Choose Joy

16 months ago I was wandering through a discount retail store looking for a few decor odds and ends to complete a project I was working on. 
I found a few throw pillows and proceeded to the checkout where the line wrapped through to the end of the lane. I had plenty of time to look at all of the trinkets placed on this path to encourage last-minute purchases. 

I saw a necklace: poor quality, thin chain, small medallion-
With a life changing message…

CHOOSE JOY

I immediately picked it up and added it to my cart. This is what I needed to see, hear and claim…

It’s available to me because of AGENCY.
It is one of the greatest gifts from God. No one can take it from me…
There may be circumstances, scenarios, and situations that make it difficult-
But our agency is always ours to claim. 

I checked out, hustled out to my car, then rifled through the shopping bag and grabbed the small box that held my new necklace. I immediately put it on. 
I’ve worn it everyday since. 
Not for its beauty…
But because I need to remember. 

Joy is mine to claim. 

It’s not tied to or determined by anyone else’s actions. 
It’s not created or destroyed by boundaries. 

It’s mine…

There are countless circumstances each day where I feel like I’m chasing happiness and peace. My chase often seems to simulate my childhood self of jumping into a wagon and holding on tight as I free-fall down a concrete driveway with no brakes. 
Thus- the results mirror my effectiveness of pursuit. 
Sometimes I feel like I’m on the most thrilling ride of a lifetime. And sometimes my energy and enthusiasm is met with an unmovable concrete curb sending my trajectory into a harsh landing. 
Throughout it all, joy is mine to claim. 

I’m still learning how to do it-
But my work of late centers around grace-
Grace for myself as a daughter of God. 
As I’ve worked to become adept at forgiving myself and borrowing God’s lens to see myself through, miracles have happened. My heart has softened and I’ve received the greatest gift-
I’m able to see others through God’s lens at times as well. 

Who is the source and power of perfect grace?
My Savior. 
As I utilize and work to better understand who Jesus Christ is-
What he did for me and for you-
His life
His legacy
His eternal sacrifice…

Grace is better understood – 
And accessible. 

Its result…?

Joy. 

Unrelenting, freeing, unrestricted JOY.

Joy-
Because of Jesus. 

-JC

Funfetti Bar Cookies

¾ cup soft butter
⅓ cup vegetable oil
⅓ cup sour cream
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup powdered sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla or coconut extract
3 ½ cups flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
¾ teaspoon salt
¾ cup sprinkles

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream butter, oil, sour cream, and sugars with an electric mixer on medium-high for 1 minute or until fluffy. Hand stir in eggs, and extract; 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 sprinkles. Spread dough into 9 x 13’ aluminum baking pan sprayed with baking spray. Bake at 350 degrees for 20+ minutes. 
Let cool completely. Frost with Marshmallow Creme Frosting.
Let set. Share!

Marshmallow Creme Frosting
¼ cup soft butter
1 ½ cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup whipping cream
Dash of salt
7oz. marshmallow creme (Fluff)

Beat butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, whipping cream until smooth.  Mix an additional 2-3 minutes on high speed.  Fold in marshmallow creme.