The Advent Calendar for Optimists 2020
"Christmas Day is the festival of optimism." (Helen Keller)
There's a new entry each day with a relevant quotable quote for optimists, a bible verse and an activity. You may get your daily Advent reminder by email or whatsapp message or social media - email advent@centreforoptimism.com and let us know how you would like to receive it.
Day 7 of the Optimists' Advent: Saturday 5 December 2020
Quotable Quote
"Without faith we have nothing, without hope there is nothing and without love we are nothing. Optimistic leaders create the conditions where faith, hope and love can thrive."
Janine Kirk, Chair of Phoenix Australia
Read more Wisdom on Optimism, Religion, Spirituality, Faith and Hope
Bible Reading
Jeremiah 32:40-41: "I will make with them an everlasting covenant, that I will not turn away from doing good to them. And I will put the fear of me in their hearts that they may not turn from me. I will rejoice in doing them good, and I will plant them in this land in faithfulness, with all my heart and soul."
Activity for Today: Use the Language of Optimism
If you can fit in an optimism word or phrase into any piece of writing, you will lift the reader.
As Dr. KH Kim wrote, "Research has shown that you can develop your optimistic attitude by practicing positive speech and actions in everyday activities. Then, refine your outlook by taking a positive path forward in every circumstance.
You'll get the idea from the "sweet words of optimism resource" on this website.
Susan Lewis: “I feel as if I have indeed been given a gift; a sense of optimism, that I and others have the power, and responsibility, to make a difference.”
Jennifer Hermes Nastu, Content Director: "I feel a great sense of optimism. We can do this. We are doing this."
Zach Buckley: “The sweet nectar of unbridled optimism"
We also suggest you experiment with changing your greetings and your response to the question, "How are you?" (More tomorrow)
Christmas Recipe
Pfefferkuchen
Pfefferkuchen is a ginger honey-sweetened cake, biscuit or cookie which is a part of German and northern European Christmas traditions.
1 ½ cups honey
1 ½ cups molasses (Some Canadian recipes substitute some maple syrup)
1 ½ cups dark brown sugar (any sugar will do)
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground anise seed
½ teaspoon ground cardamom
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
¾ teaspoon ground cloves
¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 ½ teaspoons grated lemon zest
½ cup butter, cut into pieces
2 tablespoons baking soda
2 tablespoons water
6 cups plain flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
3 eggs
A little cognac or brandy to taste.
Method
In a large bowl, mix the flour, spices and baking soda.
Bring butter, honey, molasses and sugar to a simmer in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Add to the dry ingredients and mix with a wooden spoon till it cools enough for you to knead it.
Cover and let come to room temperature and leave for at least 2 hours. If you are in a hot climate, pop it in the fridge but don’t leave it too long or it will get hard. Some people wrap it plastic wrap to help make it managable.
You need to knead and work the dough. Beat the eggs and water together in a bowl. Work this into the dough until it is soft and pliable. You may have to add another egg or a little water.
Roll the dough to 1/4-inch thick on a well-floured surface and cut into shapes (generally round) and place on a baking tray on ungreased baking sheets.
Brush with milk or egg or a milk and egg mixture.
Bake biscuits in a pre-heated oven at 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees F) 8 to 10 minutes until light brown.
Cool on a wire rack if you have one. And start eating. Some people ice them with cute Christmas patterns.