Cookie Advent week 3 1/2

Cookie Advent day 15 - Almond Crescent cookies
Drenched in almonds and dusty in powdered sugar = yummy
Thinking about these cookie ingredients leads my mosaic brain (as my husband calls it) to thoughts of ingredients of a different kind; namely our hearts at Christmas.
Allow me to explain... you mix a little of Christmas carols with crowded stores and than throw in some children singing those Christmas carols and Salvation Army bell ringers with stacks of Christmas cards to address and send and then reading Christmas cards as they arrive in your mailbox. Next you add in church, with timely sermons and refreshing hymns and people being just a little more friendly than their usual friendly. All dusty with an occasional snowstorm and viola, you've got Christmas; American style...
A far cry from the original Christmas to say the least!
I believe that Jesus is not impressed with this style of celebrating His birth. Wouldn't he just much rather sit down with us in a cozy room and listen to what's really on our hearts or even better; perhaps He would like to share with us what is on His heart? He doesn't require glitzy decorations or Christmas pageants... but just a simple and humble heartfelt Hug of a relationship... something that is two-way, and seeking to glorify all that He is...

Cooke Advent day 16 - Choffee (Chocolate Chip Toffee) cookies
Today's recipe comes from a sweet lady in Minnesota who learned the recipe from her Grandmother.
Recently someone asked me about my baking heritage; this is truly something passed down to me from my Grandma (Perry). I have many fond memories of baking cookies with her in her kitchen...
I was also asked about what inspires my baking; truly the answer to that question is love. This time of year, there is a lot of baking going on! I like to think that all the baking traditions originate with love. Giving of oneself to another through time and sacrifice. Jesus is our original example of this. His life and death truly epitomize love. His gift to us was more than we will ever receive on any fancy plate or decorated package.

Cookie Advent day 17 - Italian Rainbow cookies
What is your heritage? Mine is French. I don't speak the language nor have I ever been to France (although I have dreams of going there some day http://www.pinterest.com/aj64/france-someday/).
America is a melting pot of people groups. Since I have been on earth (pushing 50 years)... I have noticed a morph happen, over the years, during the Christmas season...
Now a days people believe it is more 'politically correct' to say "Happy Holidays" or "Season's Greetings" because we certainly don't want to offend or exclude anyone by simply saying "Merry Christmas".
But what about Jesus? It's His birth that is the whole point of the Christmas season. I choose not to offend Him! I say "Merry Christmas" daily to all I come in contact with.
Merry = laughter, joy, praise
CHRISTmas = I choose to celebrate Jesus Christ!
Celebrate HIM today and throughout this glorious season!

Cookie Advent day 18 - Chocolate Crinkle cookies
Today on this cookie journey I wish to speak about fasting... I know it's rather unusual, but bear with me.
Being raised in a strict religion (which required fasting of two entire meals in one day each month and the money saved by not eating, to be given to the religious organization), I didn't approach fasting as a true believer in Christ with a very good impression. I truly did not see any connection between worship and fasting. I only saw it as a money transaction for that particular organization.
But my loving husband has helped me to understand the worship component of fasting. The art of excluding something from my normal daily life for the sole reason of drawing nearer to the Lord. Not a forced pious sacrifice. So now I choose to fast... to draw near to the Lord of heaven and earth.To give up some convenience or indulgence without drawing attention to this fact; simply keeping it between my Lord and myself. Our little intimate secret.

Cookie Advent day 19 - Royal Icing
For Today I have the recipe for Royal Icing. Not a cookie; but a cookie adornment of the "royal" kind.
Makes me think of royalty... something that isn't really emphasized here in America. Yet, overall, I believe everyone has some sense of what that means.
Royalty=not common, an elite class, regal character, members of a royal family (blood-line).
Some of the references given to Jesus are King, the Messiah, the Lord of Lords. The Bible teaches us that He sits on the right hand of God who sits on a heavenly throne. God has heavenly attendants (i.e. angels) who worship Him. When I take the time to really focus on the royal emphasis of heaven, my life begins to take perspective. In my own heart of hearts I realize just how far away from royalty my meager life is... and yet, not only does the Lord of heaven and earth notice little old me; He pursued me. He stopped at nothing (and gave everything) to purchase my miry clay of a life and set apart that which He created for His glory.
I am bought with a price and adopted into the family of God... simply for having asked Jesus to forgive me and was open to receive His life giving sacrifice.
Now THAT is the greatest gift ever!

