Hello, my friends, and happy 2021! It is hard to believe that January is well on its way to being over.

I have been doing the usual January things these past few weeks. I have been unduly excited about the fresh start or blank slate that is a new calendar year. I have been thinking about what I want this next year to be like. And, I have been hoping and praying that the dumpster fire that was 2020 is solidly in the rearview mirror.

As I have spent considerable time thinking it through, what I am really hopeful for in 2021 is a return to making bread and delivering it to people. I cannot tell you enough how much I miss that simple act in my life. For more than two years, it shaped my weeks, it gave structure to my time, and it allowed me to meet so many great people. It was life-giving!

I have always maintained that food is one of the best ways I know to connect with others. Of course, I love good food, but the food is never the end game. It is merely the means to the end. To be sure, food is an enjoyable means, but it serves a higher purpose in drawing people close. I think buried in the essential, basic nature of eating, is the idea that sharing food with others creates intimacy and connection. Fun fact, did you know the word companion derives from the Latin, com (with) and panis (bread)?

Unfortunately, with things still the way they are, knocking on doors of friends, light acquaintances, or unknown friends from the church list is still off of the table. That is why I am excited to tell you about something new I am up to. I mentioned before that I contribute to the Salt-Clay blog and digital magazine. Well, lately, I have also been getting together with one of their founders to map a new way to connect with people over food, and boy am I excited!

Over the next few months, starting tomorrow January 23rd at 9am pst, we will be doing a series of Instagram Live Cooking Together shows on Salt-Clay’s Instagram. The whole concept is pretty cool in that we post the ingredients and the recipes we will be cooking about a week or so ahead of time so anyone who wants to cook along can prepare. Then during the Instagram live, we plan to just spend some time together, sharing tips, learning, and connecting as we cook alongside each other. If you are so inclined, I would love to have you join us.

Put these dates on your calendar!
January 23 @ 9am pst
February 6 @ 9am pst
February 20 @ 9am pst
March 6 @ 9am pst
March 20 @ 9am pdt

Where:
Salt + Clay Instagram

And since I am directing you over to Salt and Clay, I might as well let you know I also posted a blog over there this week on some January Rhythms for meal prep, that just so happen to coincide nicely with our IG Live topics (how about that?).

Hopefully, your January is off to a refreshing start, and I will add a new prayer to my list as well. I pray you are all able to connect with a beloved companion over some good food soon!