A Story Re-Told: When The Storms Rage

Replace Fear with Faith- Part 1

A few years ago, I set off for a morning walk towards a paved path adjacent to my neighborhood.
It was cloudy but warm. As I approached the irrigation canal road, the sky to the south was heavy and gray. To the north, there were scattered clouds with streaks of light blue poking through. I could walk for miles in either direction. 
I stopped only briefly in thought as to which direction I would head out: towards or away from the storm.

My thoughts turned to the first thunderstorm my boys experienced.  In that season of life, each day was scheduled around naps, big wheel riding, juice boxes at snack time, and early bedtimes. We rarely, if ever, got the hearty house-shaking thunderstorms I had grown up with in the Midwest. 
One evening after baths, jammies, and stories, the thunder rolled, and sheet lightning followed. Our living room had large windows on the wall above our sofa. The boys climbed up and stood on the cushion, peering into the darkened landscape. 
When the clap of thunder and bolt of light filled the sky, they buried themselves deep into the sofa. 
Moments later, curiosity beckoned them to emerge, and they would peer out the window again in anticipation. 
Sometimes after a series of storm claps and bolts, they’d retreat to my arms for safety. I could feel their hearts beating through their Batman pajamas.
It was interesting to see their love-hate relationship with the thunderstorm. 

I personally love them. 
Especially in the landscape and even through the rear-view mirror in life. 
I’ve learned firsthand that you can come to personally know Jesus Christ when the storms rage. 

He is there. He walks beside me, aiding my unsteady steps. He will show light onto a darkened path- even though mostly just one small step at a time. And when the winds knock me down, with the slightest eyes drawn towards Him, He clasps my hand with unwavering strength and perfect love. He meets me exactly where I am and lifts me as I let Him. 

Christ is my confidant.
He is my light.
He is my strength. 
He is willing to do the same for you.

Through the storm and the struggle, it’s how I truly come to know Christ. I better understand what He needs from me and what He brings into my life. It’s how I come to know God’s perfect love for me. God the Father provided a Savior- proof of perfect love. 

The morning I momentarily paused to consider my course along the irrigation canal, I was delighted as I took my walk along the ditch road to the south. 

A storm is a small price to pay to stroll with Deity. 

-JC

“Loaded” Snickerdoodles

1 cup soft butter
½ cup vegetable oil
1 ¾ cups packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 ¾ cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
—
2 cups baking chips (vanilla, caramel, cinnamon)
¾ cups toffee pieces
—
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon

• In a large bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and oil until well combined.
• Mix in the eggs and vanilla just until combined. Do not overmix. 
• Add dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Stir until just combined.
• Gently fold in baking chips and toffee pieces. 
• In a small bowl, stir together granulated sugar and cinnamon.
• Divide dough into 28 equal balls. (approximately 2.5 oz. each.)
• Gently roll and cover in cinnamon sugar mixture.
• Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Bake for 12 minutes.
• Let set. Share!