New Year's Eve '12

It's New Year's Eve, and we're about to embark on a new year.   As always, I can't help but wonder what God has in store for 2013.  I just look forward to learning to LOVE GOD more, for that is the greatest commandment and is a worthy pursuit.

But before moving onto the next year, I should take some time to reflect on 2012.   It wasn't a particularly great year, since there were some major challenges and difficulties; but then, there were also some good moments as well

• Loved learning about PRAYER, and I've really had some great times of conversations with God this past year.   I do think that my prayer life is a little stronger now than it was in the beginning of the year
• "Tripped" a few times, but, just this last Sunday, I recognized that church has been a good way for me to re-align and climb back onto the path
• Had great times of Bible Study in Ezra and Nehemiah; and am looking forward to continuing what we started in Luke
• Tried new recipes and refined my cooking skills
• Could see that serving on the Selection Committee has helped me to stretch and grow
• Was able to really be a good friend and to live out the commandment of loving others, although I did experience first-hand the truth that only God does not disappoint
• Spent a couple of weeks of my Summer enjoying watching the Olympics
• Continued to face my critics, and have learned and grown stronger through the experience 
• So glad I reached my goals regarding paying off mortgage debt; and will continue to pray for good stewardship of God's resources placed in my care

Overall, I am so glad that the year ended better than it started.   While the Christmas Season was an extremely busy one, it was filled with meaningful and purposeful serving and times with family, church, and friends.

Christmas Dinner '12

This year, we didn't have a "traditional" Christmas dinner menu - we didn't even have one that was entirely correlated.  However, the food turned out pretty well... the only dish that could clearly improve would be that the rice would've been better with less water.

Following were the dishes and associated comments:

• Soup - made with chicken broth, broccoli stems and an Asian vegetable mixture of roots, bamboo shoot, tofu, etc.   It had an interesting taste and the bamboo shoot flavor was definitely noticeable
• Singapore noodles - this is almost a staple; though this time I used celery and dried mushrooms  (fresh mushrooms are always better)
• Beef Stew - cooked this for 8 hours with the typical ingredients; always good comfort food
• Marinated shredded chicken with green beans - Got good compliments on this, even though it was sort of a last minute change since I had originally intended to make cream of mushroom chicken and green beans
• Spinach Quiche - This was my first time making quiche and it turned out quite well and was fairly easy to make.   The only thing was that for one I forgot to put the cheese on the bottom first, and ended up putting the cheese on the top.   It browns more on the top with the cheese; though it actually was pretty good tasting.   Also, it's important to cover the edges so the crust does not burn.
• Yams - I added some vanilla this time along with the cinnamon, nutmeg, honey, and butter.  Also, added coconut flakes with the marshmallows on top; but, got feedback that the coconut flake texture didn't fit in so well.
• Hot Apple Cider, Rolls, and Rice 

 
 

Christmas '12

Christmas has come and gone.   Time flew even though I had taken time off work.  A lot has been packed into the last two weeks; and now I'm looking at the "tail lights" of Christmas.

In contemplating what I consider different in Christmas this year, it would be that there has been more detailed insight and meaning because of the Bible Study in Luke.

The things that have primarily been occupying my time were my friend's graduation, COA Christmas-New Years gift packages, Christmas family get-together, Christmas Eve services at Church, and Bible Study.   So, upon reflection, these are the most meaningful areas of life - serving at Church, spending time with family and friends, and showing compassion to the needy; loving God and loving others.

28-Dec:  Yesterday, we passed out the gift packages at COA.   There were many who were so happy to receive the gifts, and even put on the scarves and mittens right away, since it was cold.  There was one who said we made his day, and another who said they really liked the message.   There were also many compliments and thanks for the food.   I trust that God was able to use our serving to bless those we served.  And with the leftover packages, we are going to give some to the Yes House, and the rest we gave to the Winter Shelter that is part of the Rescue Mission.   It is need that three different charitable organizations were able to benefit from these gifts.

Luke 2

It really has been a blessing to study the Christmas story through the Book of Luke; and to be able to see things I had not really realized before.  Even with a narration as familiar as that of Luke 2:1-20, this is the first time that it sunk in that God was able to use a census decreed by a pagan ruler (Caesar Augustus) to bring about the fulfillment of prophecy from Micah 5:2 that a rule (the Messiah) would come out of Bethlehem.  Also, when the shepherds heard the good news and saw the Messiah, they reacted just as we should with all amazing good news, which was to spread the word.

And the psalm of praise by the host of angels "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests"  (the Gloria in Excelsis Deo, based on the Latin version of the first line) actually gives Glory to God in heaven, who has given peace to those on earth whom He has shown grace (or chose) through His gift of salvation.   Now, that truly is a praise!

