:2) and Romans 12:13 (NIV) ^“Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”

They were not related to me in any way but they have left a positive impact on my life of what a loving Indian Christian home looks like, feels like, and loves like! I met him and his wife in Mombasa, Kenya, during the weekend of February 9-10th 2002.  I was invited as a guest singer at their church. They chose to be my host family. I spent that weekend in their cozy lovely little simple home! What a kind and sweet hospitality they both gave me. I was in my late 30s and with my busy schedule, it felt good to kind of getaway to a “parental sort of home” and feel like a little girl all by myself, like a princess.

After a good night's sleep in my room, the next day being Sunday, after personal devotions and dressing up I was invited to join them for breakfast. Uncle Joshua had personally prepared traditional south Indian breakfast: Chai (tea) and delicious Upma.  (Upma is a spicy thick porridge from dry roasted semolina or coarse rice flour. Various seasonings and vegetables are often added during the cooking) yum yum! (That reminded me how my dad used to cook for us on Sundays while we got ready to go to church.)

Auntie read the Daily Bread devotional and Uncle Joshua prayed for the breakfast, for my singing, and for that day to be a blessing. That spiritual connection was bliss.  Auntie gifted me with a comfy Kenyan traditional dress.

After the church service and luncheon, I flew back to Nairobi. On my return flight, I was feeling ecstatic, grateful for the sheer joy of having experienced simple God-honoring living. I had no idea of the devastating news that I was to receive back home that Sunday night which would change my life drastically! (But that will be a story for some other day!) All I think about is I believe over that weekend through the hospitality of Uncle Joshua and Auntie, God let me experience in advance, that regardless of what happens in my life, I was precious, and that I was worth and that I was loved as a person, as a daughter, and as a fellow worker in God’s Kingdom.  

While they were alive I did let them know that I have never forgotten their Christian love, hospitality, and how they made me feel during that first and last visit.  I am grateful to God for the obedience of such godly men and women; who reach out to others in pure Godlike love, grace, generosity, and extend hospitality.  Such people represent God as God. On this Father’s Day thank God with me for Uncle Joshua’s life, his good, and holy life choices, and his obedience to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Rest in eternal Peace, Uncle Joshua, and Auntie, I am sure we will all shout Amen when we hear God tell you, “Well done my faithful servants….. Come and share your master's happiness!' OR you have already heard it! J

Happy Father’s Day to a number of genuine, kind, considerate, truly caring, and loving men! 

Grateful for godly men in my life,

©Kalpana Christian Sharma

Lessons of Boundary, Courage, Resilience, Confidence, Friendliness etc. from our furry friends

Hi, Dear ones,

Yesterday God opened my eyes to learn few lessons from our cat's encounter with "danger". 

I saw: Courage, 

Boundary,  

Confident stance, (no flight, fight, or faint mode)

Resiliency

Guarding peace etc...

Yesterday morning was the real action time so I couldn't take the photo then. This photo was taken today at the same spot, so she seems a bit alert today.

Smart, Alert, Confident, Courageous, Resilient, bold and beautiful Cat Cinnamon

On cooler summer mornings and evenings, Cinni our (good and healthy 14 years old, a runt of the litter) cat enjoys strolling around in our green comfortable backyard; feeling confident, protected, and secure. We have a wooden fence on one side and a chicken-wired garden fence on the other side. 

Three houses down on the chicken-wired fence side, a lady moved in last year with her cool, friendly but 5 or more times bigger sized dog than our cat's size. The friendly owner has assured us that Luke like a gentle giant, a friendly dog, and wouldn't hurt Cinni.  I believe her as he really is a gentle dog. Sometimes back we tried to befriend them as Luke is a kind dog but Ms. Cinnamon has her own mind, her boundaries drawn, and her guards up. 

If you know anything about cats, they ARE territorial. She loves to patrol around our yard marking her territory. 

