Happy New Year. Let us thank God for all His Blessings especially the gift of the Great Pause during this pandemic wherein our togetherness intensified.
Happy New Year to all. Above is a collage of photos of vegan snacks or finger foods from my blog over the years. Just click on the name of the appetizer below the collection and it will bring you to its recipe.
Enjoy and let us count our blessings. We have plenty to be grateful for despite trying times due to the pandemic. God bless.
We Franciscans believe that the first coming of “the Christ” is in creation itself. The Franciscan philosopher and theologian John Duns Scotus (1266‒1308), whom I studied for four years, wrote that “God first wills Christ as his supreme work.” [1] Creation could not have been empty of Christ for billions of years. In other words, God’s “first idea” and priority was to make the Godself both visible and shareable. The word used in the Bible for this idea was Logos (from Greek philosophy), which I would translate as the “Blueprint” or Primordial Pattern for reality. The whole of creation is the beloved community, the partner in the divine dance. Everything is the “child of God”—not only Jesus. There are no exceptions. When you think of it, what else could anything be? All creation must in some way carry the divine DNA of the Creator.
At Christmastime, most people think about the birth of the baby Jesus as the “coming” of Christ. Yet Advent reveals more; it is about preparing ourselves for the Christ to come in personal, contracted, and visible form. Only a perfect, trusting individual could allow such greatness to focus and communicate through a human body. Modeling the entire divine pattern of incarnation, Mary had to trust littleness or, better said, bigness becoming littleness! Go imagine.
Mary could trustingly carry Jesus, because she knew how to receive spiritual gifts—in fact, the spiritual gift. She offers a profound image of how generativity and fruitfulness break into this world. We have much to learn from her.
First, we learn that we can’t manage, maneuver, or manipulate spiritual energy. It is a matter of letting go and receiving what is given freely. It is the gradual emptying of our attachment to our small “separate” self so that there is room for new conception and new birth. There must be some displacement before there can be any new “replacement”! Mary is the archetype of such self-displacement and surrender.
There is no mention of any moral worthiness, achievement, or preparedness in Mary, only humble trust and surrender. She gives us all, therefore, a bottomless hope in our own little state. If we ourselves try to “manage” God or manufacture our own worthiness by any performance principle whatsoever, we will never give birth to the Christ, but only more of ourselves.
Whenever the material and the spiritual coincide, there is the Christ. Jesus fully accepted that human-divine identity and walked it into history. Henceforth, the Christ “comes again” whenever we are able to see the spiritual and the material coexisting, in any moment, in any event, and in any person. All matter reveals Spirit, and Spirit needs matter to “show itself”! What I like to call the “Forever Coming of Christ” happens whenever and wherever we allow this to be utterly true for us. This is how God continually breaks into history.
Original recipe that inspired this one had nutritional yeast which I did not have. I made up for its absence with adding garlic powder and liquid smoke. I increased the nutritional value of the tapenade by adding spinach. I always feel good to add this super food in everything. Christmas is coming and if you are thinking of adding a tapenade to your board here is an easy one. Serve with on melba toast or crostini.
Mushroom Pate
Ingredients:
8 oz any type mushroom, sliced
1/4 tsp dry sage or 1 fresh sage leaf
pinch of pepper
1 tbsp rice cooking wine (salt added so do not need to add salt) or sherry wine
1/8 tsp liquid smoke
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 cup walnuts
1/2 loosely packed cup spinach (optional)
Instructions:
Air fry the mushroom for 15 minute at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Place the air fried mushroom and the rest of the ingredients in a small blender and blend till well mixed and grainy in texture which I prefer to pasty. It is your choice.
Easy main dish or appetizer. The jackfruit easily absorbs the equally easy fabulous magic sauce. You can customize this recipe with your choice of toppings. The squeeze of lime when serving enhances the flavor of the dish and is highly recommended.
Jackfruit Lettuce Wraps
1 can green jackfruit in brine, drained and chopped
1 recipe Magic Sauce (recipe here and printed below)
1/2 cup water
1 tbsp cornstarch in 2 tbsp water (optional)
1 head of lettuce. leaves separated to form cups
Suggested Toppings: cucumber slices, julienned carrots, jalapeno peppers from a jar, sliced green onions, cilantro
lime wedges
Dissolve the magic sauce in 1.2 cup water. In a skillet cook the jackfruit in the magic sauce and water at medium heat till the jackfruit absorbs the flavor of the sauce and most of liquid evaporates. You can also add a cornstarch slurry made from 1 tbsp cornstarch in 2 tbsp water at the end of cooking to thicken the mixture.
Cool the mixture.
Place lettuce pieces on a large platter and top with the jackfruit and toppings
Squeeze lime juice when serving.
Magic Sauce
2 tbsp miso
2 tsp soy sauce
1/2 to 1 tbsp maple syrup
1/2 tsp garlic powder
a few drops of sriracha sauce or pinch crushed red pepper.