3-Jan:   In a rare glimpse at the early life of Christ, we see that Simeon and Anna, moved by the Holy Spirit, recognize the baby Jesus as the Messiah and praised God for His salvation both to the Gentiles and to the Israelites, and for His redemption.  Both of them waiting for the fulfillment of God's promises, and it is interesting that the word used for waiting showed that they waited with expectant hope, and assurance that it would come to pass (even though they apparantly waited till they were advanced in age, similar to Zachariah and Elizabeth).  Then, when Christ is twelve, He demonstrated His recognition of God as His Father and of His coming ministry, as well as His willing submission to his earthly parents.   And He "grew and became strong; He was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on Him"  (vs 40).  He also continued to grow "in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man" (vs 52).

Time Flies

Time really flies and Christmas is just around the weekend corner.  I can't even imagine what it would've been like had I not taken time off from work; although, I'm not looking forward to trying to catch up and go through all those hundreds of emails that are probably sitting in my Inbox.

I was actually quite productive the beginning of the week - started paperwork for loan payoff, brought items to the Salvation Army donation center, got some additional things for the homeless outreach gift packages, got an oil change, and had a friend over for dinner.

Then, I went with my friend and her family to her graduation in Arizona.   It was nice to meet many of her friends.   She is one who has been able to form some really meaningful friendships with godly people.   That is something that I need to do better at.

I also learned how to cook something like a fritatta.   In a large pan, fry ingredients like bell peppers, tomatoes, onion; then add egg and stir until cooked on the bottom but still uncooked on the top.   Add cheese and then put the pan into the oven to bake the rest of the way.   It is a simple but nice looking dish to serve for company.

Today, I had my parents over for lunch.   I made the broiled salmon again.  This time, I mixed the miso, ginger, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and green onions first, and then marinated the fish overnight.  I also added some hazelnut oil; and then also buttered the pan.   However, the fish came out a little too "oily", so maybe next time, I'll just forgo the oil altogether.    Also, I made a beef hot pot; but unfortunately the bbq sauce I roasted the beef with had too much vinegar; so, the broth was a little too "sour".   And, I stir fried some snow peas with tofu.   Did the tofu first with sesame oil and soy sauce.   The thicker tofu works fairly well, since the middle stays soft while the outside browns nicely.   But, I think my mom enjoyed the bakery items best - I had bought this excellent chestnut bread, and pastry desserts from Paris Baguette.   They tasted great and looked good too!

Fortunately, I had sent out most the Christmas cards I had wanted to; and finished my Christmas shopping.  So, while things continue to be busy; I can still have some time to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas.

Les Miserables

I finally had a chance to watch the Les Miserables 25th Anniversary video.   Les Miz is definitely one of my favorite musicals.   The story and the music is amazing.   And, I am now a true fan of Alfie Boe.   His performance of "Bring Him Home" was so heartfelt and I'm sure I'll be singing that song in my head for quite awhile.   What a beautiful prayer put to music!

29-Dec:  I just watched "Les Miserables" the movie.  Seeing it on the big screen is definitely different than on stage.  The cinematography of some of the landscape views and especially of the ship in the opening scene was quite impressive.  The stand-out performance was Anne Hathaway in her heart-rending performance of "I Dreamed a Dream".   The kids who played Gavroche (Daniel Huttlestone) and young Cosette (Isabelle Allen) were also really good.  The cast of actors were good; and it was neat to see Colm Willkinson as the Bishop.  It would be interesting to hear his thoughts on Hugh Jackman's performance as Jean Valjean.

What a wonderful and deep story by Victor Hugo that still has a great impact even today.

27-Jan:  I just came across the video of the Piano Guys playing "Bring Him Home".   Absolutely beautiful!  Piano and Cello together may be one of my favorite musical instrument duets.   And, after listening to some of their other music, I'm a fan.   I noticed that they have a "Hymns without Words" album, which I would think would be absolutely amazing to listen to!

God's Hand (Selection Committee, etc)

In the midst of this busy Christmas Season, I wanted to stop and record the demonstrations of God's Hand at work through various recent events.  

Just last night, during the Selection Committee candidate interviews, it was such a blessing once again to so clearly see God working through the selection process.   We unanimously selected the next committee member, which was confirmed by our Pastor through an email sent prior to the meeting.  I also received much encouragement on the meeting minutes I sent out, which was much needed, since I had some doubts about some things that were included.   But, it was answer to prayer that I received such positive feedback.   One thing I also noticed as I read through the meeting minutes, is that the whole meeting truly was covered with PRAYER - we started with prayer, prayed for each candidate before his/her interview, prayed before casting the ballot, and closed in prayer.  And, as a result, it was clear that the Holy Spirit moved us to select the person that He had chosen.  Amazing! 

