Parambikulam Tiger Reserve - KANNIMARA TEAK.

 

                                    

KANNIMARA TEAK 

Approx.Age: 500 years 

Height 42:39 m*

Girth at Breast Height:7:24 m*

Parambikulam Tiger Reserve,Palakkad district,

Kerala.

This giant teak tree was spared during the massive timber extraction during British era,now remain 

as one of the world's largest teak trees.

The living testimony of giant teak trees of yesteryears.

The legend connected with this tree is that,when the tree is about to be axed,it started oozing blood,

so that it was spared.From then on it is being called 

as " kannimara". ( virgin Tree)

*Measured on 04:07:2022

The Message of Hope.

 

Obey The LORD, He will RESCUE You!

When King Zedekiah was ruling Judah,Nebuchadnezzar,the king of Babylon marched against Jerusalem with his whole army and laid siege to it.

The city wall was broken. 

When Zedekiah,the king of Judah and all the soldiers saw them, they fled.

But the Babylonian army pursued them and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho.

 They captured him and took him to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon.

He killed his sons and the nobles of Judah.

 He put out Zedekiah’s eyes and bound him with bronze shackles to take him to Babylon.

The Babylonians set fire to the royal palace and the houses of the people and broke down the walls of Jerusalem.

In the land of Judah some of the poor people were left behind,who owned nothing.

Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had given these orders about Jeremiah.

"Take him and look after him; don’t harm him but do for him whatever he asks."

Jeremiah remained among his own people.

While Jeremiah had been confined in the courtyard of the guard, the word of the Lord came to him: “Go and tell Ebed-Melek the Cushite, 

‘This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: I am about to fulfill my words against this city—words concerning disaster, not prosperity. At that time they will be fulfilled before your eyes. 

 "But I will rescue you on that day, declares the Lord; you will not be given into the hands of those you fear.  I will save you; you will not fall by the sword but will escape with your life, because you trust in me, declares the Lord." (Jeremiah 39:17-18)

 

It is a message of hope, warning, encouragement and  it teaches the lessons of obedience.

God will rescue and redeem everyone from all dangers, if they trust in him.

Those who believe and obey him will not be given to any enemies.

God will save you from all your life-threatening situations.

You must obey the LORD.

Amen.

God's Guidance.

 

Isaiah 30:21 says, 

"Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, 'This is the way; walk in it'". 

This verse reminds us about :

 God's guidance.

God will give guidance when we feel confused. He will direct us in the right path.

 Personal counsel.

God's teaching is not like that of earthly leaders.He gives personal counsel through one's conscience. He calls us by our name and gives us courage.

 Hearing God's voice.

 Listen to His voice, and our sensitivity to His voice depends on our relationship with Him. 

 Trust in God.

Trusting in God and following His commands leads to spiritual security and peace.

Prayer.

Oh! Lord!

I will listen to your voice!

Guide me in my path!

Show me the right direction!

Lead me in darkness;

The way ahead is confused 

and puzzled;

I trust in you my Lord!

Lead me Light!

Israel - The Vine Transplanted from Egypt.

 

 

Psalms 80 verses 8- 11 sings about Israel, as a Vine Transplanted from Egypt. The Lord of Israel brought them back to the promised land.

Psalms 80: 8-11

"You transplanted a vine from Egypt;

    you drove out the nations and planted it.

9 You cleared the ground for it,

    and it took root and filled the land.

10 The mountains were covered with its shade,

    the mighty cedars with its branches.

11 Its branches reached as far as the Sea,

    its shoots as far as the River."

PSALMS 80

1 Hear us, Shepherd of Israel,

    you who lead Joseph like a flock.

You who sit enthroned between the cherubim,

    shine forth 2 before Ephraim, Benjamin and Manasseh.

Awaken your might;

    come and save us.

3 Restore us, O God;

    make your face shine on us,

    that we may be saved.

4 How long, Lord God Almighty,

    will your anger smolder

    against the prayers of your people?

5 You have fed them with the bread of tears;

    you have made them drink tears by the bowlful.

6 You have made us an object of derision to our neighbors,

    and our enemies mock us.

7 Restore us, God Almighty;

    make your face shine on us,

    that we may be saved.

8 You transplanted a vine from Egypt;

    you drove out the nations and planted it.

9 You cleared the ground for it,

    and it took root and filled the land.

10 The mountains were covered with its shade,

    the mighty cedars with its branches.

11 Its branches reached as far as the Sea,

    its shoots as far as the River.

12 Why have you broken down its walls

    so that all who pass by pick its grapes?

13 Boars from the forest ravage it,

    and insects from the fields feed on it.

14 Return to us, God Almighty!

    Look down from heaven and see!

