I was excited about the change of calendar because I got to start a new bullet journal. I've been using this method of organizing myself for a year and a half. I will never go back. I put almost everything into this composition style notebook made just for me. Other than the adorable colour and pattern of the notebook, it's not necessarily pretty inside. I'm not an artist. I don't calligraphy. I can barely draw a stick person. For me this method of organizing life is completely utilitarian save for the brightly coloured sticky notes I occasionally use to arrange my thoughts on a whole new level.
On the inside of my journal I've written my Scripture for the year - Psalm 39:4-8. I've also stapled a copy of the New Year's sermon for quick reference since it was profound. (just scroll down to New Years). Yep, this method rocks. It's small enough to fit in my purse and big enough to get the job done. All of my thoughts, lists, ideas, and reminders are in one place and all listed in the front in my Table of Contents I make as I go along. Somebody pinch me!
I've recently embraced the Danish concept of Hygge. Which really is just putting a name to what I'd be doing anyway - hunkering down for the winter, drinking lots of warm beverages, and keeping my twinkly lights from Christmas up (no led allowed). Unfortunately it offers no motivation for getting exercise, going out in the cold or doing regular housework. I've fine with that.
I've accumulated a ridiculous amount of tea that I've been working on day by day. For those really cold and long winter days? Somewhere around 4pm if we don't have anything to go out to that evening I put on a pot of Red Rose tea, get out the amaretto and Grand Marnier and settle in for a Blueberry Tea. I prefer a stick of cinnamon in mine. (1 shot each of liquor in mug and fill up with tea).
Magic!
Another most needed warm beverage that makes the winter bearable is always a mug of hot chocolate. I don't often waste my time with mixes though and came across this incredible easy peasy way of making up a batch of chocolate balls that I keep in a baggie in the freezer. When I'm ready for a mug, simply heat up some milk in the microwave and pop in a chocolate ball stirring until it melts. After another quick zap to get it to the temp I want, another good stir gets some froth going on top and it's ready to go.
1 (12 oz bag, 2 cups) semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup heavy cream
1/4tsp salt
Microwave chocolate, cream, and salt in large bowl, stirring occasionally, until smooth, about 2 minutes. Refrigerate until firm, about 2 hours. Roll 3 Tablespoons chilled chocolate mixture into ten 2-inch balls. Individually wrap balls in plastic wrap and transfer to zipper-lock bag. Refrigerate for 5 days or freeze for up to 2 month. To make 1 cup of hot chocolate, combine 1 unwrapped chocolate ball and 1 cup whole or low-fat milk in large mug. Microwave, stirring occasionally, until smooth, about 2 minutes. Serve.
So good!
My love for reading fits the hygge lifestyle perfectly and between the two of us, we can often be found reading something. I've been participating in several Bible studies/book studies that have kept me busy. I read 2000 Demons - No match for my Saviour as part of a Facebook book club. It did not complement the "cozy" atmosphere I was going for and quite frankly, I couldn't read it fast enough so I could move on. Not that it isn't worth reading ...
I'm studying Walther's Law and Gospel with a fellow pastor's wife and I am loving it! It is just the right balance of intellectually demanding but readable and gives me a whole new appreciation for what my husband and other Lutheran pastors do. I don't know how they aren't freaking out every day with the weight of that on their shoulders but then, it's not them it's the Holy Spirit.
My eye just twitched. That's what thinking about it does to me.
I have been living far, far away in the town of Bradbury, Illinois while reading the Anthems of Zion trilogy by Katie Schuermann. I'm currently reading the last instalment and never want it to end. It follows life in this small town and more specifically the individuals in the local Lutheran church. It's reminiscent of the Jan Karon books set in Mitford only Lutheran instead of ... what was it ... Anglican? Anyway, these books have made me look again at my own congregation, the personalities that make it a family, and life in the pastor's house. I've cried like a baby and laughed from the belly. It's precious reading that mirrors the messiness of real life and God's redeeming grace and mercy.
... speaking of the messiness of life - what does it mean when your client brings you a "tip" that hits a little too close to home? Am I that obvious?! BTW - it was yummy;)
Also in the spirit of hygge, I made bread. There is nothing more cozy that the smell of yeast mixed with just ground wheat kernels and the feel of dough stuck to my hands. Wait a minute ... that last part is a big pain and I wonder every single time if it will turn out as it seems no amount of flour will keep it from being a sticky mess. But somehow it works and I get 3 loaves of bread to show from it.
It took her over three years but Z finally realized there's a vacant room next door to her and she's moved in.
e We also recently realized that she may have been watching too much "Love it or List It" and "Property Brothers" as she's been talking about removing the wall that separates their two rooms. She feels that the extra square footage and carpet upgrade would be beneficial.
And now Lent is upon us. We sang farewell to our Alleluias on Sunday, and life in a pastor's house gets a bit more complicated and contemplative. I'll be using this free daily devotion throughout Lent.
This week company arrives in anticipation of Z's birthday and we are looking forward to celebrating 12 years of this amazing young lady we get to call our daughter!
I'll let you know if I think of anything else we need to make it through the rest of winter!
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