Cookies and Christ

“For with God nothing shall be impossible.”
Luke 1:37

It was absolutely impossible…

I had already thoroughly searched the car for loose change the previous day. 

Life was tough. We lived in a shabby, cold, dark cramped apartment in student housing. It was cold and dreary and seemingly cloudy every day- what I assumed would be atypical for September. The date for the promised deposit of our student loan check had come and gone. Our savings were depleted. I had gathered all of the humility mixed with courage I possessed to sign up for a government program that would help pay for the formula for my infant. 

I found myself asking “why” and wholeheartedly regretting EVERY decision that got us to Pullman, Washington. 

But those misgivings would need to wait. Whit was in class. He was a Masters of Mechanical Engineering student at Washington State University. He hadn’t heard yet that our check had been delayed…again. I’m sure he was able to completely concentrate on his intense study of thermodynamics assuming I had spent the day finally getting to the grocery store to get the much-needed household food and supplies. 

Instead…I put Brennen down for his afternoon nap, said a quick prayer, and headed out to the car to look for enough spare change to buy a can of soup for dinner. I already knew there was no money lingering in the console, glove box, or under the floor mats…Those findings are what provided yesterday’s can of soup.

I looked for coins in the same exact places that I had looked the day before. Praying for a ridiculous miracle that I would find some more…

And I did… simple as that. I did find more…enough for a large can of beef stew. 

The next day our student loan check arrived and I can say I’ve never since felt that level of financial desperation…

But I hope that in my delight of warm beefy soup, I paused to have a heart filled with gratitude. I hope I paused to realize God was aware of me and His perfect love shone brightly on me that day.

And I hope I paused to believe that truly with Him… nothing is impossible…

-JC

York Peppermint Patty Stuffed Cookie

1 cup soft butter
½  cup vegetable oil
1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
1 ¼ cups powdered sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons peppermint extract
1 cup cocoa 
2 ½  cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt

Cream butter, oil  and sugars with an electric mixer on medium-high for 1 minute or until fluffy. Hand stir in eggs and peppermint extract; don’t over-mix. Add dry ingredients all at once and mix until fully incorporated. Add 2-3 Tablespoons more flour for high elevation. Scoop out approximately 24+ 2” balls of dough. Flatten slightly and place a frozen York Peppermint Patty in the middle.  Fold up dough around and seal the edges.
(For a richer flavor and smoother texture refrigerate or freeze until ready to bake.) 
Place on parchment paper lined aluminum cookie sheets.  Bake at 350 degrees for 10+  minutes.  Let cool.  Drizzle with melted Peppermint White Candy.
Let set. Share!

Peppermint White Candy
⅔ cup white vanilla melting candy discs
¼ teaspoon peppermint extract
Melt and stir until smooth. Use while still warm.

A box of empty promises…

“…Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.”
Matthew 22:39

I was madly deeply in love. I felt like a princess in a storybook- well except for my hair…
I decided to get some drugstore bleach and touch up my blonde highlights I had worked so hard to gain over the summer with “Sun In”…
My engagement pictures were the following week and I sought out the promises pictured on the box of shiny luxurious hair. 

When the timer rang out, I headed upstairs in my college apartment to rinse and bask in my beauty. 

Minutes later I shrieked in horror. 

My hair was green. Legit- green. 

Car-less and low on cash I begged my roommate for a ride to the grocery store to scan my options for a remedy. I read every label in detail and spent my remaining dollars until payday on a box of empty promises. This time the result was a pale purple…

I was in trouble. 

I panicked and paced until I felt a disparity unparalleled to any I had experienced since committing to leave my senseless poor decision making behind upon boarding my bus to college. I called Mom. I spilled all the stress I could find words to communicate through the phone. She met me with calm unconditional love. 

I knew finances were tight and yet a few days later was a check in the mail to cover the cost of a professional salon trip. I didn’t feel worthy of the gift and yet I was completely desperate for relief from wearing my dry damaged hair in braids for the previous week.

My engagement photos picture me as a natural ash brown…as if the previous hues and accompanying grief never existed.  

My memory has never faded nor the level of gratitude I felt when I saw the envelope from home in my mailbox with mom’s signature pretty cursive writing. I felt bad for the years of grief I put her through knowing I was not an easy child… and yet this was proof of her angelic legitimacy.  And through it all. I understand my Savior better.  Neither He nor my Heavenly Father holds a grudge. When I’m ready, when I make an effort- Their love is perfect. They don’t see me as a series of mistakes, misgivings, or misfires… They see me as my potential as a daughter of God.  

