Cookies and Christ
Stories of Faith And Recipes
No raincoats or rain boots required…
I drove home hoping to beat the rainstorm that was rolling through in the late afternoon. I kept one eye on the sky and the other on the windy curvy road that led to our family’s home during my senior year of high school. I watched the dark clouds stack and began to hear the rolling thunder. I pulled into the driveway, ran inside the house, quickly leapt up the narrow wooden staircase, skipping every other step, and grabbed my running shoes. I slid my feet in without taking time to unlace and re-tie them and hit the asphalt outside my front door. My first few strides were met with giant raindrops turning the gray pavement black and shiny. I inhaled full breaths of the rain-soaked cleansed air and quickened my pace. I loved running in the warm summer rain. The storm quickly soaked my clothes and ponytail and I lengthened my stride a bit as I felt propelled by the pouring rain.
It was summer in Northern Pennsylvania and rain was common.
Storms would come quickly, dump the rain, and roll out- until the next day. Every time I could catch a quick run during a summer storm I felt connected to God’s beautifully created earth and my place in it.
I learned to love the storm.
Still today, given the chance to turn towards or away from a storm- I move towards them. On the walking trail and in life.
I’m learning the importance of claiming the strength to embrace the storm with gratitude.
I more fully recognize that God has entrusted me with all of the opportunities in my life right now-the moments of glory and the struggles. He does not lose watch over or abandon me on the hard days. I know He’s there- letting me climb. Oftentimes, God allows the storms of life to swirl around me and even knock me off of my feet. It’s all part of His perfect love. I can choose to invite my Savior to meet me where I am. I’ve learned with greater certainty that I do NOT need to reach a certain platform on my own to receive His help. And I’m learning more fully to embrace the storm, recognizing it’s a small price to pay to stroll with Deity.
A few weeks ago, an afternoon stroll was on the asphalt trail behind my home. I was blessed to get to spend a bit of time with my 2-year-old granddaughter. She had just learned how to ride her scooter and I had to nearly run to stay alongside her. She was wearing her new Nike tennis shoes. Nevertheless, every time she saw a puddle on the path she would step off of her scooter, drag it behind her and dramatically splash through the puddles. I didn’t tell her to -or ask if she wanted to-it’s just who she is. She’s strong, resilient, and brilliant. I see the light of Christ fill her and emanate outwards to bless our family’s life. And I’m a proud gramma that she seems to already be seeing the joy that comes from splashing through the puddles of life. No raincoats or rain boots required…
She will be a fun one to watch as she continues to grow, refine, climb and draw close to God. I often wonder if she still remembers heaven. I believe our knowledge and relationships there become a great gift as we work now to reconnect with our Heavenly Father and our Savior on this side of the veil. I know we knew Them. I look forward to watching my granddaughter learn about and re-identify her Savior- and the grace with which He meets each of us right where we are.
I’m blessed to know I am where I am not by chance but by God’s design.
And so- bring on the puddles, the rain, and the accompanying storm. I know the price and I’m working to be willing to pay it- to stroll with Deity.
-JC
Pumpkin Bars with Streusel and Salted Caramel Glaze
1 ½ cups sugar
⅓ cup vegetable oil
1 egg +1 egg yolk
1 cup canned pumpkin
1 ½ cups flour
½ teaspoon cloves
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
Mix sugar, oil, eggs and pumpkin puree until smooth. Add the dry ingredients all at once and then mix until well combined. Spread batter in a greased 9’ x 13” pan. Sprinkle with Streusel Topping, separating pieces by hand as you go. Bake at 350 degrees for 25+ minutes.Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes. Drizzle Salted Caramel Glaze onto top of bars. Let Set.Share.
Streusel Topping
4 Tablespoons melted butter
⅓ cup flour
¼ cup brown sugar
½ teaspoon cinnamon
Dash of salt
Mix all ingredients at once. Streusel will be wet.
Salted Caramel Glaze
3 Tablespoons melted butter
¼ cup caramel sauce
1 cup+ 2 Tablespoons powdered sugar
1 ½ Tablespoons whole milk
Dash of salt
Stir caramel sauce into melted butter. Add powdered sugar and stir until smooth. Mix in milk and salt until thoroughly combined. Spoon into freezer strength Ziploc until ready to use.
Cookies and Christ 
Reminds me of the story in General Conference where the cows who faced the storm survived and the ones who turned their back to it didn’t.
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