Watch over this vine,

15     the root your right hand has planted,

    the son[e] you have raised up for yourself.

16 Your vine is cut down, it is burned with fire;

    at your rebuke your people perish.

17 Let your hand rest on the man at your right hand,

    the son of man you have raised up for yourself.

18 Then we will not turn away from you;

    revive us, and we will call on your name.

19 Restore us, Lord God Almighty;

    make your face shine on us,

    that we may be saved.

The Reward of Faith and Prayer.

 

Hezekiah was the only faithful king over a 100 - year  period of  Judah's history.(732-640 BC)

Because of Hezekiah 's faith and prayer,God healed him from his fatal disease.

He was also saved from the Assyrians.

If you are sincere in your fath  and prayers to the true God, you will also be blessed,you can solve your problems and the true God will lead you forever.

Amen.

2 KINGS 20

In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz came to him, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order; for thou shalt die, and not live.

2 Then he turned his face to the wall, and prayed unto the LORD, saying,
3 I beseech thee, O LORD, remember now how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore.
4 And it came to pass, afore Isaiah was gone out into the middle court, that the word of the LORD came to him, saying,
5 Turn again, and tell Hezekiah the captain of my people, Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee: on the third day thou shalt go up unto the house of the LORD.
6 And I will add unto thy days fifteen years; and I will deliver thee and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria; and I will defend this city for mine own sake, and for my servant David's sake.
7 And Isaiah said, Take a lump of figs. And they took and laid it on the boil, and he recovered.
8 And Hezekiah said unto Isaiah, What shall be the sign that the LORD will heal me, and that I shall go up into the house of the LORD the third day?
9 And Isaiah said, This sign shalt thou have of the LORD, that the LORD will do the thing that he hath spoken: shall the shadow go forward ten degrees, or go back ten degrees?
10 And Hezekiah answered, It is a light thing for the shadow to go down ten degrees: nay, but let the shadow return backward ten degrees.
11 And Isaiah the prophet cried unto the LORD: and he brought the shadow ten degrees backward, by which it had gone down in the dial of Ahaz.

Black forest cake with chocolate ganache topping.

 

Ingredients:

Maida.                         150gm

Sugar.                            150gm.

Egg.                                 3.

Chocolate bar.                150 gm.

Sunflower oil.                   50 ml.

Vanilla essence.               1 teaspoon.

Baking powder.                  1 teaspoon.

Baking soda.                       1 teaspoon.

Cocoa powder.                     2 teaspoon.

Whipping cream.                 100ml.

Sugar syrup.                         5 tablespoons.

Chocolate ganache.             100 ml.

Beat egg.Add sugar,beat well.Add vanilla essence.stir well.Add sunflower oil,mix well.

Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, cocoa powder and sieve.Add this to the sugar -egg mix and beat well.Add cocoa powder,mix well.

Melt 50 gm chocolate and add to the batter.

Bake in a 180°pre-heated oven for 45 minutes.

Allow natural cooling.

Beat whipping cream to stiff peaks.

Layer the cake, soften with sugar syrup,apply whipping cream on the tops and sides.

Grate chocolate bar.Place them on the sides.Top up with chocolate ganache.

Refrigerate for two hours to set the cake.

I am with you!

 

The Lord appeared to Issac at Beersheba and said,

"I am the God of your father Abraham.

Do not be afraid; I am with you.

I will bless you and give you many descendants because of my promise to my servant Abraham."

Issac built an altar there and worshipped the  LORD.

Genesis 26 : 23- 25.

Build an altar in your heart to the LORD and worship Him.

He will be with you and bless you and your descendants.

Chocolate Cake.

 

Ingredients.

Maida.                     150 gm.

Sugar.                        150 gm.

Egg.                              3

Butter.                           100 gm.

Sunflower oil.                50 gm.

Baking powder.              1 teaspoon.

Baking soda.                  1/2 teaspoon.

Coco powder.                 2 teaspoon.

Vanilla essence.             1 teaspoon.

Chocolate bar.                 100 gm.

Fresh cream.                     50 ml.

Sugar syrup.                      4 tablespoons.

Whipping cream.               100 ml.

Preparation:

Beat egg to make it fluffy.

Add sugar powder and beat.

Add vanilla essence.

Add 50 gm butter,beat well.Add sunflower oil.Beat again.

Sieve maida, baking powder, baking soda and Coco powder and add to the batter, mix well.

Bake in a 180° pre-heated oven for 45- 50 minutes.

Great chocolate bar.Add fresh cream, one teaspoon butter and microwave for 2 minutes to melt.

Layer the cake.Apply sugar syrup,apply chocolate fresh cream mix ,in the first layer.Repeat the process.pour the chocolate mix on the top also.Allow to cool in a refrigerator for one hour.

