Cookies and Christ
Stories of Faith And Recipes
The Happiest Person
Bryson was known for his outgoing cheerful countenance. He claims he learned to be happy by playing sports in high school. He now stands tall- at over 6‘3“. But when Bryson entered high school he was a slight 5‘1“.
His greatest love of sports was and still is basketball. Like his brother, he always had dreams of making it to the NBA and his dedication and practice mirrored such goals. He was granted a spot at the end of the bench on the Freshman B basketball team. He even squeaked out a spot on the Sophomore team. Following that season of basketball, his friend and he decided to play for the tennis team. Kids from previous years had reported it was a no-cut program and super fun.
In the spring of 2010, Bryson made history at Richland High School as the first person ever cut from the tennis program. Unfortunately, the same result followed with his tryouts for the summer basketball team; he was cut. Determined to not let these cuts define him, he joined the football team as a wide receiver the following fall. Throughout the season, a similar post-game report emerged each week -very little opportunity on the gridiron.
One particular game deep in the season our team had a commanding lead heading into the fourth quarter. As parents, we were delighted for the inevitable opportunity to see our number 20 hit the field. With 8:36 seconds to go in the game we saw Bryson on the sidelines warming up with his quarterback. This was the quarterback Bryson said he made look good in practice by catching all of his passes. Bryson would often replay those one-handed catches in the kitchen while I made dinner. Soon the quarterback ran onto the field. Bryson hit his helmet in support while standing there holding the football waiting for his number to be called. And that is where Bryson finished the game- where he began- on the sidelines.
We left for home as Bryson headed to the locker room with his teammates. A while later, I saw the lights of the old 4-runner that Bryson inherited when Brennen left for college coming down the driveway. My anger toward the entire football program and everyone involved intensified. It was raw momma bear anger! Bry came into the kitchen and I try to play it cool…
I failed… It went something like this:
I asked Bry if he wanted to hit something?
He said “No”.
“Throw something?”
He said “No”.
“Slit someone’s tires?”
With a smirk, knowing I was exaggerating my point, Bryson said “No. Mom, I’ve got homework to do.”
“You’re not angry?” I asked in near disbelief.
He said “No,” reveled in my shock and added, “It sucked not getting an opportunity but I’m not angry.” He paused and coyly added, “If it’ll make you feel better, you can make me something to eat.” A full grin emerged as he was proud of his sly request for food knowing my momma heart would compensate in the kitchen for all of the injustices of high school.
In the following years, we talked more about his journey through high school sports. He explained to me that through the experiences of trying to play sports in high school he learned not to put his happiness in the hands of teammates and coaches who rarely had a kind or encouraging word. He told me instead he put his faith in the simple things- the everyday things- like prayer, scriptures, and God‘s counsel. He said the simple everyday things allowed him to be happy- every day. He had figured out the choice to be happy was his own.
Bryson’s high school sports experiences cannot be summarized with one defining moment but rather countless little ones. Each decision sent him on a path away from or towards Christ. Sometimes the path seemed well marked and seemingly easy to follow and other times more difficult where steps to proceed were small yet well defined.
He explained the simple truth he chose to live by, “The happiest person in the room is the one who best understands and applies Christ’s Atonement to their life. For that person has learned to place their sins as well as their burdens at Christ’s feet. That person knows that true peace and happiness come when we choose to give our pains and afflictions of all kinds to Christ.“
-JC
As I reflect on these experiences today, I ask myself:
Do I often turn to Christ at the onset of my suffering? Do I instead delay receiving peace by trying to deal with or endure afflictions on my own?
Do I have a disposition to do good continually?
Am I committed to becoming more Christlike?
Peanut Butter Oatmeal Sandwich Cookies
1/2 cup soft butter
1/2 cup peanut butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 XL eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups quick oats
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Cream butter, peanut butter and sugars with an electric mixer on medium high for 1 minute or until fluffy. Hand stir in eggs and vanilla; don’t overmix. Add dry ingredients all at once and mix until fully incorporated. Add 2-3 more Tablespoons flour for high elevation. Scoop out approximately 30 1.5” balls of dough. For a richer flavor and smoother texture, form cookie dough balls, flatten slightly, and refrigerate or freeze until ready to bake. Place on greased or parchment paper on an aluminum cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 9-11 min. Let cool while you mix up Peanut Butter Cream Frosting.
Peanut Butter Cream Frosting:
4 oz. softened cream cheese
1/4 cup soft butter
1/3 cup peanut butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups powdered sugar
Mix cream cheese, butter and peanut butter. Add vanilla, and powdered sugar. Mix until fluffy. Spoon into quart size freezer strength Ziploc until ready to use.
