I made cookies over the weekend. Although there were plenty of tasks I “should have” done instead, I needed to do something that made me feel normal, creative… and – in the end – something was accomplished that was visible and complete. I went so far as to arrange the cookies in straight lines, lining them up one against the other as if the tray would be photographed for Gourmet magazine. I did this to visually experience “order” because last week at work was so very out of order.
Someone recently said they prefer cooking to baking because it isn’t exact whereas baking requires precise measurements. I never gave thought to baking being precise. That made me think of the other activities I consider hobbies or relaxing activities: Target shooting. Organizing. Labeling boxes in the basement. Straightening photos on the wall…
There seems to be a theme😄.
While the stunning galaxy we dwell in has astonishing order, earthly day-to-day existence is often disorderly. Utterly chaotic. Stressful. Unpredictable.Sometimes I need to sit and look at an established, tall tree. Immovable. Rooted under the ground for a half mile in either direction. Gentle flow of leaves slightly shimmering while the trunk leads to deep roots that spread a half mile in either direction. Beautiful. Strong.
Sometimes I stare up at the constellations. My spirit needs reminder that He’s got this. In the midst of disorder, there is astounding order in the galaxies.
These feelings make me think of the song Symphony by Switch…
“‘Cause even in the madness
There is peace
Drowning out the voices all around me
Through all of this chaos
You are writing a symphony
A symphony…
You’ll never let me drown
I know that my hope is found
In the name of Jesus…”
Sometimes I just need to bake. Exact. Visually appealing. Delicious. It has a start that provides a satisfying conclusion in a relatively short amount of time – unlike endless work projects. The finished product gives satisfaction. I feel like something was accomplished. It brings joy.
While the cookies below are the ones I made…I did in fact, alter the recipe. Yes, baking is more exact than cooking but I still tend to make baking recipes my own! To this recipe, I always add a handful of mini chocolate chips, eliminate the walnuts and add 1 cup of butterscotch morsels.
https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/24445/chewy-chocolate-chip-oatmeal-cookies/
Insightful thoughts on your response to chaos. It’s nice to know others react to disorder and seek creative outlets. Our creativity is God given. We are made in the image of God, and all you have to do is look around to see His creativity!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your words shimmer, and your cookies look delicious.
It’s wonderful knowing God is in control.
LikeLiked by 1 person
He is the only true Rock! Thank you💗.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love chewy chocolate chip cookies, but I’m allergic to oatmeal; I use crushed Rice Bitz (generic Chex).
LikeLiked by 1 person
Interesting substitute! I’ve never heard of that before but it sounds good.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I read Joanne Fluke’s book “Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder.” She includes recipes, and hers used cornflakes because she was out of oatmeal. I never thought of doing that. I’ve tried cornflakes, corn “chex”, and decided I liked the Rice Bitz best. I also tried Crispy Rice, but it couldn’t stand up to the dough.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So interesting! Thank you for sharing this!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Darn, the video on YouTube was unavailable. But your recipe (w alterations) sounds yummy and the cookies look delicious. I need to bake those today. Thanks for sharing. Also, I enjoyed your analogy of the tree – tall, stable, rooted. And the comparison of cooking to baking. ‘Tis true … and is exactly why I like cooking best. Exactness is not my gift and your list of relaxing things to do sound like hard work to me. Thank God He gave us each our own unique gifts, huh?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes!😄He gifts us uniquely for sure! If you google the video for the song maybe it will open up that way…? Sorry it didn’t open directly for you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree with you – baking brings calm, order and peace to me and I love it! I also always put my own twist on whatever I am baking. Your cookies look fabulous and delicious! And that is one of my favorite songs. Thanks for the perfect reminder to put on my praise music and bake today ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yours sounds like a great day ahead!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I get that. Sometimes we need that feeling of, ‘I’m in control of this one thing!’, even if it’s a tray of cookies. Thank you for sharing.
LikeLiked by 2 people
You get it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh yes darling. Completely! xx
LikeLike
Sometimes, doing what’s good for your soul is a necessary thing. Good for you altering the recipe. It’s important to be authentic when creating. I’m sure they were delicious.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re right…sometimes those things are necessary. Yes, they were so delicious I ate too many!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nothing like enjoying the fruits of your joy.
LikeLiked by 1 person