I’m not racing ducks…

Two years ago as we pondered yet another move to a new zip code, naturally the house hunting included easy access to an open walking trail. 
It’s where I go daily to talk with God. It’s what I need. 
Some may say the miles I step justify my sweet tooth and insatiable need for chicken tenders and french fries. 
They aren’t wrong. 

But the greatest value is clarity in thought and literally receiving my assignments from God. 
The ducks have flown south for the winter. 
I know- because I’m south and they are here. 
The irrigation canal I walk along is full of them. 

Years ago I sought motivation for a good run by racing a duck only to feel an unfair defeat when it took flight. I noted then and have referenced countless times since that it was simply and completely using its resources. 

“Use your resources” is one of my favorite phrases to ponder. 
I see God placing different ones and people in my path constantly. I’m working harder to identify how to better my life, align my will with God’s and thrive during hard seasons. 

I’ve learned to pray for the discerning use of my resources. 

Today I’m walking along the irrigation canal observing ducks. Thinking about an important lesson learned decades ago. 
I’m feeling a nudge to take a leap of faith. 
I feel like God has inscribed resources in my mind, and is beckoning me to share what He’s taught me. 

My happiness does not lay claim in a certain zip code or with certain people- even those I love most.  I’ve learned exactly where happiness can be found…everyday.
I’ve learned with greater surety who I am as a daughter of God and what that means for my life.
I’ve learned how to have perfect knowledge of my path forward. 
I’ve learned how to ask myself the right questions and how to size up my answers. 
I’ve learned how to tell God the truth and more fully understand how to access the strength and help available through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. 
I’ve learned to embrace the changes that healing brings, complete with an understanding that restoration to an imperfect version of myself will never be what God will bless me with.  
I’ve worked to “see” through a more eternal lens what healing looks like. 
I’ve learned to love the climb up any mountain and through any storm. 
I’ve realized the price to pay to stroll with Deity is always a bargain. 
I’ve learned to ask for the angels-seen and unseen to travel with me. 
I’ve learned to assess progress and be honest with the work I’m doing and where gaps in progression lie. 

And then there are days where I seem to forget everything I’ve learned. I feel weak, incapable of continuing, frustrated with myself and God’s timeline. 
In those times, I work to remember what I’ve learned about how to forgive myself for falling short and how to get up when I fall. 

These are my greatest resources to understanding who I am as a daughter of God and the everyday joy in the journey associated with that. 

As I walk today, I’m not racing ducks. I know better than to waste time and energy wishing for the resources available only to others. But my head is up- contemplating the mountains in the distance. My stride is quick and sure. My resolve is faith -riddled with only a bit of fear- that I am fully committing to let go of….
Soon…
Very soon…

-JC

Funfetti Cookie Dough Balls

1 cup soft butter
1 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups flour (bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes, then sift, and cool)
½ teaspoon salt
2 Tablespoons milk
¼ cup sprinkles

Mix butter and sugar on high for 1 minute.  Stir in vanilla extract. Stir in flour and salt. Mix in milk. Stir until well blended. Fold in sprinkles.  Form 24 dough balls. Freeze for 30 minutes. Dip into melted white candy discs one at a time and immediately add a few sprinkles to the top. 
Let set. Share.