Poised in a denim jumper with curls coiffed, makeup subtly natural- I felt a bit transformed… Perhaps I saw a glimpse of the girl who God sees me to be.

-JC

Strawberry Cream Topped Lime Sugar Cookies (Chilled)

1 cup soft butter
½  cup vegetable oil
2 cups granulated sugar
Zest of one lime
2 eggs
2 teaspoons lime extract
3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt

Cream butter, oil, sugar and lime zest with an electric mixer on medium-high for 2 minutes or until fluffy. Hand stir in eggs and lime extract; don’t over-mix. Add dry ingredients all at once and mix until fully incorporated. Add 2-3 Tablespoons more flour for high elevation. Scoop out approximately 24+ 2” balls of dough. Gently roll and flatten slightly. 
(For a richer flavor and smoother texture refrigerate or freeze until ready to bake.)
Place on greased or parchment paper on an aluminum cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 10+ min. Let cool completely.  Pipe Strawberry Cream straight from a Ziploc bag with a 1 inch corner trimmed off. Drizzle with Lime Icing. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Share!

Strawberry Cream
8 oz. softened cream cheese
1/2 cup soft butter
2 oz. crushed (to powder form) freeze dried strawberries
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 drops red gel food coloring, if desired
2 cups powdered sugar
Dash of salt
16 oz. thawed Cool Whip
Mix cream cheese, butter and strawberry powder. Add vanilla extract, then mix again. Stir in powdered sugar. Mix until fluffy (3-5 minutes). Fold in Cool Whip. Spoon into 2 freezer strength Ziplocs and refrigerate until ready to use.

Lime Icing
4 Tablespoons lime juice
2 cups powdered sugar
Dash of salt
Mix all ingredients in the food processor until smooth.

“…Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.”
Mark 9:24

I chose a hard plastic seat near the top of the arena and watched other young women living my dream. 

I had arrived in Provo, Utah a few months earlier, certain of my course.  However, immediately the harsh reality of my financial problems was nearly overwhelming.  Jobs were hard to come by, especially because the sole source for transportation was my own two feet.  With the desperation of a looming rent payment, I took a janitorial position with Brigham Young University.  My job responsibilities centered around scrubbing toilets at the football stadium after games, and an early morning shift at the basketball arena.  At the close of one shift, I heard the comforting familiar sound of bouncing basketballs on a gym floor, the screech of sneakers, whistles, and coach’s calls.  I entered from the hallway to watch for a minute. 

I was faced with a choice.  I could be angry and frustrated with my current course, or hold fast to the truths I had worked to obtain. 

How could I doubt?  And yet, In that moment sitting on a hard plastic seat near the top of the basketball arena, my sadness wandered to thoughts and images from the past year. 

My course still produced a very clear picture:

I saw myself standing at an open locker starring in prayer into the back of it connecting with my Father in Heaven and feeling His love and protection. I saw myself leaving Bishop McDunn’s office and my pause leading the way to see the love in his eyes. I saw myself pouring out my heart to God and knowing my course was to head west. I saw myself guarded and protected and strengthened by an unseen aide on my three-day bus ride. How could I doubt that I was exactly where God wanted me to be?

Peace and pure knowledge of unobstructed love from my Heavenly Father filled me as I silently prayed right there in that moment…

I began to work and draw from the enabling power made possible through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.  I felt like I was in this with Him, and although I still lacked the ability to understand my purpose completely, I held tight in agreeing to just one step in faith.

-JC

Pretzel and M&M Cookies

½ cup soft butter
½ cup buttered flavored Crisco
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour 
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup mini M&M candies
1 cup broken pretzel pieces

Cream butter, Crisco, and sugars with an electric mixer on medium high for 1 minute or until fluffy. Hand stir in eggs and vanilla extract; don’t over-mix. Add dry ingredients all at once and mix until fully incorporated. Add 2-3 Tablespoons more flour for high elevation. Stir in chocolate chips and M&M’s. Gently fold in pretzel pieces. Scoop out approximately 24 2” balls of dough.  Gently roll and flatten slightly.  Place on greased or parchment paper on an aluminum cookie sheet. Press additional pretzel pieces and a few more M&M candies into the top of the cookie disc.
Bake at 375 degrees for 12+ min. Let set. Share!

