Looking at the Father's Heart from a Young Daughter's Eyes

I just really need to post this lovely poem written by a young girl during the recent Father's Day celebration here in Wellington.

For one, this poem was really well-written, considering her age. Her choice of words, her candor, her innocence, and her simplicity is refreshing. There are times when we have so much knowledge and that we are filled with so much complexities in life from the things that we read in the Internet, the newspaper, and for my case, academic journals (!!!!). And we translate that to our relationship with God, our parents, and the people around us.

So, I was thankful to hear her poem as she read it onstage during the Father's Day celebration in church. It was sweet to look into the father-heart of God through the eyes of this daughter-child.

Second, I started writing poems and letters when I was her age. And my passion for writing was pushed because someone encouraged me to write more.

So, I am putting this up here on my site so that not only Shannan, but young girls out there might be filled with courage to keep on writing. You just never know how many people you could touch and bless with your work - just as Shannan's simple poem did to me.

The Best Dad in the Universe

by Shannan Joseph


The best dad in the universe
He loves me
He cares for me
He comforts me

You are the Key
For every door of love for me
This great dad
This great father
Is the Lord
No other dad I’d rather

(I’m not saying that my dad isn’t helpful and kind
I’m not saying he hasn’t got a good mind
I’m just saying God is the best
Better that the rest of dads )

My Heavenly father
Is so holy
And so great at cooking
I’m sure he makes great guacamole 

He’s the best dad ever
He’s not the worst, no, not ever 

He’s got everything you want in a dad
Isn’t it rad
That’s why I’m so glad

So if I were you
(I’m glad I’m not )
I’d think twice
Before saying
My dad’s the best
Way better than the rest

Post-winter dish: Tuna Pasta Salad with Broccoli and Spinach

Inspiration struck me again and I came up with another pasta dish! This time, it's more of a salad, making use of what was left in my cupboard and fridge at this time of the week:

1. Pasta (by now you must have noticed how I love this staple food - especially penne)
2. One small can of tuna
3. 3 tbsp of mayonnaise
4. carrots, diced 
5. broccoli, chopped into small pieces
6. spinach, chopped
7. onion, chopped
8. garlic, chopped
9. red bell pepper, diced
10. one small pack of raisins
11. olive oil
12. salt and pepper to taste
13. sweet basil (dried or fresh, optional)

How to create it:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
2. Saute garlic, onion, and red bell pepper.
3. Add tuna, salt and pepper.
4. Set aside the sauteed tuna. Let it cool.
5. Once it's cool, add the mayonnaise.
6. Mix it well. Gradually add the cooked pasta.
7. Then the chopped broccoli, spinach, and sweet basil.
8. Add the raisins.

Can be eaten warm or chilled. I prefer the former, straight out from the mixing bowl - especially during this cold, post-winter evening.

This actually looks like post-winter! :)

Italy meets South Asia: Chicken Curry Pasta with Spinach

After several weeks of having tuna-tomato pasta, I finally got bored. So tonight, I decided to give my favorite Italian staple a South Asian twist: I placed my chicken curry on top of my pasta!

And it tasted so new and good! So, I am sharing it with you:

Ingredients:
1. chopped garlic
2. sliced onion (I used white)
3. sliced red bell pepper
4. olive oil to saute
5. chicken nibbles (They're cheap!)
6. diced carrots
7.curry powder (this actually depends on how strong your powder is and how strong you want your dish to taste)
8. milk
9. salt and pepper to taste
10. pasta (of course! I used penne.)
11. spinach
12. mixed herbs (optional)

How to cook it:
1. Cook pasta according to directions on its pack.
2. Saute garlic, onion and red bell pepper - just enough to release the flavors and wet it with olive oil. Do not overcook it.
3. Add the chicken nibbles. Then salt and pepper to taste.
4. Once the chicken is cooked and tender, add the diced carrots (and mixed herbs).
5. Then add the curry powder and milk. Turn the heat to low.
(Remember that the amount of milk depends on the consistency that you want to achieve with your sauce. The curry sauce is your pasta sauce.)
6. Just let the mixture simmer until all the flavors are sealed in.
7. Pour the mixture on top of the cooked pasta.
8. Add the spinach on top.

Enjoy! :)

Love it strong! :)