To make a sandwich cookie,
Cut a ¼ inch hole into bottom corner of Ziploc bag of frosting. Pipe frosting onto bottom of ½ of all cookies. Place another cookie on top. Let set. Share!
Chocolate Dipped Option:
Dip half of all cookies into melted chocolate almond bark, or 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips melted with 2 Tablespoons Crisco or coconut oil. Use dipped cookies as top half of sandwich.
Football Glory
Brennen loved to play football. Both boys had received football playsets for Christmas when they were young. Gearing up with uniforms, shoulder pads, and helmets and playing football with his brother was one of Brennen‘s favorite pastimes. He learned very quickly that I would whistle the game over if I heard Bryson crying – If Brennen wanted to play football, he would have to give his brother plenty of opportunities to be on top of the two-man pile.
As a Junior in high school, Brennen had been given a few opportunities to play on the Varsity team. He wanted much more for his Senior year and worked overtime in the summer to be in top physical condition. He soundly believed that he needed to do his duty to God so that he would be able to receive all the blessings that God would grant him during his football season. The first game of his Senior year was met with much anticipation. I arrived early. Brennen was already there and dressed. I saw him over by his car seemingly retrieving something. I parked with the intentions of sneaking up on him with a nerdy mom “Boo!” As I turned the corner, I saw him reading his scriptures. (He learned to love his scriptures by learning to love the candy bar his church teacher gave him each Sunday if he had read that week. Years later, we were seeing results from that developed habit!) I gave him a soft knuckle to the arm and told him “Way to put your trust in the Lord” and then walked away truly grateful for what I had seen, and wondering if his commitment to God would be rewarded on the field…
The season was soon underway and there was much excitement and chatter about how much Brennen had improved. He was having a lot of fun playing the game he loved. On the third play of the third game, he was blocking for the running back. A sharp pain shot up his arm and into his neck. The pain didn’t go away for the rest of the game and he was losing the ability to move his arm. By the end of the game, he physically could not lift it. The team trainer thought it was a stinger but such diagnosis proved to be wrong. The orthopedic doctor believed Brennen had severely stretched some of the nerves in his shoulder and neck and perhaps even partially tore them. The doctor told us that depending on the severity of the injury, Brennen might be able to play again in a couple of weeks. A week at a time the doctor continued to say “Perhaps one more week.”
Without significant change, there were no more weeks and football season ended. The disappointment was replaced with excitement for basketball to begin. Brennen’s shoulder injury seemed to heal fairly well, however, he was having pain in his hip. A quick trip to the doctor for final clearance on his shoulder resulted in an x-ray of his hip. The picture of the hip resulted in further MRIs, CT and bone scans. We learned from the radiologist that there was a five-inch tumor in Brennen’s thigh. We were told it was two possibilities: either cancer of the bone or a healing fracture. There was no Senior basketball season. The next couple of weeks were met with preparations to travel to a cancer center in Spokane, WA to have more tests done. A risky surgical biopsy procedure with a 10% mortality rate was scheduled for the day following the initial appointment with the oncologist.
I felt emotionally exhausted. I had tried to mentally prepare for the worst. One chilly night with beautiful bright stars, I found some time and space alone outside. I looked up into the heavens and began to speak with God. I felt like this was a test and I knew the right answers and so I told them to God, trying to believe in them myself. I told Him I would do my best to be strong. I asked God if he was going to take Brennen early from our family. I told Him that I would love to have Brennen stay with us for a while longer, but would understand if He had a different course for my son. I knew I needed to be strong and continue in faith…but I didn’t know if I actually could. That night I chose to bask in the peace and love I felt instead of interrupting it with my fears of the unknown…
Brennen was dealing with his own emotional and spiritual journey. He said on the drive to Spokane he wondered what life would be like the next week if he had cancer and how different things would be. He also said he had an overwhelming feeling that everything would be okay no matter what the diagnosis. He said “I have to put my trust in the Lord and know this is happening for a reason on God’s timeline. I know my job is to have humility and accept His will.”
The appointment with the oncologist ended unexpectedly. He came into the exam room having previously reviewed Brennen‘s chart and pictures. He said without question “This is not cancer. It looks like someone just beat up your leg.” Brennen told him he played football and it had hurt a couple of times throughout the season but his shoulder hurt worse…
Brennen says a big part of his own conversion had to do with the struggles of his senior football season and tumor. It was unexpected and hard to not be able to participate in sports during his senior year. He felt like trials small and hard from high school classrooms and social expectations to the playing field seemed to come non-stop. But there was a hush of those frustrations knowing he had dodged cancer… His life legitimately felt like it was not his own. He knew God was calling the plays…
He summarized his experiences with a simple phrase: “Those things were not in any script I would have written for myself but they helped me with my conversion to Christ”.