“…for the Lord hath comforted his people, and will have mercy upon his afflicted.”
Isaiah 49:13

Dad quietly walked around the car I had wrecked while my family was away on a trip. I opted out of the family vacation to Maine, blaming my inability to get days off from my part-time job.

He somberly counted 1..2…3…

I nervously wondered if when he got to a certain number he would begin atypically exploding at me telling me how irresponsible I had been…

He kept counting. No change in tone or volume…4..5…6…

I silently wondered what he was counting as he slowly circled the crumpled metal that used to be the family car.

He stopped at 8 with a bit of hesitation. I glanced up from the hole my stare was creating in the street in front of our home. 

Our eyes met. There was no rage, or disappointment looking back at me. I felt safe. 

“8 what?” I sheepishly asked…

“8 panels…I believe you got all of them…”

I still didn’t understand. My mind raced as I grasped to understand the message Dad was communicating…He then patiently explained to me what a panel on a car was…
I had rolled down a hill…
Literally…
So I guess I wasn’t surprised I had “…got them all…”

He put his arm around me and we walked back inside. 

I didn’t get the importance of his response until I was a parent. I failed plenty of days- reacting and talking without patiently responding. But sometimes as a huge bowl of freshly poured cereal with a generous amount of milk tipped onto the counter, striking every rung of the bar stool on the descent concluding with a splash seemingly reaching every far crack and cranny of my cupboards and grouted tile…

I would remember…

There were 8 panels… and I “got them all.”

It’s exactly how my Savior meets and loves me.  Truths and consequences of mistakes are real, but the Savior’s love and grace work for them all.

-JC

Toasted Coconut Cookies

½ cup soft butter
½ cup buttered flavored Crisco
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons coconut extract
2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour 
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups toasted coconut

Cream butter, Crisco, and sugars with an electric mixer on medium high for 1 minute or until fluffy. Hand stir in eggs and coconut extract; don’t over-mix. Add dry ingredients all at once and mix until fully incorporated. Add 2-3 Tablespoons more flour for high elevation. Gently stir in toasted coconut. Scoop out approximately 24 2” balls of dough.  Gently roll and flatten slightly.
(For a richer flavor and smoother texture refrigerate or freeze until ready to bake.)
Place on greased or parchment paper on an aluminum cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 10+ min.
Garnish if desired with Coconut Glaze and sprinkle with Toasted Coconut.
Let set! Share!

Coconut Glaze
⅓ cup coconut milk
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon coconut extract
Dash of salt

Blend all ingredients until smooth.

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
Philippians 4:13

As a senior in high school, I rounded my sixth lap around the track on a cool spring evening. As I worked to keep pace, breathing became increasingly more difficult. I had been to doctors and had an artillery of different inhalers and inhalant systems. My diagnosis of exercise-induced asthma came as a big disappointment and yet it answered a lot of questions as to why running had been increasingly difficult since moving to Pennsylvania the previous year. There was a heaviness on my chest literally dragging me down. I just wanted to be able to breathe…

Teammates and coaches cheered me on as I passed their locations around the track. The race was long- 2 miles = 8 laps around the track.

I worked to mentally re-energize my mind, legs, and lungs for the final laps, but I wanted to quit…

This was not my first 3200m race and certainly not my last, but it was more notably difficult than any before, and any since.

Sometimes I feel that seemingly same crushing pressure on my chest caused by my thoughts about the tough stuff in life…trials, temptations, mountains to climb…all the good stuff… I may want a quick-fix of relief and may even seek one out through a momentary distraction. However, quitting at any level isn’t an option.

Not for me. I made that decision long ago and despite weaknesses in thought, I want to choose a better way.

I finished the race amongst the top three runners, placing and earning points for my team. I am certain no one watching that day saw how hard that race was for me. I didn’t want to quit because I was losing- I wanted to quit because it was hard – harder than I felt like it should be…

I’ve since learned to better understand the “invisible hards” in my life, knowing they are without a doubt present in the lives of anyone I meet. We all have them. An outward struggle that can be seen by others usually brings empathy, understanding, space, or extra love from anyone in our circle who knows and sees our struggle.

