Cookies and Christ
Stories of Faith And Recipes
Mine To Claim Forever…
I set out headed down the street with my wagon filled –
Pulling a mobile feast I would never partake of.
Our wagon was well used- it was scuffed and dented- each mark representing moments of work or play. In the spring, we would haul garden equipment and supplies across town to our large pumpkin field and then haul the harvest to the town square in October to sell. In August, when the Championship Rodeo came to our small town, the empty lot behind our house filled with motor homes and we would go door to door selling cinnamon rolls from the back of our wagon. And when mom wasn’t looking- it was primarily used to go sailing down the driveway with as many of my sisters or neighbors who were willing to take the wild ride.
This particular day- it was filled with Girl Scout Cookies.
I was only a member of the Girl Scouts of America for one year. I was a Brownie. I loved the sense of belonging and duty I felt as I spent time with my troop. We gathered for meetings and activities, but as I recall, our primary purpose was to sell Girl Scout Cookies. At the conclusion of each of our gatherings, we would sit on the floor in a circle and sing “our song.”
“Make new friends-
But keep the old-
One is silver-
And the other’s gold.”
We would sing it all together and divide up and sing it in a round many times until it was time to grab our jackets and head home.
The message confused me. What did it mean that one was silver and the other gold?
My mom explained to me that they are both great treasures- just of varying degrees.
Over the years, I’ve contemplated the message as it pertains to things in my life. Lately, the message has been circling back around in regards to what I’ve learned about myself in a pandemic and what kinds of goals I’ll set moving forward. There are elements from my pre-pandemic life that I miss- proximity and relationships with friends and associates hit the top of my list. But I’ve also gained great delight in having my grown family “stuck” at home.
I certainly haven’t navigated this past month perfectly. There have been highs and lows.
I’ve disappointed and impressed myself – sometimes within moments of each other.
I’ve noticed the air is less polluted- the sky seems bluer. I’ve enjoyed long walks breathing in the smell of orange blossoms.
I’ve also wished a few days away- longing for my old routines and tasks.
Above all- I’ve delighted in having an at-home church service with my family each week. It’s been nearly ten years since we’ve gone to church together. And now, it’s even better having two daughters-in-law join us.
I feel spiritually connected to Christ in a way that I have no words to convey. As I scan my living room- I’m eternally grateful that they are mine to claim forever.
Christ’s life work ensures we have the opportunity to be united as a family beyond the veil of death.
As the next few months pass, and life presents an opportunity to return to what it once was. It gives me pause…
What do I want to keep from who I was pre-pandemic?
What do I want to change?
Certainly, it resembles the song from my days as a Brownie. I’ll keep working to enjoy the everyday journey- and try to remember the eternal perspective I’ve been blessed to peek into. Primarily- that these incredible individuals that I get to claim as family are mine forever.
Do my actions each day remain consistent with that primary belief and desired blessing? Truly some pre-pandemic habits and appreciations are silver. Gratefully, I’ve learned some new visions and perspectives – they are gold!
It’s just like Mom said- both are great treasures- just of varying degrees.
-JC
Chip and Oat Cookies
½ cup soft butter
½ cup butter flavored Crisco
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 XL eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups quick oats
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1+ cup butterscotch chips (or peanut butter, vanilla, milk chocolate, etc.)
1+cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Preheat oven to 375 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 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. When ready to bake, place on greased or parchment paper on an aluminum cookie sheet.
Bake at 375 degrees for 12-14 min.
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Cookies and Christ 
Very well said! This is a difficult time in many ways, but very special in others. The blessings (and miracles) far outweigh the troubles. 💗
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