These experiences were certainly tests of faith. However, I feel like we got off easy… Perhaps it’s all God needed from us at the time. My son seemed resolved and committed to Heavenly Father moving forward with faith in Christ. He felt like he had been given a second chance and we saw the light of Christ in the things he said and did. Truth is: we were grateful it was a seemingly small trial…this time…
-JC
As I reflect on these experiences today, I ask myself:
Do I truly understand that Christ experienced all of our mortal pains and afflictions?
How do I recognize that I can truly be understood by Him?
Am I an example of the believers?
Scotcheroos
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup corn syrup
1 ¼ cups peanut butter
6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
1 cup semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
1 cup butterscotch chips
Measure Rice Krispies into large bowl.
Mix sugar into corn syrup. Heat until dissolved, not boiling.
Stir in peanut butter.
Fold into Rice Krispies.
Pat into greased 9 x 13 pan.
Melt chocolate and butterscotch chips together.
Spread onto Rice Krispy bars.
Let set. Share!
Lost Puppy Shirt
As the boys got older and entered middle school, the stakes felt higher in our home for teaching our children. We knew they would hear and see things contrary to the morals and standards we were trying to teach them at home. It was time for our children to decide whether they were going to find out for themselves the truthfulness of the things that they were learning of Christ, or choose another path . We often taught the power of prayer in our home. We wanted our children to know that they have a Father in Heaven who knows them perfectly and would listen and answer as they chose to speak to Him in faith.
It was a time in my life where I questioned my ability to really convey to my children my own testimony. I knew and believed the words of Christ, but I worried I would fail to completely convey the miracles possible if they turned to Him in faith.
Jessie was in Kindergarten when one morning she came up and said she wanted to wear her favorite puppy shirt to school but couldn’t find it. I went down to her room with her to look for it. Her room was fairly tidy and the shirt was simply not there. I went upstairs to check the laundry, both the clean and dirty piles, but to no avail. There was no puppy shirt to be found that morning. She came upstairs and I explained to her that I could not find the shirt and she would simply need to choose another one to wear to school that day. I urged her to do so quickly and as the time for the bus to arrive was nearing.
Jessie told me she was going to go down to her room to say a prayer and ask Heavenly Father to help her find her puppy shirt because that was the one she wanted to wear to school. I felt super nervous. I had already looked for the shirt. It’s hiding spot was not a simple one. My heart raced and thoughts of doubt came quick. What if she prayed and never found her shirt? Would her faith be shaken forever?
A few minutes later she came upstairs wearing her puppy shirt. I actually froze in amazement. Her report was simple.
“Heavenly Father told me where to look.”
She recounted the experience to her dad and brothers that evening over dinner. We all grew a bit taller in faith that day as the youngest among us had shown great courage in testimony and acted upon it.
Truly that day, Jessie was the master teacher. She testified of the exact principles I wanted my boys to understand. Christ taught us to pray to the Father in faith. I had learned by experience myself that it was true. Yet as a mother I worried I hadn’t done enough in teaching my children how real their relationship with God can be. That particular day, I was grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who was generous in answering a child’s plea for help and reassuring me He would bless my children as they turned to Him.
-JC
As I reflect on this experience today, I ask myself:
Do I ask? Do I stand at the door and knock? Do I truly seek him?
Can my conversion to Christ truly strengthen my family? Friends? Associates?
Do I bear witness of Christ?
Monster Cookies
½ cup soft butter
1 ½ cups peanut butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1 ½ cups packed brown sugar
3 XL eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 teaspoon molasses
¾ cup all-purpose flour
3 cups quick oats
2 teaspoons baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
2 3/4 cups any combination of chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, vanilla chips, peanut butter chips and mini M&M’s.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Cream butter, peanut butter, and sugars with an electric mixer on medium-high for 1 minute or until fluffy.
Hand stir in eggs and vanilla; 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 a combination of chips and mini M&Ms.
Scoop out approximately 28-30 2” balls of dough. Gently roll. For a richer flavor and smoother texture, form cookie dough balls, flatten slightly, and refrigerate or freeze until ready to bake. Place on greased or parchment paper on an aluminum cookie sheet.
Bake at 375 degrees for 12-14 min. Share!