An “invisible hard” is different. Those “hards” are between us and God. Gratefully, a perfect loving Heavenly Father gave the world His Son. The path to finishing the race and triumphing over and through the “invisible hards” is always the same. It begins and ends with recognizing and choosing my Savior as my source of strength. I’m continuing to work to believe that in Him I can literally do all things- especially- and including the “invisible hards”.

-JC

Chocolate Peanut Butter Marshmallow Krispies Cookies

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
½ cup creamy peanut butter
¼ cup soft butter
10 oz. mini marshmallows
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt
7 oz. marshmallow creme
6 cups Rice Krispies cereal

Melt chocolate chips, peanut butter, butter, and marshmallows in the microwave or on medium heat. Stir until smooth. Stir in vanilla extract and marshmallow fluff. Gently fold in Rice Krispies. Spoon ¼ cup sized scoops onto parchment. Flatten slightly. Drizzle with a melted Hershey Bar and peanut butter as desired. 
Let set. Share!

“…Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”
Matthew 25:40

Just before the finish line, I pulled back. 

I felt like it was a show of respect and gratitude. My high school teammate had encouraged me to sign up for a race over the summer. 

The morning of the race found us near the starting line. The mood was much different than a high school meet. It was less intense, more carefree and I thrived on the laid-back scene. We had chosen a 10k course. It was a distance I had never competed in before but felt decently prepared to run it on a summer Saturday morning. 

My teammate and I began the race together and ran stride for stride together most of the way. I was surprised I could keep up with her. She was a year older…a great runner, and notably kind… She was known to be quiet and as expected we ran without chatting- just listening to our feet pushing off the pavement as if in unison and our rhythmic breath. 

We crossed the finish line a foot apart. 

Within a few weeks, I received my second-place medal in the mail. I was happy with the t-shirt but the medal was nice, serving as a great memory for a fun race. 
A few days later, my teammate brought me the first place medal. She told me I had earned it too and she wanted me to have it. I resisted but to no avail- she was intent with her motives and resolve. 

Receiving it changed me. It was one of the most selfless acts I had received with no expectation. 

I wondered if I would have done the same thing…
The truth is… probably not…

However moving forward- I wanted to be like her…kind, selfless and as a peer – a standout in showing Christlike love.  
In serving me, she was able to understand what it felt like to serve as Christ- a feeling I’ve learned to prefer…For truly it is better to give than receive.

-JC

Biscoff Cookie Butter Stuffed Biscoff Oatmeal Cookies

¾ cup soft butter
½ cup Biscoff Cookie Butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cup quick oats
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt

Scoop 24 Tablespoons of Biscoff cookie butter onto 4 small parchment lined sheets and freeze overnight. 
Cream butter, cookie butter, and sugars with an electric mixer on medium high for 1 minute or until fluffy. Hand stir in eggs and vanilla extract; don’t overmix. Add dry ingredients all at once and mix until fully incorporated. Add 2-3 Tablespoons more flour for high elevation. Scoop out 24 – 2” balls of dough.  Flatten and wrap each cookie disc around a frozen cookie butter scoop. Only remove 6 cookie butter balls from the freezer at a time and work quickly so cookie butter stays cold.  
(For a richer flavor and smoother texture refrigerate or freeze until ready to bake.)
Place on greased or parchment paper on an aluminum cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 10+ minutes on a parchment lined baking sheet. Drizzle with melted Biscoff Cookie Butter if desired.
Let set. Share!

“…ye are all one in Christ Jesus.”
Galatians 3:28

Our charter bus was loaded with instruments, gear and members of the marching band as we departed from the school parking lot at 5am on Christmas Day. We were scheduled to spend several days driving from the Midwest to the Southeast part of the United States. 

Our high school band had been diligently practicing with early morning rehearsals and fundraising tirelessly to take advantage of the invitation to march in the Citrus Bowl Parade on New Year’s Day. I had been recruited to join the color guard for a few competitions culminating in a seemingly once in a lifetime trip for a small-town girl in Iowa. 

On the long bus ride, I passed time chatting and listening to music. Once in Florida, we spent the night in a hotel- (a first for me). The city was big, the winter weather was warm and the palm trees looked perfectly constructed. Everything was new and different. 