This is a versatile sauce you can use with vegetables, tofu, jackfruit, sweet potatoes, mushrooms. Instead of maple syrup you can use date syrup or brown sugar. .
Magic Sauce
2 tbsp miso
2 tsp soy sauce
1/2 to 1 tbsp maple syrup
1/2 tsp garlic powder
a few drops of sriracha sauce or pinch crushed red pepper
Stuffed eggplant is a favorite dish for breakfast or even dinner in the Philippines. I have posted a fusion version of this popular Filipino breakfast fare in a past blogpost This time I am using vegan tofu mixture to stuff baby eggplants.
Tofu scramble is a dish I love for breakfast. I have a past recipe wherein I stuffed it into a burrito tortilla. This time vegetables are the ones stuffed. How healthy is that.
I am a fan of baby eggplants. I was introduced to them when I was shopping at the Monroeville Farmers Market. I actually have a post in this blog of air fried baby eggplants which is to die for. These vegetables are so cute and versatile. They are easier to work with than the large American or even slim Asian eggplants.
You can also use the tofu mixture to stuff sweet red peppers. They are so sweet I eat them raw with gusto. Now I can make them more delicious stuffed with this vegan tofu mixture.
Cut the baby eggplant in half without cutting all the way through into a butterfly shape leaving the stem on as much as possible. Place in a microwave safe container and bake till soft. Set aside.
Combine the other ingredients in a bowl and mash them till they are well mixed.
Place enough of the tofu mixture into the fleshy side of the eggplant.
Air fry the eggplant stuffed side up at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes.
Note: You can use the tofu mixture to stuff sweet red peppers. Cut the peppers in half, remove seeds and stuff with tofu mixture. Air fry same way as the eggplant.
Early mornings call for something comforting yet easy to prepare. With the help of the Instant Pot, this omelette comes together perfectly everytime. Paired up with toast or doughnut or cinnamon rolls, this will tide you over till lunch. Oh don't forget to have a side of fruit and coffee and you are good to go.
You do need 15 minutes cooking time at high pressure but it is worth it. I tried a shorter time period but the omelette did not get done. Watch tv or do some meditation while waiting.
You can use any vegetable or meat you like and any type of cheese. The amount you use for the ingredients is up to you.
Instant Pot Omelette
1/2 red pepper, chopped
1 stalk green onion, chopped
1/2 Italian sausage, chopped
1 pepperjack cheese slice, whole or cut into pieces
5-6 eggs
1/4 tsp garlic powder
salt and pepper to taste
Add 1/2 cup water into the Instant Pot.
Place a trivet on top.
Grease a baking pan or casserole dish that fits the instant pot.
Place the dish on top of a trivet in the Instant Pot.
Place the red pepper, onions, sausage and cheese in the dish.
Break eggs into a bowl, add seasonings then whisk.
Pour the seasoned whisked eggs into the dish that has the vegetables.
Cook at high pressure for 15 minutes, then 5 minute natural release and then quick release.
Prayer is sitting in the silence until it silences us, choosing gratitude until we are grateful, and praising God until we ourselves are an act of praise. Mature prayer always breaks into gratitude. This week’s practice is a body prayer from Beverly Lanzetta. Adapt the movements to your body’s needs so that you’re comfortable. Focus simply on the feeling of gratitude and, as you are able, do the following as you read through the stanzas: bow, kneel, lie down, rise, put your hands over your heart, place your hands together, bow your head, and open your arms wide.
Holy Earth, Holy Cosmos,
I bow before you
With my whole being.
Holy Creatures, Holy Nature,
I kneel upon the earth
In honor and thanksgiving
Of your blessed bounty.
Holy Waters, Holy Mountains,
I lay my body on your temple
In gratefulness for nurturing
My tender soul.
Holy Passion, Holy Longing,
I rise up before you
A devotee of truth,
Following wherever you lead me.
Holy Silence, Holy Solitude,
I place my hands over my heart
Breathing in serenity,
Breathing out your peace.
Holy Sorrow, Holy Suffering,
I close my hands in prayer
May I bear every wound
With compassion and nonharm.
Holy Humility, Holy Emptiness,
I bow my head before you
I have become open,
For your All to shine in my soul.
Holy Freedom, Holy Rejoicing,
I open my heart to the world
Offering myself to this day,
In joyfulness and gratitude.
Amen. [1]
3. giver of all gifts video by david steindl rast meditation. click link below
As heaven meets earth
I stood in awe. Soaking it
in. His presence felt.
Note: I am trying to make sense of the shocking death of our friend Julie. I came back to this proverb stated in the haiku above for consolation and clarity. Still.I felt disbelief but acceptance is growing. At the same time I am in awe at the presence of God as tears fell reminding me I must allow Julie to take the first step in a new beautiful chapter in her life. I need to let her say hello to Him. It is time. Our journey here on earth is cyclical. Birth, death and birth again. Let it be.