747th Place
As a mother of three children, I felt like I was in a decent rhythm with my family and finally felt like I had some free time. I had just been blessed with a new neighbor who encouraged me to train with her for a sprint (short distance) triathlon.
A few months later I stood at the starting line. I was surrounded by thousands of fellow athletes and in complete awe of my surroundings and the magnitude of this race. I recall the race director leading the next wave of swimmers in a group cheer. She told us that the words of the cheer could serve as a critical crutch if during our race we allowed self-doubt to enter our minds. We repeated the cheer several times as the start of our race drew near:
“I am a swimmer!
I am a cyclist!
I am a runner!
I am a triathlete!”
The significance of the cheer seemed lost amongst the waves of participants. Soon my race began. I darted out into the water fast and confident knowing swimming was my strongest event. Unfortunately, with the surge of adrenalin, combined with pushing and panic, self-doubt filled me as if it were literally trying to sink me. I exerted every bit of energy I could muster as I thrashed in the water, I seemed to progress absolutely nowhere.
My thoughts moved quickly to:
“What am I doing here?
What was I thinking?
I certainly did not train hard enough.
I can’t do this!”
In that moment of despair, I saw my friend and training partner swim next to me. My mind clicked:
“I am a swimmer…”
As I found my rhythmic stroke and breath I repeated in my mind:
“I am a swimmer…”
I finished the race in 747th place. However, I claimed with confidence that I finished the race a champion – simply because I had triumphed over self-doubt.
The adversary wants me to believe that I’m not good enough. A champion understands that they are always good enough with Christ. He delivers us from sin. He mourns with us in heartache. His grace is sufficient for all who choose to take it.
As a mother, I knew I was responsible to help my children understand that although we have weaknesses we can be strong in Christ. We can be a champion over the adversary and all of our fears and heartache in this earthly journey. I realized that my children were turning to me and looking for answers just as I did from my own parents not so long ago… It was my turn to step up. It was necessary for my children to be able to see the strength and light of Christ through me. Perhaps it was also necessary for a new cheer: “You are a daughter of God and you are enough with Christ…”
-JC
As I reflect on this experience today, I ask myself:
Do I triumph over self-doubt shaking my faith in Christ?
Do I recognize Christ’s profound influence in my life?
Do I seek opportunities to testify of Him?
Cranberry Orange White Chocolate Cookies
1/2 cup soft butter
1/2 cup butter flavored Crisco
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 XL eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 Tablespoons orange zest (optional)
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
6-ounce package dried cranberries
2 cups white chocolate pieces
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Cream butter, Crisco, and sugars with an electric mixer on medium-high for 1 minute or until fluffy.
Hand stir in eggs, vanilla and orange zest; 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 dried cranberries and white chocolate chips.
Scoop out approximately 24 2” balls of dough. Gently roll. For a richer flavor and smoother texture, form cookie dough balls, flatten slightly and refrigerate or freeze until ready to bake. Place on greased or parchment paper on an aluminum cookie sheet.
Bake at 375 degrees for 12-14 min.
Optional: Add another layer of flavor by drizzling with Orange Icing.
Orange Icing
4 Tablespoons orange juice
2 cups powdered sugar
Mix in food processor until smooth.
Spoon into freezer-strength Ziploc until ready to use.
Retrieving a Sippy Cup
After moving back to Washington state, our family welcomed a baby girl. Whit often had foreign work assignments and would travel for weeks at a time. I became fiercely independent determined to “succeed” at parenting even when I was attempting it alone…
One night, when Whit was away on travel, The kids and I spent the evening at Brennen‘s Little League game. His strength had always been his hitting, but that night he finished the game having struck out three times. He had single digit strikeouts on the 24 game season, so for him, this was a big night of disappointment.
Gratefully our home was close to the ball field so even though it was late my hope was to transition the kids with a quick snack and get them into bed. We pulled up to the house. My younger son Bryson went inside as instructed to make sure his backpack was in order for the next day. He had a habit of misplacing his things causing stress in the mornings. I unbuckled my daughter Jessie from her car seat and urged Brennen to quickly take his shower while I prepared a snack. Getting Jessie inside and settled was a struggle as she was cranky, hungry and tired as it was well past her usual bedtime. As I tried to calm her and help Bryson find his school things, I realized Brennen was still sitting in the car. I quickly went back outside, tried to motivate him, but the ball player remained in the car refusing to speak or leave.
Frustrated myself at this point and hearing Jessie crying inside I left the ball player to wallow in his discouragement as only a good mother could and went back inside to the child crying the loudest. In this moment, I knew I was incapable of handling things on my own. I went to the kitchen cupboard to retrieve a sippy cup but retrieved much more. The cupboard was not an uncommon place, in fact, no place was really uncommon at all.
