Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies

A friend of mine shared this recipe with me, and it quickly turned out to be a family favorite. I made a big batch yesterday!

1 C butter, softened (orig. calls for 1 1/4 C, but I use 1 and it's fine)
3/4 C brown sugar
1/2 C sugar
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 C flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
3 C quick oats
1 1/2 C chocolate chips
3/4 C nuts (optional)

Cream butter and sugars. Mix in egg and vanilla. In separate bowl mix flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix into wet ingredients. Add quick oats one cup at a time. Add chocolate chips. Bake at 375 for 9-11 minutes.

Transparency

As I was going through our pictures from this past summer, I came across this one from a hike that we took in August. I have always been fascinated by dragonflies, and was delighted when I was able to observe this one so closely. I'm drawn to the the beauty of its wings. They are so intricately designed, delicate and transparent that I can't help but marvel at how they can carry such a huge and oddly shaped body with such speed and agility. Just the beauty of this little creature alone is a testament to our amazing Creator!

Observing this dragonfly reminded me that I need to be transparent as I live my life for Christ. As we live our temporary life on earth, we encounter trials. Life sometimes leaves us bruised and hurt, and often we cope with this by putting up masks and walls to protect ourselves. If we don't surrender our hurts and hearts to the Lord and allow him to work in our lives, the mask-wearing and wall-building approach simply leaves us exhausted and broken. We have all observed people going through extreme trials. We notice when people in the depths of the darkest trials imaginable have unexplainable peace and joy. We clearly see the pain and suffering, yet their genuine response is ongoing joy and peace. The definition of transparency is: allowing light to pass through so that objects behind can be easily seen. When people who love the Lord allow others to see the pain or hardship, and the process of moving through it...when they are transparent, they are allowing the world to see Christ at work in their lives. This opens up opportunities to witness and minister to others, both believers and unbelievers.

When I first discovered this dragonfly, it was sitting on a rock. Before I could get my camera out it darted over to a log. Either one is symbolic.

The dragonfly was resting on the rock and the rock could be seen through its wings.
"The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies." (Psalm 18:2-3)

The dragonfly is resting on the wood which can be a symbol of the cross, and the wood can be seen through its wings.
"I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and delivered Himself up for me." (Galatians 2:20)

Even though they are delicate, those transparent wings are incredibly strong.
"I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13)

Transparency in trials allows others to observe the source of our strength and the beauty of the Lord at work in our lives. When our response to pain and suffering is radically different than the world's response, it displays a compelling picture of what it means to have an active and intimate relationship with the God of all creation. People are drawn in, and He receives all the glory.

One Thousand Gifts

16. A vivid rainbow arching promise over my afternoon.

17. A yellow ribbon of daffodils, stretching along five and a half miles of country road.

18. "Welcome home, Mom!" posters

19. Barren branches silhouetted like black coral against a pastel winter sunset.

20. The moon - marbled pearl in a black velvet sky.

21. Raindrops - disappearing craters on my window.

22. Sleep sounds of my children.

23. Cool spring breezes.

24. Quiet conversations about the Lord.

25. New friendships.

26. Red and yellow tulips in my kitchen window.

27. Shimmering, transparent wings of a dragonfly.

28. Moss-draped trees.

29. Wild huckleberries.

30. Seven bands of color slicing through a stormy gray sky.

Gettysburg - Part II

After viewing the introductory film, we were ushered into a circular room to view the cyclorama. A cyclorama was a popular form of entertainment in the 1800's. It was a large oil painting on canvas that usually depicted epic events. The "Battle of Gettysburg" cyclorama is 359 feet long and 27 feet high and depicts the final day of battle on July 3, 1863. Some scenery such as grasses, shrubs, and cannons has been added around the base of the picture to give it a 3-D effect.

Viewing the cyclorama is a multi-sensory experience. As the story is told, you are standing in the middle of the room completely surrounded by the painting. It literally feels as if you are in the middle of the action. You ponder the chaos of war around you -- burning homes, staggering horses, fallen soldiers. You hear cannons meet their mark and feel the booming vibrations in your feet and feel the thud in your chest. Bright flashes behind the painting direct your attention to a new hit. It is a sobering experience.

Scripture tells us that living a life of faith is to experience a spiritual battle. "Put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places." (Eph. 6:11-12) We may endure harsh words that cut like a bayonette, or feel the searing strike of betrayal. Perhaps we struggle with fear or depression that feels like a dull and constant roar of chaos in the back of our minds -- seemingly ever-present and never-ending. Remember that Jesus endured harsh words and betrayal. He felt emotions like grief and anger. He endured the cross so that those who believe could have eternal life. He understands our pain. "In the days of His flesh, He offered up both prayers and supplications with loud crying and tears to the One able to save Him from death, and He was heard because of His piety. Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered." (Heb. 5:7-8)

Throughout His life and ministry on earth, Jesus never lost His focus. He was here to do the will of His Father. We need to be accomplishing His will in our lives. "Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Heb. 12:1-2) Come alongside those who are staggering and struggling on the battlefield of life and encourage them. Pray for them and with them. Remember that we are a witness for our Savior. We must teach our children what it means to be a soldier of Christ.

