Terribly Awkward Crusher

College had its full swing of physical, mental and emotional highs and lows. For the first time in my life, I felt like my spirituality was truly my own responsibility. I didn’t have my dad with me to call the family together in prayer, nor Mom to teach us from the scriptures.  I was on my own. This responsibility sometimes felt daunting.

However, college had it’s plus side:  lots and lots of good-looking guys and much fun to be had! One night my roommates and I decided to go watch some of these college boys play basketball at a nearby gymnasium. I had a crush on one of them named Whit who unfortunately already had a girlfriend. My roommates and I had a great time watching and laughing and talking that evening until we noticed the game had stopped. Whit had attempted a layup and was fouled hard. He was laying on the ground having suffered a gash over his left eye. His girlfriend rushed to his side. His not so secret and terribly awkward crusher (that’s me) was whisked away by a couple of wise roommates. We went back to our apartment where they skillfully taught me the art of Chocolate Chip Cookie making.

I had never made cookies before. In fact, I’m not sure I had ever before tasted homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies. That night, after we were sure Whit’s girlfriend, who happened to be our neighbor, was back at home, we went over to his apartment to give him some “hope you feel better soon” cookies.  These cookies were made to near perfection and apparently had miraculous powers because they resulted in a complete change of heart…eventually…

A year later, Whit and I begin to date. It was- girl from East meets boy from West and that is how our story began. It wasn’t long before I realized we weren’t just dating to pass time. He was searching for someone who would be strong in the gospel of Jesus Christ, a loyal life companion, and a nurturer for his future family. I too wanted all of these same characteristics in my spouse; I just wasn’t sure that I was ready…

However, I knew that I was ready to trust my Heavenly Father. I knew that I had felt led to that specific place at that specific time. I knew that I was ready to follow Christ’s example in leading a service-filled life. Above all, I knew that I would need to be ready to stand as a witness of Christ and to teach of Christ in my own home.

-JC

As I reflect on this experience today, I ask myself:
Do I trust my Heavenly Father to lead me in my life with purpose as He led Christ with the ultimate purpose?
Do I work to become worthy or remain worthy of all of God’s blessings?

Chocolate Chip Cookies

½ cup soft butter
½ cup buttered flavored Crisco
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 XL eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 385 degrees.

Cream butter, Crisco, and sugars with an electric mixer on medium high for 1 minute or until fluffy.

Hand stir in eggs and vanilla; don’t overmix.

Add dry ingredients all at once and mix until fully incorporated. Add 2-3 Tablespoons more flour for high elevation.

Stir in chocolate chips. Scoop out approximately 24 2” balls of dough.  Gently roll. For a richer flavor and smoother texture, form cookie dough balls, flatten slightly and refrigerate or freeze until ready to bake. Place on greased or parchment paper on an aluminum cookie sheet.  

Bake at 385 degrees for 12+ min. Let set. Share!

Chocolate Chip Pizookies

For the Pizookie, bake cookie dough in small pie tin at 375 degrees for 12-14 minutes. While hot, serve up a generous helping of ice cream, hot fudge sauce, other sundae toppings and whipped cream if desired.