I was a mother in a weakening situation not knowing the things which I should do to resolve the immediate conflict. However, I did what I had learned to do long before. Literally looking into the back of the cupboard to pair a sippy cup lid with its base, I uttered a plea for help. I prayed for guidance as to how to handle the situation before me.
Heavenly Father was generous with His quick answer as the thought was simple and clear! “Call Jim”. Jim is my father-in-law. He had raised three boys and certainly had advice on how to deal with sport-induced sulkings. I dialed the phone hoping to glean some advice and to my surprise and delight, Jim said he would come right over. A few minutes later Grandpa’s car pulled up no doubt catching the baseball player, still sitting in the car, by surprise. Jim took his grandson for a walk and a talk. Only Brennen and Grandpa know the words exchanged that night but after the walk, my son was renewed as was his faith in himself.
I knew my Heavenly Father was aware of me, that He loved me and wanted to help me as I followed Christ’s example and prayed in faith believing I would receive an answer. I knew Christ’s light existed in all people. There was much goodness in the world because of His light. Christ’s selfless life set a perfect example of how we are to help one another as we travel through this life en route to returning to Him. I saw proof of these things within my own home.
-JC
As I reflect on this experience today, I ask myself:
What is my primary motivation for desiring a Christ-focused life?
Do I feel too busy to share Christ’s light with others?
S’mores Brookies
Make a brownie mix as directed. I like Ghiraradelli.
Spray a 9″ x 13″ pan with baking spray. Bake at 350 degrees for 22-26 minutes or until done.
Spread 10 ounces of marshmallow fluff onto hot brownie. Spoon it on and let it sit for a minute. It is then easier to spread.
Place enough Hershey milk chocolate candy bars on top of marshmallow to cover it (I used 6 ½ 1.55 oz. bars).
Pat together pieces of Graham Cookie Dough to cover chocolate bars.
Return to oven and bake an additional 18-20 minutes. Cookie portion of bars will be soft, but will set up nicely. Over baking them will result in crunchy cookie and dry brownie layers.
Let set. Cut. Share.
Graham Cookie Dough
½ cup soft butter
½ cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1 XL egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
Cream butter and sugars with an electric mixer on medium high for 1 minute or until fluffy. Hand stir in egg and vanilla; don’t overmix. Add dry ingredients all at once and mix until fully incorporated. Add 1 Tablespoon more flour for high elevation.
Tiny Clenched Fists Raised High
Courtship led to marriage. A few years later we were blessed with a son, and then another. They were the best of friends. My boys were ages four and two when our small family moved from Washington State to a community near Washington DC for Whit’s two-year work assignment.
We spent many family nights at Bertucci’s restaurant in Herndon, Virginia. It was a great Italian place with brick-oven baked pizza. Each time we would go, the waiter would bring the boys a small ball of dough. He told them to make it into any shape they wanted and then he would bake it for them and bring it back ready to eat. He would suggest they make a car or a boat or their favorite zoo animal or whatever else they could imagine. My boys loved this and worked over their dough for quite some time chit-chatting with each other about all great things in their lives while Whit and I were able to catch up with our own adult conversation.
On one particular family night outing, the waiter told the boys that they would have one more minute to finish their shapes and he would be back to collect them and take them to the oven. When the waiter returned he noted their dough was in the shape of a ball. He asked the boys “Didn’t you want to make a shape?”
Brennen spoke for both of them and said with great pride “They’re basketballs!”
Bryson raised both hands in the air with tiny clenched fists and said “Yeah!!”
The waiter smiled and returned ten minutes later with some baked balls of dough not looking much different than the ones that had been initially delivered to our table 20 minutes prior. I had two delighted young boys.
As a young mother, I often felt exhausted in my daily efforts to care for my children, be a good wife, and try to keep the household running smoothly. I continued to pray and read of Christ, but I often felt like I lacked the mental energy to truly progress in my spiritual knowledge of the scriptures. As I tried to serve as Christ did and testify of Him through my actions within my own home and immediate community, I didn’t always feel like I was doing enough…
Perhaps my continued conversion was like a ball of dough. Even though the change was hard to see, and despite my feelings of inadequacy, there was a process of change and improvement happening. The evidence of such was in quiet moments where tiny hands held storybooks of Christ, and little voices, tired at the end of the day, said “Mom, can we read it again?…”
-JC
As I reflect on this experience again today, I ask myself:
Am I faithful and valiant in my testimony of Jesus Christ?