At midnight,  the night before the parade, we dressed in our uniforms and loaded onto our bus. We were driven to a poorly lit parking lot. The mood was a bit tense. Our chaperones seemed deliberate and yet uneasy. We unloaded our instruments and flags and gathered for instruction. 

The wait would be long. It was nearly 3 am and as instructed by the parade organizers, we mobilized our band to the assigned waiting area. It was an especially dark part of town …
We waited for hours in near silence in loose groups on a narrow side road until we were instructed to gather.
When cued, we took formation.
The drum cadence sounded.
We collectively moved our right feet as one unit- in stepping down the street. 

The drum cadence gave way to our nearly perfectly rehearsed performance in the parade that day.  Our lines were crisp, counts on point, and steps remained as one. Peace replaced our anxious wait. Our chaperones and band director nodded in approval and delight. The loudspeaker announced our band bragging of our accomplishments and size based on the tiny town from which we traveled. 

I felt part of something great that day- something bigger than myself or my contribution.
As a marching band, our steps were as one-
Rehearsed- practiced, and deliberate- and no different than the unifying work of our Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost. It’s similar to how I feel about ministering in their work – united in purpose as one.

Huddled in the dark in Orlando, Florida with my classmates and the ensuing performance helped me understand how we can collectively work together for God. My part is simply one little step, one simple act…

Trusting in a greater outcome than I can see… 

-JC

Oreo Cream Topped Chocolate Sugar Cookie (Chilled)

1 cup soft butter
½  cup vegetable oil
1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
1 ¼ cups powdered sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup cocoa powder
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt

Cream butter, oil  and sugars with an electric mixer on medium-high for 1 minute or until well blended. Hand stir in eggs and vanilla extract; don’t over-mix. Add dry ingredients all at once and mix until fully incorporated. Add 2-3 Tablespoons more flour for high elevation. Scoop out approximately 24+ 2” balls of dough. Gently roll and flatten slightly.
(For a richer flavor and smoother texture refrigerate or freeze until ready to bake.)
Place on greased or parchment paper on an aluminum cookie sheet.   Bake at 350 degrees for 10+ minutes. Let cool completely.   Pipe chilled Oreo Cream straight from a Ziploc bag with a 1 inch corner trimmed off.
Refrigerate cookies until ready to serve. Garnish with chopped Oreos or Oreo Thins.
Share!

Oreo Cream
8 oz. softened cream cheese
20 crushed Oreo cookies
16 oz. thawed Cool Whip
Mix cream cheese and Oreo cookies together until well blended. Fold in thawed Cool Whip. Spoon into two different gallon sized Ziploc bags. (This will make it easier to handle.) Refrigerate until ready to use.

“Fear not…be strong and of good courage.”
Joshua 10:25

I pulled my team-issued tube socks all the way up. They climbed past my knees, so I folded them down to mirror the height of the rest of my team. It was the mid-80s… the shorts were short but the socks were tall…
Coach finished his pre-game chat and I followed my teammates out onto the gym floor to finish our warm-up.  As the huddle broke, I took my spot at the end of the bench. It was MY spot. No one told me to sit there. I simply knew I was the worst one on the team and I sat at the end of the bench with no intentions or expectations to see any minutes in the game. My seemingly oversized white and red Pony brand high tops looked brand new at nearly the conclusion of the season. They only wove through the defense crossing over to score a layup in my daydreams. 
I felt lucky enough to be numbered among the team and with those feelings came no expectation to play. 

Our star offensive player was good- really good. She was fun to watch. I wanted to be like her – earning the accolades of the team, coach, fans, and even college recruiters. But for now- I felt complacent as I watched from the end of the bench. 

Late into the season on a road trip, I warmed up with my team still nervous I would miss a wide-open layup in pregame and embarrass myself, my team, and my entire town. (Why was I so dramatic…?) Our team found ourselves on the winning side of most competitions. This was our last regular-season game before postseason tournaments. With just a few minutes left in the fourth quarter and a commanding lead…

Coach called my name. 

I froze…
Literally- I didn’t move…
My sweaty teammate nudged me…
My heart raced…
I slowly looked toward Coach. How embarrassing would it be if I thought he called me to go into the game and he actually just wanted me to reach for a warm-up jacket that had fallen behind me… or something…

I cautiously made eye contact with Coach and he waved me down toward him. He told me who to check-in for. I didn’t even know how to check into a game. The guy at the score table in the visiting town made it easy on me and within a few seconds, I was out on the court hoping the insufficient circumference on my legs would just keep my socks up. 

