The Table: A monthly newsletter with stuff for the soul.

November 2021 edition

Table Talk…

How I’m Practicing Wintering This Year, And Why You May Want To, Too

[ Photo by Adam Chang on Unsplash ]

I believe that all of life is seasons, and we are created beings in sync with the natural rhythms that are found in creation. When we operate within these rhythms, we are aligning ourselves, our bodies, our emotions, and our own cycles with these ancient seasons. Think, for example, of spring. In the physical world, new life is blooming everywhere! The temperatures begin to rise. Now, how do you feel when springtime finally arrives? Often, our physical energy rises as well. We feel motivated to take on new projects (hello, spring cleaning!) We are, even subconsciously, tapping into the energy of the season.

Winter, too, has its own energy. Just as in the physical world, where animals hibernate deep underground and things turn dark and cold, winter invites us to follow this rhythm in our own lives. We stay indoors more, especially in bad weather. Our energy levels are lower, and so is our activity level. We slow down. And that’s actually not a bad thing.

Because when we’re wintering, we are given the opportunity to reflect. We can use the shadows of the season with the light of the holidays and examine ourselves; what are the shadowy parts of ourselves we’d like to get rid of? What makes us light up? How can we incorporate more of that into our lives? Our families? Our careers? Like unique snowflakes, what is it about us that makes us stand out? What gifts or talents have we been given that others in our circles may not have? How can we work together?

These are all important questions to consider as we approach winter in both the literal and metaphorical sense. If you do not already journal, perhaps you would like to consider it as a practice this winter. Make it special; make it a big deal. Get a new journal, something that reminds you of the peace and quiet of winter. Set aside time in the day to jot thoughts down. Search for images of winter online and use them as meditations to help get your creative juices flowing. Wintering is essential to the innate creativity each of us carries within us.

I know not all of us are fans of winter. We don’t like the cold, or the fact that the sun sets so early. We may feel shut off from the rest of the world.

My challenge to those of us that feel that way is this: is it possible there are gifts waiting for you in this season, too? Isn’t it exciting to think of what you could discover?

Happy wintering, friends.

Book News…

Release Day is less than three months away! My printer just received the final proof from my publishing imprint so they can start getting it ready to go to print. It will be available for purchase from my website, Amazon, the printer’s website, and two local bookstores. More to come on that later!

I have decided to not allow pre-ordering for anyone that is not a Launch Team member. The main reason is that lots of sales on Release Day equals lots of activity, which in turn boosts ratings and puts my book in front of more people’s eyes.

This is the last month that the Launch Team will be open to the public. As a reminder, launch team members get 20% off their book order, plus exclusive bonuses, in exchange for helping promote the book and leaving a review. The next Launch Team giveaway will be held on December 27th, which is also the date applications will close. If you’d like to be on the Launch Team (and I certainly hope you do!) just click the button below.

In Case You Missed It…

• I set out on my month of exploring my Egyptian heritage through food

• I wrote a bit about my plans for pastoral ministry once I finish seminary

• Making chicken shawarma opened up a great conversation about connection, theology, and the table

• I shared a post about the importance of the physical realm to God

• At the beginning of Advent, I wrote about the significance of the whole earth groaning

• I made Egypt’s national dish and pondered the meaning of authenticity

On My Plate…

If you are looking for an easy appetizer for all the holiday entertaining, try this one. It’s one of my favorites!

Cut up a log of goat cheese (I use either plain or garlic & herb). Place in a jar and cover in olive oil. Add cracked pepper and coarse sea salt plus rosemary to taste. (If you use Young Living oils, one drop is sufficient.) Put on lid, shake, let sit for 24 hours. Serve as a dip with warm, crusty bread or crackers!

Currently Reading…

Over the past year or so, I have been learning a lot about the inequalities that exist in our society for people living in larger bodies. Whether it’s limited seating, healthcare biases, or simply not having their basic needs, such as clothing, met because of a lack of adequate sizing.

Nicole’s book Fat and Faithful was not only an eye-opening read, but it provided some great theological food for thought (no pun intended) as she ponders what body diversity looks like and means for those of us in the Christian faith. Spoiler: We are all bearers of the image of God.

Purchase Fat and Faithful wherever books are sold.

Young Living Oils…

Did you know that you no longer need to buy a starter kit to become a Young Living member? Joining is now easier than ever. You can spend either 100+PV or add one item (any item!) to your monthly Subscribe to Save. STS offers you a percentage back for each month you order, plus promos each month and free products along the way.

xo,