As I strive to become more faithful, do I look for changes in myself?
When I make mistakes, can I change through Christ?
Lemon Shortbread Cookies
1 cup cold butter, cut into small pieces
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
½ teaspoon lemon extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon salt
Add all ingredients to food processor. Add 2 Tablespoons additional flour for high elevation.
Mix on high for approximately 1-2 minutes or until dough forms a ball.
Roll into a log and chill for one hour.
Cut into ¼ inch slices.
Place on greased or parchment paper on an aluminum baking sheet.
Bake at 350 degrees for 9-12 minutes.
Glaze with Lemon Icing.
Garnish with fresh lemon zest.
Let set. Share
Lemon Icing
3 Tablespoons lemon juice
2 cups powdered sugar
Mix in food processor until smooth.
Store in Ziploc until ready to use.
Terribly Awkward Crusher
College had its full swing of physical, mental and emotional highs and lows. For the first time in my life, I felt like my spirituality was truly my own responsibility. I didn’t have my dad with me to call the family together in prayer, nor Mom to teach us from the scriptures. I was on my own. This responsibility sometimes felt daunting.
However, college had it’s plus side: lots and lots of good-looking guys and much fun to be had! One night my roommates and I decided to go watch some of these college boys play basketball at a nearby gymnasium. I had a crush on one of them named Whit who unfortunately already had a girlfriend. My roommates and I had a great time watching and laughing and talking that evening until we noticed the game had stopped. Whit had attempted a layup and was fouled hard. He was laying on the ground having suffered a gash over his left eye. His girlfriend rushed to his side. His not so secret and terribly awkward crusher (that’s me) was whisked away by a couple of wise roommates. We went back to our apartment where they skillfully taught me the art of Chocolate Chip Cookie making.
I had never made cookies before. In fact, I’m not sure I had ever before tasted homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies. That night, after we were sure Whit’s girlfriend, who happened to be our neighbor, was back at home, we went over to his apartment to give him some “hope you feel better soon” cookies. These cookies were made to near perfection and apparently had miraculous powers because they resulted in a complete change of heart…eventually…
A year later, Whit and I begin to date. It was- girl from East meets boy from West and that is how our story began. It wasn’t long before I realized we weren’t just dating to pass time. He was searching for someone who would be strong in the gospel of Jesus Christ, a loyal life companion, and a nurturer for his future family. I too wanted all of these same characteristics in my spouse; I just wasn’t sure that I was ready…
However, I knew that I was ready to trust my Heavenly Father. I knew that I had felt led to that specific place at that specific time. I knew that I was ready to follow Christ’s example in leading a service-filled life. Above all, I knew that I would need to be ready to stand as a witness of Christ and to teach of Christ in my own home.
-JC
As I reflect on this experience today, I ask myself:
Do I trust my Heavenly Father to lead me in my life with purpose as He led Christ with the ultimate purpose?
Do I work to become worthy or remain worthy of all of God’s blessings?
Chocolate Chip Cookies
½ cup soft butter
½ cup buttered flavored Crisco
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 XL eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Preheat oven to 385 degrees.
Cream butter, Crisco, and sugars with an electric mixer on medium high for 1 minute or until fluffy.
Hand stir in eggs and vanilla; 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 chocolate chips. Scoop out approximately 24 2” balls of dough. Gently roll. For a richer flavor and smoother texture, form cookie dough balls, flatten slightly and refrigerate or freeze until ready to bake. Place on greased or parchment paper on an aluminum cookie sheet.
Bake at 385 degrees for 12+ min. Let set. Share!
Chocolate Chip Pizookies
For the Pizookie, bake cookie dough in small pie tin at 375 degrees for 12-14 minutes. While hot, serve up a generous helping of ice cream, hot fudge sauce, other sundae toppings and whipped cream if desired.
Dilapidated Place of Refuge
I began playing high school basketball in Iowa standing at 4’11” with disproportionately large size 8 feet. Such numbers further complicated my general lack of coordination. My Sophomore year our family moved to Pennsylvania during the basketball season. I was ineligible to play. In my Junior year, with wavering confidence, I joined the Varsity team. My height had finally caught up to my feet and I was thrilled with learning the game and its quick pace. Between my Junior and Senior year of high school, I had struggled with changes as a result of the move. However, I discovered a dilapidated basketball court about a block from my house. The asphalt was sloped and broken. The metal net was barely hanging on. Nevertheless, this court became my place of refuge. It was there, that I could forget about all the little struggles of being an awkward teen in a new town.