Play began quickly and I tried to remember my position the best I could. An unexpected pass came my direction. It seemed as though the moves in my head could actually physically be paralleled as I gave my defender a quick fake and dribbled twice to the basket for a layup. 
I got bumped and my 80-pound frame landed behind the basket. As if in slow motion- I looked up to see my shot bounce off the backboard, around the rim, and then in through the net…..

My team erupted in cheers. I couldn’t believe it myself…

I had scored…

It was almost embarrassing how many people congratulated me after the game. I seemed to receive more accolades than our star player who had won the game for us. 
But I felt like I had battled my fears and showed up with strength and courage when I finally made it onto the court. I could have easily received the pass and quickly sent it right back.
But I didn’t.
Nor did I realize at the time how important it would be that I gathered courage at that moment and took a chance. 

Scoring that layup was a caveat towards confidence. Confidence that fueled hard work on the court and eventually in my spiritual quest. 

Within a few years, my legs grew to fill out my tube socks. My confidence grew too as did my faith. It all began with quieting fear, taking myself off the bench, and showing up authentically with courage. 

Truly a pattern of behavior I still deliberately work towards… in life and in growing my faith.

-JC

Dark Chocolate Orange Cookies

1/2 cup soft butter
1/2 cup butter flavored Crisco
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 Tablespoons orange zest 
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups dark chocolate pieces

Cream butter, Crisco, and sugars with an electric mixer on medium-high for 1 minute or until fluffy. Hand stir in eggs, vanilla extract and orange zest; don’t over-mix. Add dry ingredients all at once and mix until fully incorporated. Add 2-3 Tablespoons more flour for high elevation. Stir in dark chocolate pieces. Scoop out approximately 24 2” balls of dough.  Gently roll and flatten slightly.
(For a richer flavor and smoother texture refrigerate or freeze until ready to bake.)
Place on greased or parchment paper on an aluminum cookie sheet.   Bake at 375 degrees for 10+ minutes. Remove from the oven and immediately drizzle with Orange Glaze.
Let set. Share!

Orange Glaze
2 Tablespoons orange juice
1 cup powdered sugar
Zest of ½ an orange.
Use a food processor to thoroughly mix all ingredients.

“Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.”
Matthew 7:21

I had no swag whatsoever… and yet…

As I heard the bass guitar and percussion cadence blare on the speakers and the electric guitar join in, I couldn’t move my fingers fast enough to tie my laces. 

“C’mon Jackie!!!” My friend called as she (more practiced, more coordinated, and more graceful) strode out onto the hardwood rink in her perfectly laced roller skates. 

By the time the lyrics “Let’s go” fueled my adrenaline, I took off in hopes to catch up to my friend by the first turn…
“Are you ready?…
Are you ready for this?”

The music blared and became my anthem as I crossed over gripping the hardwood gaining incredible speed weaving in and out of skaters as I raced toward my friend. 
Ahead of Queen’s verbal cue, I turned the corner WAY too fast. 
I slammed into the handrails hard!

My sixth-grade classmates kept skating and singing as I became a casualty.
My pride was severely bruised as was my hand, and likely my ribs. I metaphorically dusted myself off and waited for my friend to circle around. 
I fought the lump forming in the back of my throat. 
With renewed resolve noting my friend slowing to join up with me I more cautiously finished the lap. 

My friend sang out to the harmonizer beat with a bit of a dance in her skate – “..another one bites the dust…”

This memory keeps cycling through my head as I ponder on the past year.
I still often try to run faster than I am able…
It’s a personality struggle turned to trials, followed by a series of temptations resulting in mistakes that I’m constantly regrouping (repenting) from. 

2020 has at times seen me trying to outrun the chaos, discomfort, and stumbling blocks…
Until I pause to realize they are exactly where they are supposed to be…as am I…

So therein can I exercise greater patience in working to understand my purpose with greater faith in Christ and doing the will of the Father who sent Him and thousands of years later sent me with my own purpose…

My invitation follows that of Christ’s…accompanied by a promise…

And I’m certain that that “kingdom” is a place I want to be! I’ll take my chances and work towards that!