It was also encouraging to hear that the person I nominated was one of my Pastor's top choices as well.  Last night, I realized that I had grown much through this experience of serving on the committee; and this may be because this is one of the areas of service where I was stretched the most.  It reminds me of the picture of God as the Potter molding, stretching, and forming me.  As I look back, I am glad that I have made positive contributions to the committee.   I've written the elder bios, submitted good nominations, recorded minutes, manned the tables, contributed to the interviews, etc.   I've also been blessed to get to know other leaders within the church, to be inspired by prayer warriors and true leaders.   And I have gained some confidence, being able to see that I am capable with all the background, experience, and growth through God's working in my life thus far.  I truly thank God for this experience.   And, another reason that I think the candidate we selected is an answer to prayer, is that he is capable of being chairman.   I've been praying, and do not think that I would be able to take on the additional responsibility of being chair, if asked; so, now there are two other strong possibilities for that position.   Praise God!

On Sunday was the Worship Ministry Appreciation Dinner.   One thing that stood out from what our Assistant Pastor said, was that our Worship is a reflection of our LOVE for God, which is what I plan to focus on next year.   I'm anticipating that as I learn to love God more, I will become a better worshipper.  That'll be neat!    The Dinner was nice - there were funny moments, like when we watched the comedy clips or when we matched baby pictures to names; there were encouraging moments like when our pastors talked about how much they appreciated the team; there were impressed moments like when we saw the beauty of the decorations  (we were each given an ornament - mine was made of a clear glass ornament filled with strips of music pieces).  I also enjoyed just interacting with various people-it's always been the case that some of my favorite people are those who work closely with music and worship.   And, I enjoyed the interactions with R and D.

On Saturday, I was not able to stay at the Christmas party, since a friend got into a car accident and needed my help.  So, I was only able to go in, say hello, drop off a gift, say good-bye and leave.  I assume that God had His purposes in that, since I was actually prepared for that gathering socially.   While it is never good to be involved in a car accident, we were still able to see God's Hand through it.   My friend's car was totalled, yet she did not suffer any major injury  (just some bruises and pain).   The timing was such that she was finished with her really busy period and this was kind of the in-between week before things started getting busy again; and I was available to be able to help her that evening by taking her to the ER, praying with her, etc.   I was even able to use my experiences from my burglary to relate to her feelings of shock, and was able to help point her towards processing it all based on what I had gone through.  Through all this, God has cleared my doubts and insecurities, and reassured me that I am a "good friend", one that others can rely on and call on for help.

Potter's House

Last night at the Women's Christmas Dinner at church, the guest speaker was Carole Wolaver ("potterylady.com").   She really had a nice presentation, with associating pottery and the whole process of making it to Scripture.    It was really impressive how much Scripture she was able to recite from memory, and how well it weaved into her pottery making examples.   It was also a reminder that much of the process, before we become a beautiful finished vessel for His use, most of the process is quite difficult and sometimes painful:  pulling the clay from the pit, the kneading, the forming on the wheel, the stretching, the drying, the carving, the glazing, the firing, and the scrubbing.   And, if any of those steps were cut short or ended at the wrong time, it would negatively affect the results.

Also, before the speaker, there was a reading from the "Legend of the Candy Cane".  It was a reminder that the candy cane represents the "J" for Jesus or a shepherd's crook.   And that the red stripes where the blood by which we are healed; and the white stripes represent our purity when we are saved.   The decorations were also beautiful, using peppermint sticks tied together lengthwise as vases with roses inside; and small candy canes put on top of each square cake piece for the dessert.   Really nice touches.

Also, it was good to be able to serve through running the projector.   I really try to live my life with purpose; and it's nice to be able to enjoy an event while I am serving as well.

Cooking Tweaks

It's been fun to come up with some "tweaks" to leftovers from Thanksgiving for some creative cooking:

• With the turkey breast, I made some rolls and melted swiss on turkey with some gravy.  It made nice little sandwiches.
• Also, with shredded turkey pieces, I pan fried with spinach and salsa; and then made quesadillas  (can use the same pan, and the flavors mixed with the butter add flavor to the tortilla when heated up.
• The best use of leftovers, was actually with some curry boneless pork chops that I made (pan fried with onions and garlic).   When served with the cranberry sauce, it was really good; making the curry flavors stand out.

I do thank God for his provisions and the little joys of creativity, which is merely a small reflection of the Creator.