1. Sunny days in Chicago — Intense winters mean midwesterners really embrace the sunny, warm days. I love to see everyone in my neighborhood out and about, feeling a bit lighter in anticipation of spring. I’m sure there’s a sermon illustration in there somewhere.
2. Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert — Every chapter is like taking a shot of creative courage. You can listen to a preview when she’s a guest on Kate Bowler’s podcast: Why Your Creativity Matters.
3. Stick Season by Noah Kahan — I’m a little late on this album that released last year, but I’m glad to be listening now. Orange Juice, Homesick, and Stick Season are my favorite songs at the moment.
4. The church calendar — Lent is coming up, and with every change in the church calendar I’m excited to embrace the uniqueness of the season. As an Anglican, the church calendar is something my church references often because it’s baked right into the service. It’s been a joy over these four years to intentionally study and live into the timeline of Jesus’s life.
5. Cafe Deko — An art deco themed coffee shop in the Lake View East neighborhood of Chicago. One of the best coffee shop atmospheres.
6. PG Tips black tea — I randomly started drinking black tea again. I drank it all the time during my college internship in London, and every cup takes me back!
7. Raspberry gin sour — A friend and I made these cocktails for a Valentine’s party we went to, and they’re delicious. Highly recommend on any occasion, not just Valentine’s.
8. Lizzo — I’ve always liked Lizzo, but I’m starting to get even more into her music these days. I’m here for the confidence and self-love she emanates! One of my favorite lyrics is from Juice: “If I’m shining, everybody gonna shine.”
9. This podcast with Beth Moore — The episode is also from Kate Bowler’s, Everything Happens podcast. A great podcast! Beth Moore shares more of her story here as her new memoir just came out. I deeply admire Beth’s honesty, integrity, hope, and contagious joy. I can’t wait to read it!
10. Reading before bed — I’m trying to keep the discipline of reading (especially memoirs/fiction) before bed. It helps me wind down and keep a rhythm of reading.
Okay cutie