Cookie Advent day 20 - Coconut Joys
Do you remember the first time it 'clicked' in your heart about Jesus? My memory is a beautiful sunny day at a park watching my children play. I was reading a small gospel of John; which is remarkable since I barely knew anything about the Bible. But for some reason, at that precise moment in time; I got it and my heart was flooded with joy!
Have you experienced that joy? Do you 'get' the whole meaning of Jesus? If not, my friend, I am praying for you...
Let's start at the beginning...
The Word Became Flesh
In the beginning was the Word (another name for Jesus), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it... continue reading here https://www.bible.com/bible/59/jhn.1.esv

Cookie Advent day 21 - Shortbread Linzer with Cranberry filling
Ahhh the cranberry. A plump berry packed with antioxidants and nutrients and enjoyed all over North America (and Canada). I did a little research this morning and found that the cranberry is actually a type of evergreen (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cranberry). A beautiful red and green plant where the berries are actually bigger than the leaves.
God designed this little gem of a berry. Actually the berry was His unique idea! We can thank Him for the bounty of the earth of all kinds.
We can thank Him for the different seasons and regions of the earth as well (like Scotland where the Shortbread originated)!
Actually once we get started thanking God for the bounty of the eart and all our blessings of life, it builds momentum! There is truly SO MUCH to thank Him for!
Thank you God for Jesus; the reason for this splendid season!

Cookie Advent day 22 - Nutmeg Sticks
It's not so much the cookie (although these sound yummy), but the sweet tradition that really caught my attention. The author of the recipe and their 25 year tradition of getting together every year at her mother in laws house to bake Christmas cookies together...
Ahhh tradition... this time of year is steeped in traditions of all kinds. And family get togethers are usually at the top of the list. A funny friend recently said 'it's always good to see visiting family pull in the drive way and even better to see their tail-lights as they leave'! (let's be honest, you laughed a little!)
Thank the good Lord that He doesn't feel that way about us! God loves us so much, He pursues us! He seeks us out! He stopped at nothing (including all that Jesus is and did and does) to offer us reconciliation and adoption into His family! He wants us! He loves us! He wants us to want and need Him... He longs to be our everything...
Just dwell on that for a few moments, then read Psalm https://www.bible.com/bible/59/psa.100.esv

Cookie Advent day 23 - Peppermint Candy Christmas cookies
Oh me oh my, these little gems may look like ordinary heart shaped cookies, but they have a sweet secret tucked inside! A peppermint cream cheese filling!
Makes me think about how many of us believers can be today; we may look like your basic ordinary person on the outside, but there is the sweet Spirit of God tucked inside us.
The problem is, God doesn't want His Spirit simply tucked inside, but oozing out through us! When one receives Christ and His forgiveness, not only does He take up residence in our heart, He wants to live in us and Shine through us.

Cookie Advent day 24 - Mexican Chocolate Icebox cookies
Sweet and spicy and chocolate! It's interesting how a little heat (spice) can really bring out the flavor and sweetness.
What about you? When the heat is on in your life are you sweeter? I love the story of the gold refiners pot. In order to produce pure gold, the heat must be really hot to pull out the dross and impurities of the molten liquid. The way the gold refiner can tell if the gold is pure is to be able to look down into the pot of gold and see their reflection.
That what God is doing to us, He is refining us through trials and testings and tribulations. Not to destroy us, but to draw us close to Him.
Today is Christmas Eve... a day for us to reflect and bask in His glory! The glory that came down from heaven in the former of an innocent and vulnerable infant. He was dependent on us and now we are to be dependent on Him for life and salvation.

Cookie Advent day 25 - Frosted Cashew cookies
This cookie advent has been my pleasure! Each day I began with a timely message from the bible (https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/26-rediscovering-the-christmas-season)
Then I would click on over to the wonderful cookie blog page!
Today I am very thankful for Jesus, the author and finisher of my faith!
I am also thankful to be literate. It's truly a gift; earthly allbeit, but still a gift... I can pick up the bible (or click to it on the internet) and viola! there it is, God's true word for all the world to see!
The internet definitely has its draw backs, but there is one hidden gem... God's Word; His love letter to the world - for free!
That is a GREAT gift! The God of the universe loves us and transcribed some wonderful news for us! He didn't rush through, He took His time... and it was worth it! You can read it for yourself here; https://www.bible.com/bible/59/jhn.3.16-21.esv
Merry Christmas dear reader!
recipes can be found at http://www.thisheartofmineblog.com/2011/11/16/25-days/, http://www.epicurious.com/articlesguides/holidays/christmas/cookie-rainbow-chocolate-almond7, and http://www.saveur.com/article/Recipes/Mexican-Chocolate-Icebox-Cookies-1000068795