Btw, Cinni is not a fearful cat. When she was hardly 2 or 3 years old, even as a guest, she had slapped a domesticated dog in her owner's (our host's) house.  After slapping, she then ran into our arms for safety but first, she courageously faced him and gave him one on his face. 😀 🙂

In the Gujarati language, it is said, "Billi Vaagh Tani Maasi"(the cat is like a Tiger's aunt) 

Before I head out in the morning, we both enjoy a little backyard time during warmer days. Yesterday morning I was finishing something in the kitchen so I let her out a little earlier before accompanying her as I normally do. In few minutes I heard Luke the dog bark from (the chicken-wired fence side of) my neighbor's yard!  The entrance to my backyard and sidewalk is from the kitchen side nearby where Luke was. Only the Lord knows if he is upset and venting that she cannot be friends with him or he was angry. 🤷‍♀️

I was hesitant to go because

1) confident of the solid fence that the dog wouldn't jump, 

2) she was far on the other side. 

3) Luke the dog runs to greet me whenever he sees me (so on one side if I didn't go he would go back to his house, 3 houses from my next-door neighbor's).

4) I could calm him to make him stop barking, and stop scaring Cinni. 

5) I also didn't want to make Cinni feel scared and/or insecure. 

But the mama bear in me marched out to intervene for my "Cubbie" kittie. Since I was near Luke I tried to calm him by petting his head; he did stop a bit as I told him to run back to his owner, who was also telling him to keep quiet and get back. 

But when I saw Cinni I WAS AWED!!! She was FAR away, close to the opposite side wooden fence, and facing him calmly, from a safe distance, unmoved and confident. I was so proud of her.

I did acknowledge that she may be scared within, to face the danger, BUT, But, but 

1) She didn't run away on either side of the backyard, to be out of his sight, (not beside the garage or beside the main house.) Both spots are quick, easy, safe, and nearer. 

2) She didn't come closer to charge or fight back either! 

3) She didn't show fear. NO! no! 

4) She stayed put at a distance, faced him, and let him bark. Whoa!! 

I would have scared Cinni going close to her so I was waiting for Luke to go away and then let Cinnamon choose on her own either to continue enjoying her morning stroll or run back into the house.

By that time our daughter heard the commotion and ran to Cinni and brought her in as Luke went back. 

Once there was no danger, a few minutes later, I carried Cinni close to my heart and took her to the backyard to enjoy a few min before she returned to the house and I headed out. 

What a brave creature! At times we underestimate these little ones. Their Maker watches over them. They are divinely fashioned with brilliant intelligence and self-defense mechanism. We don't let her roam around in the 'hood like other alley cats AND we also don't let her be confined inside our home. 

Luke has helped me get over my own fear of dogs since I was surrounded by a gang of barking dogs in my childhood. He runs to me and loves to receive affection from me. I love our cat with her individual personality, and I also appreciate the neighbor's dog's friendly trait. 

God must have fun watching each kind and their personality traits He has divinely ordained. Oh, I do wait for the day and era as prophesied by Isaiah in Isaiah 11:6 "The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the young goat, and the calf and the lion and the fattened calf together; and a little child shall lead them."

Isaiah 65:25: The wolf and the lamb shall graze together; the lion shall eat straw like the ox, and dust shall be the serpent's food. They shall not hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain,” says the Lord. (NIV)So as I await I also work towards peaceful coexistence of all kinds as it was in the beginning, and shall it be forever in the future; but for now, we learn and strive towards that. 

I learned boundary lessons, bravery lessons, courage lessons, protection lessons, and resilience lessons. I also learned a peace-making lesson. 

For friendly folks: Respect others' boundaries.  🙂🙃

For those whose boundaries are not respected: 

1. Stay within your safety zone. 

2. Maintain a healthy distance even from a seeming danger. 

3. Acknowledge the fear but don't let it rule your better choice; 

4. In the moment of fear face the "enemy" with confidence 

5. You have God endowed self-defense mechanisms and protection and peace and confidence.

6. Weighing in the options, even when "safety" seems quicker, nearer and fast, don't run away. 

7. Be alert, be careful and dare within limits. Acknowledge the safety and be at peace. 

8. Stay put and actively watch them bark. (No flight or fight or freeze mode) 

9. Don't stop enjoying safe life because there's danger out there. 

10. Even as a smaller creature,  be a possibility for encouragement, for huge humans. 

Lord, your peaceful Kingdom come! Until then let God's peace act as a guard! 

Peacefully 

©️KC aka Kalpana Christian Sh