Christmas'13

Christmas is fast approaching.  As I am busily trying to keep up the rapid pace, I feel the need to stop and reflect on CHRIST, the true reason for this season.   Even taking a break from leading Bible Study makes me feel like I haven't been seriously in the Word at this time.  I have taken time to pray, and being at church is a good reminder (although, it also adds to the busy-ness).  I did want to note that I was really glad to see is how my class was able to glean solid truths out of the lesson that was being taught. 

I've been preparing for the COA outreach, with organizing everything for the blankets (purchasing, wrapping, transport, lunch, etc).   We're in the midst of the selection committee process.   There are family things going on; and I'm hosting our family Christmas dinner.

Last night was our Community Group Christmas Party.  It was, as usual, so much fun - we have such a good group of people.   During time of sharing, some told stories of "wonder" from their experiences.   White Elephant is always fun - I got a nice tea set this time.   Then, we did Christmas carol pictionary.   It was a great time of fellowship.

I've wrapped my gifts; but, still need to do cards.   I also need to arrange to get-together to give the gifts.  And, there is still "normal" responsibilities and obligations, including AV duties.  This is still one of my favorite times of the year; and I do try to ensure that what I am busy with has eternal purposefulness.

 20-Dec:   It actually felt like I was finally ready for Christmas when I sent off my last card yesterday.  I do still have the COA outreach blanket wrapping get-together and my family Christmas get-together; but, those are all planned already.  They just need to be implemented.  Before New Year's, I do want to stop and review all that I've learned and grown through this year.

24-Dec:  It's Christmas Eve.  Our church had wonderful services this evening, and they were both really well attended.  The music was good - we had handbell choir, choir, violin, band, and brass band.
But, as I reflect on Christmas this year, there are two passages that stand out:
"The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth."  (John 1:14)
and
"Christ Jesus:
Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.  And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!  Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."  (Philippians 2:5b-11)
Also, when I had a chance to wish my Pastor and Assistant Pastor a Merry Christmas, they in turn  encouraged me in my teaching and serving.   That means a lot to me coming from two people who I admire and respect much; and who I follow as examples of leadership.

26-Dec:  Christmas was nice.   It was a fairly quiet time spent with family.   I did spend all day cooking, and the food turned out fairly well:

• Kalua Pork - I slow-cooked ~5lb pork butt for 10 hours with about 1 Tbsp each of Alaea Salt and liquid smoke.  I then added some more liquid smoke towards the end, when I removed the skin from pork butt.  It's important to remember to oil the slow-cooker first before starting.  The meat was soft and tasty, especially when served with the juices
• Spinach Quiche - I used half-and-half rather than whipping cream.   It has a soft texture (not sure if the whipping cream would make it more firm).   It was fine though, and better than using just milk.
• Fish Hot Pot - This ended up being served as a soup and was good for a cold evening.  The flavors were really good (stir fried the fish, mushroom and celery separately and added tofu, fish balls, and imitation crab meat).
• Chicken w/Green Bean - I marinated the chicken with cornstarch, sweet soy, and sesame oil.   It browned fairly well, and stayed fairly moist.  When cooking the green bean w/garlic, I kept adding broth to ensure that it stayed soft and didn't dry out
• Sweet Potatoes - Boiled, mashed, and added honey from the Big Island, along with cinnamon and nutmeg.   Place the marshmallows in the nice round pattern before browning
• Asian Cucumber Salad - Diced cucumbers and mixed with green onion, rice vinegar, sugar, and island soya sauce
• Cranberry Bread - Used fresh chopped cranberries - it was quite good   (I had also tried to make cinnamon raisin bread - but it didn't rise so well and tasted old, so I tossed it out)
• Cranberry-Strawberry-Pomegranate-Apple Cider - Started with juices, then added real apples, cinnamon sticks, oranges w/cloves, and nutmeg.   As I continued to boil it, it seemed to thicken and get sweeter - probably works better in a crockpot
• For dessert, I baked a pumpkin pie; but also made an apple puff pastry.  Cut puff pastry into thirds, put apple slices w/brown sugar on top and baked at 400deg for about 18min.   It was easy and not bad; but, I probably wouldn't make it again.