My sanctuary became my passion and my Senior year resulted with much success on the court. I was honored with many scholarship offers to play basketball at the collegiate level. I verbally committed to play for a small college not too far from home.
One Sunday in early spring of my Senior year, a group of leaders from church and my parents collectively expressed their concern regarding my choice of where to attend college. They feared it was short-sighted. I left this arranged meeting quickly, in complete silence and utter outrage at the lack of support from the people I trusted most.
I drove towards home and stopped by “my court” as I thought about my own plan for the future. It was a good plan. I had worked plenty hard to be successful. I believed in myself and I knew without a doubt that I was strong enough to thrive in the nearby town, playing the game I loved. I also knew that my loving Heavenly Father was there to help me.
It was time to acquire a second opinion about my future- this time- from God. After arriving home knowing the family would be quite a while behind me I went straight upstairs to my room. As my knees hit the hard wooden floor by my bed, tears were already streaming down my cheeks as I uttered a prayer to my Father in Heaven pleading with Him to tell me I was good enough to do what I had worked so hard for.
I felt an undeniable love from my Heavenly Father. This had become a feeling I was familiar with. I knew He knew my struggle, my pain, and also my correct choice. Without a doubt, I felt like I needed to change course. I knew I needed to exercise greater faith and trust in Him and follow Christ’s example by accepting God’s will. I also knew that He would be there to help me every step along the way.
-JC
As I reflect on this experience today, I ask myself:
Do I realize conversion to be an ongoing process instead of a one-time event?
Do I plead in prayer to my Heavenly Father in heartfelt prayers to understand Christ’s work more fully?
Do I pray to know my role in His work?
Soft and Chewy Molasses Cookies
1/2 cup soft butter
1/2 cup butter flavored Crisco
1 cup sugar
1 1/4 cups brown sugar
1/2 cup molasses
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 XL eggs
4 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons ground ginger
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon nutmeg
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Cream butter, Crisco, and sugars with an electric mixer on medium-high for 1 minute or until fluffy.
Hand stir in eggs and vanilla; 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 20 + 2” balls of dough. Roll into balls. For a richer flavor and smoother texture, form cookie dough balls and refrigerate or freeze until ready to bake. Place on greased or parchment paper on an aluminum cookie sheet.
Bake at 375 degrees for 12-14 min. Let cool. Sprinkle with mixture of ¼ cup powdered sugar mixed with 1 Tablespoon cinnamon.
Share!
The Unamimous Decision
At this point in my life, seasons seemed to change quickly. Christmas time was near and our family had a tradition to carol to friends and neighbors and upon leaving with our parting tune of “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” my little brother would give a loaf of Mom‘s special Holiday Pumpkin Bread to our friends. Many of the friends and neighbors we caroled to considered our visit one of the highlights of their Christmas season.
Money was tight this particular Christmas. My parents called the family together to discuss the caroling plans and to let us know that there just wasn’t enough money in the budget for both the ingredients to make the Holiday Pumpkin Bread and for our traditional Christmas meal of ham, rolls, Jell-O and pies. My parents let us know the decision was up to us kids to choose between making the bread to give out while caroling or having our Christmas feast. My parents then left the room to allow for free discussion amongst us children. As siblings, we had a quick chat and it wasn’t but a moment until my older sister announced our unanimous decision to our parents. We wanted the bread!
We caroled on several nights in the weeks preceding Christmas. With our last batch of Holiday Pumpkin Bread packaged and ready to go, our family loaded up in the station wagon on an especially chilly evening to head out on our final night of caroling. It was Christmas Eve. We were done with everyone on our list when Dad announced one last stop. The house was small and there were no lights on. I didn’t want to get out of the warm car to go to the door only to find out that nobody was home. But at my parents’ urging, explaining to us that this widow lady needed some good cheer we quickly gathered at her front porch. She slowly emerged from her dark home and quietly answered the door. We sang our carols and with the parting tune, my brother gave this lady our last loaf of bread. A tear fell down her solemn cheek.
In that very moment, I knew our sacrifice was well worth it. Our family returned home that evening to find our front porch lined with numerous stuffed grocery bags filled with Christmas ham and trimmings and much much more. My parents never found out who served our family that Christmas Eve. Those earthly angels tended to our immediate needs but more importantly left a strong impression on our family of love, compassion, and hope.
In that Christmas season, I saw the cycle. I understood fully what it felt like to have Christ-like love for another. I also felt what it was like to receive Christ-like love from someone else. Truly this simple concept is the direct avenue to endless joy.
