Hello, February

2023 got out of here like she stole something! Sheesh.

I traveled down a rabbit hole of internet “research,” trying to understand why we all seem to feel like time is moving faster than ever before. Of course, everybody and their momma has a theory—from the end-of-the-days to collective post-pandemic PTSD. There are scientific studies that say it's linked to our diminishing ability to process visual information with age, conventional wisdom that says it’s because we have fewer "new" and novel experiences to take in, and then there’s this idea that our daily routines have us operating almost on “auto-pilot” in our day-to-day lives. Each theory lands on the idea that our lack of attention makes it feel like that days are slipping into years almost unnoticed. While I’m not sure if any of these theories are exactly it, I do agree that time tends to move faster when we don’t slow down. And I’m learning to take the feeling of time slipping by as a welcomed reminder to pause, pay attention, and be more present.

One way I'm embracing this present mindset is through my reflective writing practice. The Be Still & Know 21-day challenge provided a good, grounding start to the new year. It allowed us to reflect on stillness, immerse ourselves in God’s Word, and also to connect with others in this community. The additional gift for me, though, was the opportunity to write consistently. I like it, and I want to do more of it. So, you can expect to receive more messages from me here and fewer on social. I’m also taking a break from podcasting for a season, so I plan to incorporate some of our podcast staples like “love it or leave it” and “a word with Maaden” into this format in the meantime.

I shared at the top of the year that my word for 2024 is “lighter,” and that’s just how this feels—lighter. It also feels very much in line with the more/less list that I created for the year ahead. So here’s to more quiet time, creating, connecting, and reading + writing and less of the rest.

"Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." - 1 Peter 4:8 (NIV)

I talk a lot about love here, so it’s no surprise that my reflection as we open up February—a month adorned with hearts, flowers, and sweet nothings—is on the power of love. Not love as this romanticized, fleeting emotion but love as, arguably, the most profound of all human experiences.

The words in 1 Peter say that, "love covers over a multitude of sins." A reminder that true love has the power to heal through forgiveness. And not just forgiveness for one thing but that this type of authentic love, extends grace that covers the broad range of our faults and human imperfections. The word multitude—translated from the original Greek "πλῆθος" (plēthos)—emphasizes the comprehensive and forgiving nature of love in dealing with the plethora or abundance of flaws that we each have.

The verse invites us to practice a love that forgives, recognizing the inherent humanity in ourselves and others. It calls us to extend compassion, understanding, and grace. Consider the various relationships in your life—first, your relationship with yourself but also the bonds with family, friends, and colleagues. How can you love better? How might love, as described in 1 Peter, show up in these relationships? Can you, even in relationships that are thick with tension or thin with distance, choose love as your guiding principle? Can you allow it to cover misgivings and open you up to connection?

This month, let’s practice true love, not just the fluffy idea love, but the deep love that requires forgiveness, vulnerability, and grace.

I bought my first home at age 25. It was a third-story condo with a loft, super high ceilings, and spacious bedrooms with walk-in closets. I was living, y'all! Sure, I had to climb up those hot steps every day to my front door (there was no elevator); and yes, I had a curmudgeon of an old man as a neighbor (God rest his soul) who complained to me about everything I did every time he saw me; and no, it didn’t turn out to be the investment of my American dreams either because I bought in 2008 (and y'all already know how that story ended)... buuut the place was my first home, my first adult accomplishment, and I loved it.

One of the things that I loved the most about it was the proximity to a grocery store that I'd never visited before then, Trader Joe's. It was love at first check-out and I was in there so often that my friends would joke that Trader Joe was my boyfriend. It was the perfect place to try new finds, pick up the makings for quick and easy meals for one, and get affordable flowers for my new place each week! Well, guess what, y'all? TJ and I are reunited. There is not one, but two Trader Joe’s within a mile from our daughter’s school, so weekly visits with my boo Joe are back on! So for this week’s “What I’m Loving,” I am sharing some of my faves from TJ’s!

* Fig & Olive Crisps (an OG staple) – These go with cheese, with dips, or with nothing at all. They’re a perfect snack or an impressive addition to a grazing board for sharing. They’re a tasty marriage of savory and sweet. You’ll thank me.

* Resuable Silicone Food Storage Bags (a new favorite) – These are functional, sustainable, and safe! We use them all the time and for so many things from leftovers to snacks, storing liquids or solids, and heating or freezing. And you can’t beat the price (the Stasher brand bags cost *no exaggeration* like 4x as much).

* Hold The Cone Mini Ice Cream Cones (a sweet treat) – I don’t have huge sweet tooth, but every now and then I need just "a little something sweet" after dinner. Enter these "Hold The Cone" mini ice cream cones; my fave is Vanilla, but they come in Chocolate and Chocolate Chip. There’s also a dairy-free version I want to try! Love these.

There are tons more, so don’t be surprised to find a new fave or TJ’s recipe here on a regular basis.

Alright, my loves, that’s it for this week. Let me know what you think about the new format. Your comments and feedback here mean SO much to me, so comment away! You can also show your support by subscribing and sharing (click the buttons below)—both help to grow this community and to make this work possible.

xo, m.

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