He Is Mine- I Am His

A year ago I uncomfortably lay in a hospital bed. A slew of tests had been ordered and I was awaiting my results while receiving an IV. 
I was sick- very sick.  I understood completely what it felt like to know that death would be a welcome relief. Nevertheless, I made it out and was simply sent home with some meds as I was told to follow up with a specialist. 

I knew I’d probably live tomorrow and the next day-
But all of my symptoms (according to the internet…) proved rough waters were ahead. 

I have literally swam in rough waters…
It was during my first triathlon. The swim portion had been mis-marked and thus represented a significantly longer distance than specified in my race packet. I panicked as I hit the waves and felt my body thrashing within them. My options were to stop swimming and call for help from a kayaker, or to re-focus and trust the work and training I had done. My training partner swam by me and the mantra shouted by the race organizer, moments before I hit the water, calmed my mind and restored rhythmic breath…
“I am a swimmer…”
My race cadence was restored and I finished well. 

I’ve also swam in seeming calm waters that were actually exactly not what I was expecting…
Our first trip to Kauai, Hawaii was complete with snorkeling at a bay down the road from our rented condo. I was an inexperienced ocean goer… However, I was excited to explore this unknown (to me) world of water. 
We began with many other snorkelers that day near an incredible coral reef where we saw amazingly beautiful fish and ocean life. 
On the edge of the coral was a drop-off into a crystal clear deep ocean floor. 
My gaze to my right, shortly after I entered this area, left me in complete panic. 
There was a large shark swimming along the reef. 
I knew nothing about sharks of any kind, nor my likelihood of becoming their lunch. I feared the worst. 
I swam in nearly one breath, as fast as I could the distance to the beach. 

“Rough waters” had been redefined. 

Decades later-
Here’s what I know-

Life is hard.
Life is amazingly good. 
Life is filled with God’s perfect love for us. 
Jesus Christ will return to the earth. 
I believe, soon…

What we do and say each day in the meantime matters.
Repentance matters.
Sharing God’s love and light matters.
Spreading peace matters. 
Choosing connection matters.
Choosing God’s ways matters. 
Choosing Christ to help us matters.

Living tomorrow isn’t promised. 
But if it becomes a gift-
What we think and do, who we see, what we say, how we show up…
It all matters. 
It all draws us closer to or farther away from God. 
Our closeness to God affects any and all within our circle. God’s light emanating through us is either shone or dimmed depending on our choices. 
They all matter. 

We are not here by chance-
Rather by choice. 
And choosing God-
Choosing discipleship in Christ-
It all matters. 

I’ve learned that my tomorrows will include mountains to climb. 
Wisdom is the utilization of God’s grace and teaming up with the Savior to not rely on my own strength. 
I am weak on my own. 

2025 has been hard- really hard…
The hardest so far of the 55 I’ve navigated. 
My mountains needed the strength of my Savior to aid me in all ways -physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually- in my climb. 
My resolve to do so has been coupled with absolute peace and the lens of God’s mercy and miracles. 
Thus, in many ways, 2025 has been the most blessed of my 55 years…

Throughout the hard-
I am not expected to journey alone. 
I choose not to. 
I know that I am a daughter of God. As such, I continue to work to more fully understand the power and truth that statement holds. 
I also know to pray to look through a different lens- the one where God will allow me to see more-
More of His love, miracles, and light. 
The lens, in which I can see beyond the physical and better comprehend the truths of the eternal. 

Bring on the rough waters that will no doubt accompany 2026!
I’m committing to deepen my study and understanding of my Savior, Jesus Christ. I’m praying to be ready to face the storms and climb the mountains to come to better understand God and His ways as I cling to the truths:

He is mine. 
I am His. 

Thank you for journeying with me for Cookies and Christ 2025. 

-JC

(The Best Ever) Rice Krispy Treats

6 Tablespoons butter
10 ½ cups (16 oz.) mini marshmallows
½ teaspoon salt
7 oz. marshmallow creme
9 ½ cups Rice Krispies (Or ½ fruity pebbles)
1 ½ cups (additional) mini marshmallows

In a large microwave safe bowl, melt butter, mini marshmallows and salt in the microwave for 1 minute.  Stir in marshmallow creme. Stir until smooth. Add krispy cereal and additional mini marshmallows.  Fold over thoroughly until combined. Spoon into a greased 9 x 13 pan. Spray hands with non-stick cooking spray. Use your hands to gently flatten and even out treats.
Let set. Share!