Have you ever written a list of what you did not want your family to look like? What would make your list? Cluttered home? Hurried? Impatient? Overworked? Overbooked? Over committed? Tired? Fighting parents? Sassy kids? What would you not want?
I recently attended an online homeschool planning boot camp in which we wrote down our family vision, non-negotiables, and the things we did not want our year to look like. It’s a good exercise if you’re looking for a kick in the pants and a hug of encouragement. Trouble is, many of us think we’re doing what we want in life, until we’re “forced” to articulate the things we truly want.
At some point, I have to face the music and realize that saying one thing is “most important” and proceeding to do another is hypocritical. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to be a hypocrite.
I was shocked at what didn’t make my list of non-negotiables. Some things (like doom scrolling social media) were more obvious and would never be put on someone’s “most important” list, but some things are more “neutral” – or even good – like starting up a new business venture. That’s great! Unless it takes you away from your “most important” jobs.
If we’re not careful, we’ll spend our days literally living the “not” list, without another thought because we think it has to be that way. Guess what? It doesn’t! Someone once said, “You are not a tree – you are not stuck… you can move.” Maybe that’s not the most brilliant thing to say, but it’s very true. Sometimes, I think I’m stuck with an overbooked schedule, or an impatient mom life, or sassy kids, and then I realize … I’m not a tree! I can pivot!
Really, I’d say I’ve entered a pruning season. It has nothing to do with trees, and everything to do with life. While fall seems to bring a slam of activity that leaves everyone reeling with harvest, backpacks, sports and extra curricular activities, I’m asking, what can I cut? Where can I slow? What would help me be more in step with my Creator?
They say that every “yes” is a “no” to something else. In this season of pruning, my “no’s” are hitting differently because the “no’s” have faces. Four particularly cute faces that are worn by my four kids. If I say yes to something, it doesn’t just mean a generic “no,” it’s actually saying “no” to the real little people who live with me and depend on me. Do I really want to say “no” to an extra snuggle or looking them in the eye or a bedtime story? How many days in a row can I say “no” to teaching them what’s most important? If I’m skipping out on that, it had better be a pretty significant yes.
My little people only get one mom. Her name is Liz, and she just happens to think there are 46 hours in a day, which helps exactly no one. What if we faced the music and told our time to go where we wanted it to go instead of acting like there are 46 hours in a day? (This is freaky stuff for me to be saying, because this sort of talk is not my first language!) I’m usually the one that schedules multiple things at once just to see how many things I can pull off all at the same time. Sick, I know.
If I look back at my “I don’t want this” list (hurried, stressed, rushed, overworked, cluttered) then logically, maybe I should do something to avoid those! (Easier said than done, as my 3-year-old watches a show so I can type this article). But the pruning job isn’t done yet. With much prayer and deliberation, everything is up for grabs. Even the chickens. Do I like chickens? Sure. Do I really need chickens? Maybe not. They didn’t make my nonnegotiable, most important, or vision list. So why do I spend my time and money on them? I would never tell my daughter that the chickens were more important than she is – but if my schedule is too full and the chickens need care and I haven’t even looked into her eyes yet today, what are my actions saying?
I’m not anti chicken, but I’m becoming more anti busy every day. I want to live on purpose for the people who need me most. Maybe that’s you too. Is this a season for pruning for you too? What needs to go? Let’s do it together!
I’m all for making sourdough easy… and this is the easiest sourdough thing I’ve made so far!! If you’re a sourdough fan, you MUST try!
**Beginners** Sourdough Focaccia
50-75 g bubbly, active sourdough starter
375 g water (see Notes below)
20 g honey
500 g bread flour
9 g fine sea salt
2-3 tbsp olive oil, for coating the pan
Assorted toppings (optional): rosemary, garlic cloves, flaky seat salt, tomatoes, olives etc. My favorite is Italian seasoning!
Before you begin: decide when you want to make the dough. The instructions (below) outline a long, overnight rise at 68-70 F Alternatively, you can rise the dough during the day.
- Make the Dough: In the evening: whisk the sourdough starter, water and honey together in a large bowl (I use a fork for mixing). Add the flour and salt. Mix to combine and then finish by hand to form a rough dough. It will be wet and sticky. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes to an hour. Timing is flexible here. Then return to the bowl and work the dough into a ball.
- Bulk Rise: Cover the bowl of dough with a wet tea towel (or transfer the dough to a lightly oiled dough container). Let the dough rise overnight at room temperature, approximately 68-70 F for about 12 hours. The dough will double in size (or more) when ready. Note: if the weather is warmer than 68-70 F (20-21 C) the dough will rise faster than 12 hrs. Please adjust your timeframes accordingly.
- Second Rise: In the morning, pour 2 tbsp. of olive oil onto a rimmed sheet pan (or 1 tbsp. olive oil if using a non-stick rectangular pan). Use your hands to evenly coat the bottom and sides. With your oiled hands, remove the dough onto the pan, and then flip it to coat both sides. Cover and let rest for 1 1/2- 2 hours or until very puffy (I use an inverted sheet pan to cover the dough). Preheat your oven to 425 F (220 C). Note: I like to rest my dough in a warm spot, usually on top of the oven while it preheats. The dough becomes soft and bubbly.
- Assemble the Focaccia: Right before baking, gently dimple the dough with oiled fingertips. I start at the bottom of the pan and work my way to the top. As you dimple, the dough will naturally begin to stretch outwards. You should end up with a rustic rectangular or oval shape, about 14 x 9-inches (36 x 23 cm) or larger. The dough won’t go all the way to the corners and sides of the sheet pan – this is OK. Note: If using a rectangular pan, the dough will naturally fill the shape of the pan.
- Add Focaccia Toppings (optional): Press your preferred toppings into the dough. As the focaccia rises, the dough will puff up. The toppings will pop out if not properly anchored. If using garlic, I keep the cloves wrapped in their papery peels to prevent burning. Remove and discard the peels before eating.
- Bake the Focaccia: Place the dough onto the center rack. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until crisp and golden brown. Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack before cutting. To serve, cut the focaccia into wedges or squares and enjoy warm!
*Recipe from clevercarrot.com.
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