-JC
As I reflect on this experience today, I ask myself:
Have I fasted and prayed to receive a witness of Christlike love?
Do I move forward on the path of duty as a disciple of Christ?
Do I serve as Christ did with unwavering diligence?
Peanut Butter Nutella Chocolate Marble Cookies
Make a batch of Peanut Butter Cookie Dough
Peanut Butter Cookies:
½ cup soft butter
½ cup butter flavored Crisco
1 cup peanut butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 XL eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Cream butter, Crisco, peanut butter and sugars with an electric mixer on medium high for 1 minute or until fluffy. Hand stir in eggs and vanilla; don’t overmix. Add dry ingredients all at once and mix until fully incorporated. Add an additional 2 Tablespoons flour for high elevation.
Make a batch of Nutella Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, omitting the chocolate chips.
Nutella Chocolate Cookies
1/2 cup butter flavored Crisco
½ cup soft butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cups packed brown sugar
1 cup Nutella
2 XL eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
½ cup cocoa (I use Hershey’s dark)
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Cream butter, Crisco, Nutella and sugars with an electric mixer on medium high for 1 minute or until fluffy. Hand stir in eggs and vanilla; don’t overmix. Add dry ingredients all at once and mix until fully incorporated. Add an additional 2 Tablespoons flour for high elevation.
Make equal sized balls of each kind of dough and flatten one on top of the other.
Next, break the dough disc in half and stack. You now have four layers of dough in alternating flavors.
Break in half and stack again.
Break in half and stack again.
Now, roll into a ball. You will see the marble effect.
For a richer flavor and smoother texture, form cookie dough balls, flatten slightly, and refrigerate or freeze until ready to bake. Place on greased or parchment paper on an aluminum cookie sheet.
Bake at 375 degrees for 12-14 min. Share!
In the Back of My High School Locker
By the time I was a Senior in high school, I had great friends and found a good rhythm in my new school. It was much larger than the school we had left in Iowa, but I came to appreciate everything that made it different.
At the beginning of my Senior year, we were assigned our school lockers. We had a seven-minute break between classes. The administration felt like this was sufficient time to trade out books and spiral notebooks from one class in exchange for what we would need for the next class. As students, we recognized these same seven minutes to be extremely important social time. Materials were quickly exchanged and then my friends and I would hurry to ‘the spot’ to gather, chat, bemoan our homework load, etc.
All Senior lockers were in the social studies hall. It was a long T-shaped wing on the far side of the high school. There was a large wall heater known to be the gathering spot in this hallway. No doubt the perfect place for a locker would be right next to this heater. When I received my assignment I began to walk the ‘T’ searching for my number. In doing so, I drifted farther and farther away from the perfect ‘spot’. In near disbelief, I noted my locker was almost the furthest away it could be.
My initial thought was, “This is going to kill my social life!”
I would have to travel so far between classes to even get to my locker that I would miss all of the time for chatting.
However, what I did find at the end of the ‘T’ was solitude. I quickly realized that no one was ever down there. Most of my locker neighbors opted to share lockers with their friends in a prime location as a time-saving device. With this solitude, my open locker became a place of prayer. I said more prayers facing the back of my open locker than anywhere else as a Senior in high school. I spoke with my Father in Heaven between nearly every class. I truly developed a close relationship with Him. I uttered silent prayers of gratitude, pleas for help, and enjoyed moments of quiet reflection. This locker became the place where I poured my heart out to my Heavenly Father and counseled with Him about the things which I should do to improve my life. I had no doubt that my Heavenly Father cared about me: where I was, what I was doing, my joys and my struggles.
I began to understand why Jesus Christ was willing to do the will of His Father. He loved Him. He knew Him. And He wanted what Heavenly Father wanted. It was a concept I could testify of…completely.
-JC
As I reflect on this experience today, I ask myself:
As I come to a greater understanding of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, do I feel my Heavenly Father’s love more fully?
Am I devoted to Christ in following His example?
Chocolate Crinkles
2 cups granulated sugar
½ cup oil
3 XL eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 cup cocoa (I use Hershey’s special dark)
2 cups + 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
¾ teaspoon salt
Mix together sugar and oil.
Stir in eggs and vanilla; don’t overmix.
Add all dry ingredients at once, stirring until well incorporated. Add 1-2 additional Tablespoons flour for high elevation.
Chill dough for three hours. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Scoop out 24+ 1 ½ “ balls of dough, and roll into a ball with hands. Prior to baking, roll the ball of dough into powdered sugar.
It should completely cover the cookie ball.
Bake at 375 degrees for 12-14 minutes. Share!
Cookies and Christ 