5 Absolute Must-Haves For When You're Craving Warmth

Everyone's all abuzz over the coming blizzard.  I stop by the little hamlet store to pick up some ice cream {really}.  And as I pull open the freezer case to grab my Mint Chocolate Chip Light, an elderly woman catches my eye.

 

And my heart.

 

For she is truly distraught because there's not a drop of milk in the place.  Bewildered would best define the look on her worn face as she says to no one in particular, 'but I live on it ... I drink it all the time.'

All I could do was give her an understanding smile.  A warm one that let her know I heard her astonished disappointment, the frustration-laced fear.

 

This is winter in New York.

 

I guess if you pushed me to come up with a word for January it would be this.

 

Warm.

 

We're trying to get our bodies, our homes, our cars to a toasty temperature. 

 

I've gathered 5 must-haves that keep this ol' body and soul warmly alive during these gray frigid weeks.  And I can't wait to hear what works for YOU ... 

 

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1.  the boots

I found these gray babies in a great big pile at one of those discount stores. {Their motto and mine?  Good stuff cheap!}.  I chose my color {black, brown, or gray?}, slipped my eager feet into them, and to my delight, they were soft, cushy, and yes, warm.  At $14.99, I couldn't get them in the cart fast enough. 

 

Since then, they have seldom left my body ... I slide them on to run errands, to head off to work or church, to trot out to the mailbox.  And yes, they've kept me company in the house when the heat gave out and we had to wait hours for the repairman to drop in. 

Twice. 

In one month.

 

What's your favorite warm-up gear?

 

 

2.  the kitchen 

In the winter, this room evolves from a pass-through between family room and home office into a place of focused action.  I've whipped up a great big pot of yummy ham and bean soup and another pot of oh-so-good chicken and rice soup, gleaned from frozen carcasses gathered from the freezer.  A sausage and 4 bean chili, not too spicy.  And a favorite comfort food, my mom's spaghetti sauce. 

Chocolate chip cookies have made several rare appearances from the oven, much to my husband's disbelief / delight, even though some were a bit too crispy burnt.  Chocolate cupcakes {thank you, Betty} with minty homemade icing were a labor of love.  Bottom line?  In recent days, there's been plenty of warm comfort food created within these four walls, happily shared with loved ones.

I feel so domestic.

Martha and Rachael would be proud.

 

What's happening in your kitchen?

 

 

3.  the books

I love tucking myself under a warm, old quilt with a book or two.  And a big mug of hot decaf tea right by my side. 

 

I've been making my way through Philip Yancey's Prayer: Does It Make Any Difference?.  Slowly savoring deepest truths made simple.  I've already begun Ruth Haley Barton's brand new Life Together in Christ: Experiencing Transformation in Community.  If she writes it, I'm there.  And I finally bought Ann Voskamp's One Thousand Gifts Devotional: Reflections on Finding Everyday Graces.  These little morning visits with her start my day well. 

 

I've made my way through two John Grisham books in recent days.  And for the introvert in me that needs tending, I checked out two volumes from the library, The Introvert's Way: Living a Quiet Life in a Noisy World and Introverts in Love: The Quiet Way to Happily Ever After by Sophia Dembling. 

 

I like when someone gets where I'm coming from, you know?

 

What are you paging through?

 

 

4.  the excursions

What's a weekend without a drive somewhere, anywhere?  Sometimes you've just gotta get out of the house ... and I've discovered over time that for me and my man, some of our most profitable talks have evolved when one person {not me} is behind a wheel, looking straight ahead. 

 

What fun to discover that DQ has opened its windows a whole month early.  Yes, there's something rather odd about devouring something sweet and frosty while trying to stay warm.  But that's ok.  I can't complain when I'm digging into a small Chocolate Xtreme Blizzard and he's balancing a decent size chocolate ice cream cone while steering the car 'round turns and through traffic. 

 

No worries.  I'll work that extra pound or two off when spring comes.

What's your favorite winter ice cream?

 

5.  the conversations

Frigid air outside lends itself to warm, lingering conversations inside by the glow of fireside or candlelight.  Precious time curled up on comfy chairs with dear friends.  Deep, searching musings at book club or Friday night small group.  Chatting over coffee as a Saturday night house church meeting wends its way to a close. 

 

After all, who wants to head back to that outdoor chill when there's cozy companionship to be had ... and encouraging exchanges that spark connection and insight are filling our souls?

 

The conversations as we gather around the table online, in this place, have been rich and full this month as we've bantered back and forth about our words ... or lack of them.  Brainstormed creative ways to breathe fresh life into our homes.  Grappled with the impact of social media on our lives.  And shared quiet sabbath oasis moments together.

 

I'm so grateful.  This kind of connection is what blogging's all about.

 

Your presence here, your willingness to get a bit out of your comfort zone and engage with other kindred spirits?  A warm grace, indeed, as Creekside launches our 8th year.

 

The celebration begins this weekend ... with giveaways right and left and some writings that I think are truly shareworthy.  I just can't wait for you to party with us!

 

I'm glancing out the window.  That cold, flaky white stuff is spinning quickly downward to a waiting earth.  And my heart is warmed by the Spirit's presence ... and your rewarding friendship.

 

 

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