-JC

Mint Chip Cookies

1 cup soft butter
½  cup vegetable oil
2 cups granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon mint extract
A few drops green gel food coloring
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup mini chocolate chips
1 cup Andes Mints pieces

Cream butter, oil and sugar with an electric mixer on medium-high for 1 minute or until fluffy. Hand stir in eggs, mint extract and food coloring; don’t overmix. Add dry ingredients all at once and mix until fully incorporated. Stir in chocolate chips and Andes Mint pieces. Add 2-3 Tablespoons more flour for high elevation. Scoop out approximately 24+ 2” balls of dough. Gently roll and flatten slightly.
(For a richer flavor and smoother texture refrigerate or freeze until ready to bake.)
Place on greased or parchment paper on an aluminum cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 10+ minutes.  Garnish with melted Andes Mints and mini chocolate chips, as desired.  Let set. Share!

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
Matthew 5:16

I found a walking stick- not because I needed one for the predominantly flat terrain, but rather it felt more like a hike to carry one along.  A couple of times a year- usually in the spring and fall, Mom would pack a simple picnic lunch and our family would pile into the station wagon and head to Waubonsie State Park located on the Lewis and Clark Historic Trail and a short drive from our home. 

Dad always wanted us to hike to a lookout where four portions of different states could be seen (Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri, and Kansas). The trails and open areas were rarely busy. Occasionally we saw a deer. Dad would want us to be quiet so he could watch it for a bit…

I was mostly unimpressed. 

As far as I was concerned there were only two things good about this family outing…The elephant slide, and an occasional splurge with our picnic lunch that included store brand sandwich cookies. 

I worked my way to the lookout location as quickly as I could, quickly “hiked” back to the picnic area, gulped down lunch, savored my portion of cookies, and waited impatiently hoping to be granted permission to go down the elephant slide. 

The slide was simply a dirt hill. Mom and Dad hated the mess and dust that accompanied the activity. I delighted in being dusty. This area of the park was often busy with other kids. We waited and took turns sliding down the hill making the family trek worthwhile. 

As I got a bit older, I was still usually first to the top of the hill. Dad wanted to talk about what we could look out and see. I was rarely interested in a history lesson. Despite having grown a bit bigger- when I looked out over the plains and farmlands of neighboring states- I felt tiny and insignificant. I truly had no idea how big the world really was- but I felt small in it. 

It gave a quest for answers and perspective on my belief that we are all connected- as sons and daughters of God. 

And what about me? Did my part in the grand scheme of things even matter?

That’s the journey I was on and the thoughts I was trying to sort through. 

A verse in one of my favorite hymns spoke of light. It resonated with me. If God was light and I’m His daughter – what does the request to let my light shine mean? I’ve learned over the years the specific tasks associated with how that light shines change from season to season. 

But as I simplify it for me, it’s to lift where I stand and light the little tiny realm around me. I’ve seen the light of others as it comes into my life when I don’t even realize how much I need it. 

Looking out at the four corners was cool- for a minute…Recognizing my place in this world and my infinite value to a Father in Heaven who created me- took time. 

To this day- I’m not so good at long pauses to gain perspective. I typically move quickly from one arena in my life to the next all while being dusty and delighted. 

I’m working to slow down in the good ways – recommitting to send the light of Christ through the things I do.

-JC

Orange Creamsicle Sugar Cookies (Chilled)

1 cup soft butter
½  cup vegetable oil
1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
1 ¼ cups powdered sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon orange extract
3 ⅔ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt

Cream butter, oil  and sugars with an electric mixer on medium-high for 1 minute or until well blended. Hand stir in eggs and orange extract; don’t overmix. Add dry ingredients all at once and mix until fully incorporated. Add 2-3 Tablespoons more flour for high elevation. Scoop out approximately 24 -2” balls of dough. Gently roll and flatten slightly. 
(For a richer flavor and smoother texture refrigerate or freeze until ready to bake.)
Place on greased or parchment paper on an aluminum cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 10+ minutes. Let cool completely.  Generously pipe Orange Cream straight from a Ziploc bag with a 1 inch corner trimmed off. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Garnish with fresh orange if desired.
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Orange Cream
1 cup boiling water
6 oz. orange flavored gelatin powder
24 oz. thawed Cool Whip

Mix boiling water and gelatin in the food processor until gelatin is dissolved. Fold in Cool Whip.  Spoon into two different gallon sized Ziploc bags. (This will make it easier to handle.)