As the cyclorama presentation closed, the narrator read a quote by Union Colonel Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain that I found powerful and worthy of consideration:

"In great deeds, something abides. On great fields something stays. Forms change and pass; bodies disappear, but spirits linger, to consecrate the ground for the vision-place of souls. Generations that know us not and that we know not of, [are] heart-drawn to see where and by whom great things were suffered and done for them..."

Paul instructs Timothy to "pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called..." (1 Tim. 6:11-12)

When future generations hear your life story, what will your legacy look like?
Will they see a life of faith and obedience?
Will they see Jesus?

Gettysburg - Part I

My husband and I recently had the opportunity to visit Gettysburg National Military Park. Before touring the battlefield, we watched the movie in the Visitor's Center to get a brief reminder of this time in U.S. history. The country was embroiled in civil war. One of the main issues dealt with freedom of the slaves. The unity of the country hung in the balance. The film was narrated by Morgan Freeman, and near the end he said, "Freedom, like power, will always be contested."

This was a reminder to me that this is true for the spiritual life as well. We see in Isaiah 14:13-14 where Satan challenges God. "But you said in your heart, 'I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God, and I will sit on the mount of assembly in the recesses of the north, I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the most High." God's response to this brazen statement is to cast him out of heaven. From the very beginning of time we see Satan asserting and inserting himself in situations where he can create confusion, cause doubt, grasp for power, and try to bind us up in the grip of sin. In the Garden of Eden, he creates doubt in Eve's mind about God's instructions and the consequences of eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. She chooses to disobey God's instructions, sin enters the world, and humanity becomes enslaved to sin.

We must remember that we have freedom in Christ. Galatians 5:1 says, "It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery." Christ died and rose again so that we could be forgiven of our sins and live a life of freedom in Him. In verses 7-9, Paul says, "You were running well; who hindered you from obeying the truth? This persuasion did not come from Him who calls you. A little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough." Satan wants nothing more than to hinder and bind up the believer as we run the race for Christ. Sin, if left unchecked, can permeate throughout our lives spreading destruction and binding us up with pain and guilt. Sin is a hindrance to a life of freedom. In verse 13 Paul says, "For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another."

We should not be surprised by Satan's constant attacks on our freedom in Christ. Jesus tells us in John 10:10 that this is the enemy's very nature, and has been since the beginning of time. In this same verse, Jesus also tells us why He came, and what His desire is for His children...

"The thief comes only to steal, and kill, and destroy. I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly." (John 10:10)

"Walk by the Spirit..." (Galatians 5:16)
"Press on toward the goal..." (Philippians 3:14)
"Walk in the newness of life." (Romans 6:4)

Be free
Run well
Live abundantly!

One Thousand Gifts

(I started this list earlier this year, but haven't gotten around to posting these until now. It is my intention to post my list every Monday, so these first few weeks will be somewhat dated...)

1. My son's eyes pausing to look up and gaze at the night sky.

2. The smell of damp soil in the breeze.

3. Sunlit birch branches scratching a charcoal sky.

4. Pink cheeks flush with excitement.

5. Husband and daughter skating hand in hand.

6. Family game nights full of laughter.

7. Eyes twinkling with mischief...

8. A flock of swans resting on rippling waters.

9. Husband and son playing duets on the piano.

10. Quiet time with You.

11. A quiet meal alone.

12. Delicate pansies clothed in regal purple and vibrant yellow.

13. Bread fresh from the oven -- warm, soft, crusty.

14. Tastebuds.

15. Distant blue mountains, covered in patchwork snow blankets.

Something Good!

We recently visited some friends this summer, and as we were sitting down to dinner one night, I overheard this conversation between my children and one of their daughters:

My son: “What’s for dinner?”
Their daughter: “Something good!”
My daughter: “What is it?”
Their daughter: “I don’t know.”

This struck me as a beautiful example of contentment and gratitude. Here was a child’s expression of thankfulness for the food that would be placed before her, before she even knew what it was. Her comments represent security in knowing that her parents faithfully provide for her needs, and she doesn’t even need all of the details to know that what they provide for her will be good.

As the world continues to careen out of control, I notice an increasing level of fear, even among believers. This sweet conversation between children reminded me of the need to have childlike faith. The apostle Paul mentions in Philippians 4:11 that he has learned to be content in whatever circumstances he finds himself. Paul knew who his Father was, and lived in complete reliance on His faithfulness and goodness. Later in that same chapter (v.19), he writes, “And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” We can trust in the faithfulness and goodness of God and live in contentment and security, knowing that He will supply all of our needs.

I recently read an excellent book on heaven, and my thoughts have been occupied with what it will be like. I can easily imagine having a similar exchange when we are seated at the marriage supper of the Lamb.

Fellow believer: “What’s for dinner?”
Me: “Something good!”