Beat whipping cream to thick peaks. Apply  the cream  along the sides.Decorate using suitable nozzles.

Refrigerate for 1- 2 hours.

The Eternal Light.

 

No longer will the sun be your light by day

Or the moon be your light by night:

I, the LORD, will be your eternal light:

The light of my glory will shine on you,

Your days of grief will come to an end.

I, the LORD will be your eternal light,

More lasting than the sun and the moon.”

Isaiah 60:19-20

Vegetable Cutlet.

 

Ingredients:

 Potato.                       100 gm 

 Beetroot.                     50 gm 

 Carrot.                         50 gm 

 Onion.                          1 

 Green chilli.                4

 Garam masala.           1 teaspoon.

 Chilli powder.             1teaspoon.

 Coriander powder.    1 teaspoon 

 Turmeric powder.      1/4 teaspoon.

 Ginger. (Sliced)            1 teaspoon. 

 Curry leaves.                 Needed to taste.

 Salt.                                  1 pinch 

Corn flour.                      1 table spoon.

 Bread crumbs.                50 gm 

 Oil.                                    Needed to fry.

Cook and mash potatoes, carrots & beetroot.

Heat a pan,add oil,add sliced onion, ginger, green chilli & curry leaves. Stir and fry.

Add chilly, turmeric, coriander & garam masala powders. Fry again.

Add mashed vegetables and salt.Remove from heat.

Mix well.Shape into balls.Shape into cutlets.

Mix corn flour with some water to make a loose paste. Dip cutlets on it.

Put these cutlets in bread crumbs.Turn upside down,cover it with crumbs well.

Heat oil in a pan. Shallow fry the cutlets by turning both sides.

Serve with sauce.

Do not be afraid...I will save you..

 

“Do not be afraid, I will save you.

I have called you by name, you are mine.

When you pass through deep waters,

I will be with you;

Your troubles will not overwhelm you.

When you pass through fire,

You will not be burned;

The hard trials that come

Will not hurt you.

For I am the Lord your God.”

Isaiah: 43:1-3

Paddy fields in Kerala.

 

Have you ever gone to a paddy field? It is amazing to go along a rice cultivation field.

The lush green paddy fields of Kerala are a beautiful part of the state’s landscape and rural life. 

Stretching across valleys and lowlands, these fields create a peaceful scene of swaying rice plants, coconut trees, canals, and traditional villages. 

Kuttanad, known as the “Rice Bowl of Kerala,” is especially famous for its extensive paddy cultivation below sea level. 

Palakkad is another important rice-growing region, with vast fields surrounded by hills and greenery.

Paddy cultivation has long been closely connected with Kerala’s culture, traditions, and rural economy. 

The sight of golden paddy fields ready for harvest is one of the most charming images of Kerala’s countryside.

Do not be afraid; God has heard the boy crying....

 

Hagar and Ishmael were sent away by Abraham.

"She left and wandered about in the wilderness of Beersheba.

When the water was all gone,she left the child under a bush and sat down about a hundred metres away.

She said to herself , " I can't bear to see my child die." 

While she was sitting there , she began to 

cry .

God heard the boy crying, and from heaven the angel of God spoke to Hagar, "What are you troubled about, Hagar? Don't be afraid. God has heard the boy crying. 

Get up,go and pick him up,and comfort him.

I will make a great nation out of his descendants." Then God opened her eyes and she saw a well.

She went and filled the leather bag with water and gave some to the boy.

God was with the boy as he grew up.

Genesis  21 : 14 - 20

If you are in trouble, if  you are in fear, if you are in tears, God will hear your cry.

God will open new ways to you as he opened Hagar's eyes and made her see a well to fill water for her son.

God will be with you as He was with Ishmael when he grew up.

Shallot Thoran.

 

Ingredients:

Shallot.                          100gm

Grated coconut.           3 teaspoons 

Chilli powder.              1 teaspoon 

Turmeric powder.      1/4 teaspoon 

Salt.                                needed to taste 

Oil.                                  1 teaspoon 

Curry leaves.                 

Dried red chilli.              1

Slice shallots.

Heat a pan,add oil,add shallots,sliced red chilli ,curry leaves & fry.

Stir well. Add grated coconut,salt & stir.

Sprinkle a little water,cover with a lid & cook for 2-3 minutes. 

Serve hot with rice.

Do not be afraid.

"Do not be afraid, Abram.

   I am your shield,

   Your very great reward."

Genesis  15: 1

In the moments of your fear,God will stay with you.He will be your protection.He will defend.

He also promises great blessings, as he promised Abram "very great reward."