1. Video suggested by Monica Maghrak in her email on gratitude. click on the link given.
Brother David Steindl-Rast, an elderly Benedictine monk, has been described as a “Zen Christian” and “The Gratefulness Guru.” Although he is Catholic, his work is of relevance to everyone, no matter what your religion, and even if you have no religion. Everyone needs to practice gratefulness, especially now. I am attaching a link to a beautiful meditation on gratefulness by Brother David. It only takes about five minutes, and I encourage you to take the time, as it is well worth it. You can find more at gratefulness.org. Blessings to you all.
2. Meditation music. Click on arrow to start video music.
3. Sharing.
I want to share what Monica wrote in her email below.
A group we have offered for the patients here at TSH is based on the book One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp. The idea of the book and the group is that if you count your blessings instead of your troubles, you are better equipped to deal with your troubles. There was a song written by Irvin Berlin for the 1954 classic film White Christmas entitled “Count Your Blessings.” The gist of the song is that when you can’t sleep because of your worries, don’t count sheep (a common practice at the time) but rather count your blessings. Berlin reported that he based the song on advice given to him by his psychiatrist when he complained of insomnia.
There is such wisdom to such a practice. John Colbert wrote an article earlier this year entitled, “Gratitude in a Time of Coronavirus: How Giving Thanks Builds Resilience.” In it, he stated, “Being grateful highlights the things and people you have in your life, instead of the things you don’t have. When you aren’t thinking about what you’re losing, your brain is less likely to feel in a state of threat and you’ll be more positive, focused and able to tackle challenges that come your way.” Rose Zonetti, in her article entitled “The Dynamic Interplay of Resilience and Aliveness” stated, “While gratefulness helps us cultivate resilience, drawing on our resilience expands our embrace of life, which in turn makes us more grateful.”
We really need to be resilient to work at Torrance (or anywhere else, for that matter) at this time. Because of the continuing nature of the Coronavirus, its ebbs and flows, we never know what we will face when we arrive at work in the morning. Will we be on lockdown? Will we wear full PPE? Will our patients be allowed to leave the wards? Will ancillary staff be allowed on the wards? Those of you who are parents of school-aged children face a whole separate set of questions. Will there be school today? Will my child be safe? What if they are dismissed early, and I am here at TSH? Those of you with family in hospitals or nursing homes face even more questions. Will I be allowed in to see my loved one? What measures are being taken to protect them? What if there is an outbreak there? No matter what our circumstances are, these days we have many questions, and, depending upon the answers, we may have to change our plans on a moment’s notice. We need to be resilient in order to do so.
4. Count your blessings Song YouTube video. Click on arrow to start song.
5. what a wonderful world song by louis armstrong. Click on arrow to start the video.
Let us thank the Lord for He is Good. !!!!!
Thanks to Monica for her wonderful reflection and to Rosemarie C, Mary Cay, Linda B., Donna C., Natalie, Carrie, and first timer to the meeting. Eleanor S. for their presence and sharing of their thoughts and feelings. And thanks to you all for being with us all as you read this. God bless.
The eloquent letter written by an associate from their congregation, Joy Cownie, was shared with us by Maureen. This letter encapsulates the meaning of being an associate. One part answers the thought provoking question "Does it matter if I am there at the celebration-meeting?".
More questions were asked of us in this interactive and engaging retreat. In the afternoon we were given each one question from the following 7 questions given below. Answers were generously shared after some reflection by the associates. What would be your answers to these?
4. End music
a) susan boyle make me a channel of your peace song
I love orange marmalade. Yes even on my pizza. It is perfect to satisfy my cravings for something sweet and savory just like when I woke up for breakfast the other day
I used Ruk's Orange Habanero Marmalade but a plain one can be used too especially if you or a family member are not fond of heat from the habanero. Ruk's does not use preservatives nor corn syrup and its products can be obtained at the Farmer's Markets around the Monroeville or Murrysville PA area or online.
I also used vegan seitan pepperoni called veggeroni I purchased from Honest Pastures long ago that has been sitting in my fridge for ages. This pepperoni has just the right texture and flavor, and not strongly spiced.
One can top the pizza with any vegetables you like. I went for black olives, red pepper, green onions and cilantro. I used store bought personal sized pizza dough from Giant Eagle which luckily barely fitted in my air fryer.
As I mentioned previously, I love having this for breakfast when I am craving something sweet and savory but it is good anytime of the day. Move over tomato sauce, pesto or cheese toppings. Orange Marmalade has arrived.