Cookie Advent week 2

Cookie Advent day 8 - Peppermint Meringues. A delicate little bite of wonderful! No flour in this little gem of a recipe...
The Lord, who is powerful and mighty and awesome. Is also delicate and loves beauty. Just take a close look at any flower that He designed!
He is also intimate in His love for His sheep. He longs so much for an intimate and close relationship that He held nothing back to purchase it!
He loves us. Just dwell in that thought... the God who created heaven and earth, loves YOU!

Cookie Advent day 9 - Italian Ricotta cookies. These cookies look a little lumpy and bumpy, but taste wonderful ! (or so I hear)
Isn't that a lot like life; lumpy and bumpy? Looking at this cookie picture reminds me of two things; life is messy, but we need to give it our all, no matter what!
The Lord wants to take our lumps and bumps and use them to His glory. He can create something wonderful out of chaos and brings beauty out of ashes. I know this for a fact, because that is exactly what he has done (and is doing) in my life! Praise God from whom all blessings flow...

Cookie Advent day 10 - Gingerbread cookies. Did you ever make gingerbread men when you were a kid? Wasn't it easy to have that special cookie cutter that made uniform shapes of little people? How thankful we should be that God didn't shape us out of the same cookie cutter...
You are unique, one of kind, not made with a cookie cutter! You are you. God loves you just the way you are with all your quirks and eccentricities. He designed you with love. He knew you before you were born and He (God of the universe) planned YOU.
Are you comfortable in your own skin? Are you striving to be someone or something else? Don't. God loves you for you.
Today just reflect on that realization... and talk to Him about those personal issues that you are trying to deal with... He is the great Counselor!

Cookie Advent day 11 - Oreos
The cookie with something for everyone; chocolate and vanilla, it's a classic!
Because of our colorful household, my hubby and I joke about having a "White" and "Black" Christmas... (perhaps you need to know us to really 'get' it!). But recently we were driving some kids home from church and I mentioned that our household has an "Oreo Christmas"!
People can get so hung up on skin color... now granted, respect for all ethnic groups is a must, but deep down we are all the same. Sinners in need of a Savior.
I used to say that when it came to people, I was 'color-blind', but corrected myself when I realized that ethnicity needs to be respected. It's disrespectful to sum everyone up and not recognize the struggles that have brought our America to the melting pot that it is today. Not all American's came here willingly. And those that were traditionally here first were ostracized and treated like 3rd class citizens. These facts are truly a blight on our nation's history.
Having said all that, I will step down from my soapbox and simply Praise the Lord that He loves us all the same. Jesus died for us, all the same. God has a longing desire to save us, all the same.

Cookie Advent day 12 - Cocoa Thumbprints
Have you ever seen artwork that included a thumbprint from the artist? Often this is seen in primitive stoneware. An artist that works with their hands, can't help but leave their unique identification on their designs.
I often say that each individual life is as unique as the respective persons thumbprint. No two people are exactly the same.
God did this. He has uniquely crafted each and every person. He also does this in nature; i.e. leaves, snowflakes, flower petals, etc...
You are you, uniquely designed by God to have a personal and intimate relationship with your Creator.
Just bask in that realization today... and enjoy a cookie!

Cookie Advent day 13 - Brown Sugar cookies with Mint Chocolate Glaze
Not your average sugar cookie...
As a person, are you the 'typical' or the 'not your average' person? Especially this time of year, the typical impulse is to be overwhelmed, over stretched and over extended... totally lacking Joy and Merriment.
Have you noticed that it takes effort to say "Merry Christmas"? Personally I've been trying to say that as I meet up with people throughout the day.
Merry Christmas = strange looks because it's not yet the actual day of; but I believe it should be the heart of this season. To celebrate and relax and be merry.
So today I say to YOU, Merry Christmas!

