There has been a whirlwind of blessing at my house lately–and it’s been my undoing. Really in the best of ways–I’m undone.

I became a wife and had a baby all within the last year (all dreams I thought would never, ever come true) and I’m beside myself happy. Yet this season has gifted me the opportunity to be in constant touch with my limitations in ways I didn’t even know possible–I can’t even commit to posting weekly cookie recipes.  Right now, in my current season, I can’t catch up, may never feel caught up ever again. I’ve got friends I’ve not talked to in weeks, family I don’t get to see enough and floors that needed vacuuming months ago. None of this is an exaggeration. It’s humbling. I can do not one thing perfectly, but oh here is the truth I fail to believe: His strength is perfected in my weakness. If this is true, and I know it is, I can live differently.

Recently as I was meditating on 2 Corinthians 12:9, the Lord graciously showed me a beautiful word picture. I like looking up verses I’m studying in other Bible translations, even more so, if it’s a familiar verse.

“but He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you My lovingkindness and My mercy are more than enough–always available–regardless of the situation; for My power is being perfected and is completed and shows itself most effectively in your weakness.” Therefore, I will all the more gladly boast in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may completely enfold me and may dwell in me.” 2 CORINTHIANS 12:9 AMP

I especially like the Amplified (AMP) bible to help expound on key words in the translation. What has been such a comfort to me recently is the Amplified’s use of the word “enfold”.  In the greek the word means “tent upon, abide with, rest upon.” Christ’s power resting upon me, abiding in me, enfolding me, in all my weakness. I looked up “enfold” in the dictionary and was so blessed when I saw in the list of synonyms the word swaddle. I’ve been doing a lot of swaddling lately, and when my wee one is swaddled cozy and tight in a blanket, there is not much else that my little one can do but rest in my arms and find comfort. Sure there is kicking and screaming but what happens when all that fades in trust–rest is found. What an image of what I too can find, as I let the weakness and limitations I face bring me, like a helpless baby, into the arms of Jesus, where all I can do is rest in his power, love and grace. Swaddled safe. Resting in Him. This isn’t just some nice sentiment that get’s slapped on a t-shirt or coffee mug to make us feel better. This is the reality and truth I can build my life upon–run to when I’m panicked and lean on when I’m weary of the imperfect. I want this truth to be more of a reality in my days.

So perhaps some quiet month next year I’ll get you those weeks of cookies and recipes…but for now let’s call them the “lost cookie chronicles” and smile. Living amongst the imperfect is the only living there is and it’s still sweet, because we have a Redeemer who never fails to care for us. I’m praying today that whatever situations and limitations you face, that you remember that the power of Christ has you completely covered, swaddled safe in his power and care. 

I know I owe you 10 or so recipes but let’s start with one, shall we? 

These pumpkin cookies are delicious, wholesome and chewy…not cake-like, like most run-of-the-mill pumpkin cookie varieties. And bonus, you can mix these up in just one saucepan, so clean-up is easy too! Bake these up and enjoy every last little crumble! 

Chewy Pumpkin Cookies

1 cup Butter
1 cup Brown Sugar
1/2 cup Sugar
1 large Egg Yolk
1 Tablespoon Vanilla Extract
2/3 cup Unsweetened Pumpkin Puree
2 1/2 cups Flour
1 cup Oats
1 teaspoon Baking Soda
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1 1/2 teaspoons Pumpkin Pie Spice
3/4 teaspoon Cinnamon
2 cups White Chocolate Chips

In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat. Remove from heat and stir in brown sugar and sugar. Stir for 2-3 minutes or until it becomes silky smooth and glossy. Let cool for 5-10 minutes.

Stir in vanilla and egg yolk. After it is completely mixed, stir in pumpkin puree.

Add flour, oats, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice.  Stir well to incorporate ingredients.

Let chill for 15 minutes. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Stir in white chocolate chips.

Using a cookie scoop or two spoons, drop cookie dough on baking sheets, lined with parchment paper or Silpat. Bake for 10-13 minutes or until lightly golden brown on edges. Let set up for 5-10 minutes before removing from pan.

Source: Modern Honey