1 personal sized pizza dough that fits in your air fryer
2 tbsp orange marmalade
5 olives any kind, halved
1 small sweet red pepper, chopped
1 stalk green onion, chopped
1 inch seitan pepperoni, sliced
cilantro leaves, optional
Spread the marmalade on top of the pizza dough. Distribute the olives, red pepper, green onions on top. Air fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 7 or more minutes. Add the pepperoni slices on top at last 3 minutes.
One day I wanted to eat a comforting stew but I did not want to cut any vegetables. My pantry came in handy. And so did my Instant Pot. I also cooked rice in my rice cooker at the same time. Then after a short time later I ate happily ever after.
Pantry Friendly Instant Pot Vegan Stew
1 - 15 oz can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 -15 oz can sweet peas, drained and rinsed
1 - 15 oz can mixed vegetables, drained and rinsed
1/4 cup from 1- can black olives, drained and rinsed
1 large piece of roasted red pepper in a jar, chopped
4 pieces dried tomatoes, chopped
1 small piece chipotle pepper from a can, chopped
1 tbsp dry onion flakes
2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 cup catsup
2 tsp soy sauce
1 tsp balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup water
Add all the ingredients in the Instant Pot and cook at High Pressure for 5 minutes then quick release.
Theme: Connecting with ourselves, our ancestors, our neighbors and our common humanity.
A. Breath Meditation
Music used.
Practice: From Place to
Ground From Sat, Oct 17, 2020 2:07 am Richard Rohr Daily Meditation.
As long as we are preoccupied with the
sins of “the flesh,” those things we’ve done, said, and gotten wrong over the
course of our lives, we will never find the courage to face the larger problems
of “the world” and “the devil.” This gentle meditation exercise by mindfulness
teacher Rhonda V. Magee invites us to connect with ourselves, our ancestors,
our neighbors, and our common humanity. From that place of solidarity, we may
be able to imagine our collective salvation and to work towards it.
Taking a position for a meditation practice, whether seated,
standing, or lying down, bring your awareness to the position of the body in
this moment. Feel the connection between the body and the ground. Take a few
moments to ground yourself intentionally in the here and now. With a few very
deep breaths, imagine the flow of the breath extending through the height of
your body, from head to toe, and through the width of your body, from side to
side.
On an in-breath, begin deepening awareness of who you really are.
Call to mind your connection to your parents, and through them, as
best you can, your grandparents, and the great-grandparents whose names you
know or do not know. And so on.
What do you know about your own ancestral heritage? What do you
not know? . . .
What parts [of this story] have been hidden, denied, buried, or
left out?
Breathe in, examining what you know and do not know about these
aspects of your place in the social world. . . .
Now consider the actual community in which you live. For now,
think of this as one aspect of your “place” in the world. Consider the fact
that every person in that community is a member of a broad, rich lineage within
human history. And see how those differences pale in comparison to the things
the communities’ members share in common.
Take a moment to consider the ways that different histories
reflect common experience as human beings.
Think of the peace and cooperation that silently exist in your
community, to whatever degree they exist, and the ways in which your life has
benefited from thousands of moments of participating in a community that
practices “getting along.”
Now breathe in and out, feeling the deeper ground of your
existence, and that which you share with us, with the rest of the world. Allow
the awareness of your common humanity to infuse your sense of your place in the
world in this very moment.
On the next in-breath, call to mind what you know about some one
particular aspect of your lineage. And on the next out-breath, release what you
know, and sense into the common experience of breathing that all human beings
share.
Continue this cycle, breathing and alternately considering aspects
of your place in the world and the deeper ground of your human existence, all
held by the ocean of awareness.
When you’re ready, gently bring yourself back into simply sitting
and breathing. Transition out of the meditation with gentle kindness.
Rhonda V. Magee, The Inner Work
of Racial Justice: Healing Ourselves and Transforming Our Communities through
Mindfulness (TarcherPerigee: 2019), 59–61.
Image credit: Black Cross, New Mexico (detail),
Georgia O’Keefe, 1929, The Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL. www.artic.edu
Unplanned music. Water is Life for Standing Rock
B. Paula's handout January 2017 Meeting.
From https://lulucooksandtells.blogspot.com/2017/01/sr-paulas-prayer-group-meeting-january.html\
The title of the beautiful handout prepared by Sr. Paula "trust in the slow work of God", brings to mind what Richard Rohr said in his Daily Meditations:
The spiritual journey is a gradual path of deeper realization and transformation; it is never a straight line, but a back and forth journey that ever deepens the conscious choice and the conscious relationship. It is growing up, yes, but even more it is waking up.
The title invites us to the idea of gradualism instead of instant conversion or discovery of ourselves. We live not in our time but in God's time.
May the Spirit of God bless you all and let us pray for each other in our journey. As the last paragraph says, we are all one, we are in unity with God and the same Jesus Christ. Peace, love, joy and patience.
C. By Breath Song by Sara Thomsen
D. Happy birthday Mary Cay segment moved to the beginning.