Cookie Advent day 14 - Nutella Hazelnut cookies
I know a young man who loves Nutella so much that he asks for his own jar of it for his birthday! That made me smile when he shared that with me recently...
We 'love' a lot of things now a days... cell phones, tv shows,shoes, etc... I think you get the point. I am at great fault for overusing this sentiment on the material things in life, too.
But true love is sacrificial. True love says "I love so much that I am willing to give up something just to secure it or to prove it". Jesus is the ultimate example of sacrificial love. God demonstrated His sacrificial love through Jesus... His birth was miraculous, that is a fact. But His life and death were entirely for the benefit of others. Jesus lived His life as an example of sacrificial love. He gave up His life in the ultimate sacrifice. Now that IS love!

Oh how I am enjoying this season!  Each day I read "rediscovering-the-christmas-season" on YouVersion... then I launch into posting on facebook the cookie of the day.  It's really fun!  I am trying to have 'fun' this month. Bound and determined to not let anything steal my JOY!  How about you?

This weeks cookie recipes are located at  http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/cocoa-thumbprints-recipe/index.html  and http://www.thisheartofmineblog.com/2011/11/16/25-days/

Cookie Advent week 1

This is a first for me, as far as celebrating Advent goes.  It's something that I truly have never experienced.  But I've been studying the reason for Advent and this is how it is being manifested so far!  
I started this Cookie Advent on a whim... each day in December, I've been changing my facebook https://www.facebook.com/alisa.johnson.735 profile picture to the cookie of the day and sharing the recipe and a few random thoughts about Jesus and cookies... I can see that I began slowly, but each day my heart is getting more full (and my thoughts more focused)!

Cookie advent day 1 - English Toffee cookies. Jesus is THE sweet in life! We should anticipate Him like we do anticipate when the house is filled with wonderful smells!
 
Cookie advent day 2 - Almond Toffee cookies. Some eyes are almond shaped. God did this on purpose! He knows every hair on your head and you are the apple of HIS eye!

Cookie Advent day 3 - Cake Cookies. Jesus doesn't play favorites like people do. He accepts us just the way we are. I always taught my children that people come in all different colors and sizes. What a blessing to know that Jesus loves us!

Cookie Advent day 4 - Candy Cane S'mores. What's not to love about the candy cane? I would guess it's THE most popular candy this time of year. My favorites are Bob's brand!
The hard candy symbolizes the Solid Rock of Jesus Christ. The traditional two colors represent the sinless birth of Jesus and HIS shed blood.
The shape can be thought of in two ways; "J" for Jesus or the shepherds staff which He uses to guide His wayward sheep. " Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved..." (Romans 10:13)

Cookie Advent day 5 - Ginger Cookies. Ahhh... ginger. The smell and thought of gingerbread is very much a Christmas smile. God made ginger, it was His idea! A root, actually. The flowering plant is beautiful, and then tucked underground is this wonderful medicinal, soothing, root.
When God created the earth and all the plant life, He had a perfect design. He likes to get to the root of things. He's not so much interested in externals. He knows the treasure lies within.
Our hearts are important to Him, he knows that there lies what he treasure most in us! This wonderful season is all about how He seeks us; came to earth to redeem us, longs for us to receive Him.

Cookie Advent day 6 - A Cup of Everything Cookies! Luke 6:38 "give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” Giving seems to be the theme on my heart this morning... These delicious cookies remind me to throw it all in the mixing bowl of life; put your all in there! Whatever we have to give, can be a blessing no matter how meager.
It is truly more blessed to give than receive! God gave us the ultimate example when He sent Jesus to give His life for us, no one can top that gift!
  
Cookie Advent day 7 - Sour Cream Sugar Cookies.  It's funny how at the busiest time of the year, we often take time to decorate sugar cookies!  This is not an easy task, but with beautiful results!. 
We also decorate our homes (some people even decorate their car)!  God is the master designer and decorator, all one must do is simply look at a flower (like the poinsettia) to see that.
Last year I decided on a 'theme' for my Christmas decorations.  It's the word JOY (Jesus-Others-You).  All my Christmas decorations include that word or theme.  It's a good reminder to me that Jesus is the provider of my joy!  Joy is not like happiness... happiness is fleeting (and usually tied to material things), but joy goes deep into the soul.  Joy is something that one can have in their heart even when everything around them is chaos.  Joy is peace personified! It truly comes from putting Jesus and Others before self.

These recipes can be found at http://www.thisheartofmineblog.com/2011/11/16/25-days/ and http://www.roxanashomebaking.com/candy-cane-smores-recipe/