• EARTHOLOGY: Red Hot with A New Record

• TRAILMIX: Chocolate Creme Brulee

• Get a Gift Bible Study Book !

January may seem like a strange month to talk about a heat wave! But the shocking truth can’t wait. The year 2024 was the warmest year since record keeping began! The global climate crisis is getting worse.

In 2015 over 200 nations agreed to set the goal of keeping the global average temperature from increasing more than 1.5’ Celsius (from a pre-industrial-age baseline). Achieving this  goal of the Paris Accord would minimize the ecological and human damage created by a warmer atmosphere. This was a challenge given the rising rate of greenhouse gases from fossil fuels, agriculture, and population growth. Decisive action was needed by citizens, governments, and corporations.

We failed.

For the first time, the annual global temperature of 2024 exceeded the goal. Even more ominous is the trendline. The past 10 years have brought 10 consecutive record setting years![1]

The climate crisis can’t be ignored. Severe weather events have multiplied in recent years. The droughts, fires, hurricanes, and ice at the poles melting are symptoms of the warming climate. This is not a normal fluctuation. Human-caused warming has produced a change in the climate that is affecting every creature on the planet. Even this week, the intensity of the terrible Los Angeles fires have been traced to global warming by scientists at UCLA.

United Nations Secretary-General Celest Saulo said, “It is essential to recognize that every fraction of a degree of warming matters. Whether it is at a level below or above 1.5°C of warming, every additional increment of global warming increases the impacts on our lives, economies and our planet.”

It is vital that each of us take stock of what can be done. To Reduce, Repurpose, and Recycle are vital steps. We must pressure every official and every corporation to change operations. Without this, the children of today will live in a world that is less healthy, less beautiful, and less prosperous. Begin my watching this video report of the State of the Global Climate.

Texas Tech University Professor Dr. Katherine Hayhoe shares, “The research I do is clear: it is not too late to avoid the most serious and dangerous impacts. Our choice will determine what happens. The future we collectively face will be forged by our own actions. Climate change stands between us and a breathtaking, exhilarating future. We cannot afford to be paralyzed by fear or shame. We must act with power, love, and sound mind. Together, we can save ourselves.”[2]

 [1] World Meteorological Organization, January 10, 2025 Press Release. https://wmo.int/news/media-centre/wmo-confirms-2024-warmest-year-record-about-155degc-above-pre-industrial-level#

[2] Katherine Hayhoe, Saving Us: A Climate Scientist’s Case for Hope and Healing in a Divided World. One Signal Publishers, 2021. P 245.

Who doesn’t need an engrossing tale of love, growth, and world-changing events? I know I like to find one! Here’s a recommendation: NOAH: THE OLD MAN ON THE SEA by…. Yours Truly!

For a donation of $25 I’ll send a PDF with an indepth study of the enigmatic patriarch, Noah. The powerful narrative was a vital part of the Hebrew faith. In three chapters the booklet explores what it meant then and what modern believers can glean for well-being. I think you’ll find it stimulating and intriguing!

Your one-time donation will expand the work of my TRACKS FOR THE JOURNEY NETWORK. I think there are many more people who, like you, are growing in well-being. I’d like to share with them how progressive spirituality, positive psychology, and just communities can further that Journey.

To donate, click the link to the donation page at Buy Me A Coffee. The inspirational study, NOAH: THE OLD AN ON THE SEA, will come directly to your inbox.

Thanks for your interest!

Since chocolate is an aphrodisiac, there is no better time than Valentine's to try an Easy Chocolate Creme Brulee. —JanMaree

INGREDIENTS

2 cups whipping cream (for richest taste but may also be made with half & half or whole milk)

1 tablespoon vanilla

3 to 4 ounces milk chocolate, chopped (or chocolate chips – I use Ghiradelli)

6 egg yolks

6 tablespoons sugar

 Topping

3 T. sugar

3 T. brown sugar

PREPARATION

1. Place cream (or milk) in heavy, medium saucepan.

2. Bring to simmer and remove from heat.

3. Add vanilla and chocolate pieces and stir until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth.

4. Whisk egg yolks and sugar in medium bowl to blend.

5. Slowly whisk in hot chocolate cream.

6. Let cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally, about 15-20 minutes.

7. Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 300°F.

8. Arrange six ½ cup ramekins or custard cups in shallow baking pan.

9. Divide cooled chocolate mixture among them.

10. Pour enough hot water into baking pan to come halfway up sides of ramekins.

11. Bake until custards are just set, about 40 minutes.

12. Cool custards on racks (can be prepared 1 day ahead; cover tightly and refrigerate).

I usually don’t do this step, though it makes them fancier.

1. Preheat broiler.

2. Mix sugars together.

3. Sprinkle over custard in an even layer.

4. Place ramekins on a baking sheet.

5. Broil 2 inches away from heat source just until sugar melts and begins to caramelize.

6. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Enjoy with a smile and a kiss!

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Topics for 2025 will include engagement with toxic theology, transgender hate, overcoming shame, loving your ugliness, happy sex, ecotheology, and who knows what else!

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