“The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” ” Psalm 14:1
“And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him” Mark 2:14
“And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” Mark 8:34
Chocolate Chip Cookies are a staple at my house. I make them so much that it is hard for me to believe anyone would not know a recipe for chocolate chip cookies, or know how to make them. Two days ago, however, I realized that I had never baked this essential treat with one of my granddaughters. Yesterday we began the process of learning how to make chocolate chip cookies.
There is an art and a science to baking these cookies. The recipe is wonderful; foolproof. Yet, as with anything in life, it is not foolproof! I have burned them, undercooked them, not put in enough flour, put in too much flour, and put in too many chips for my husband’s liking (I know, is there such a thing as too many chips?!)! Most of the time, this recipe works; every once in a while, I fail the recipe.
The operative term here is foolproof. April Fool’s Day is approaching; a day when we like to try to catch others with funny pranks and jokes, proving what we would all like to believe, that we are not as big a sucker as the next guy. It’s not true, we are all equally fools, apt to fall for various schemes, scams and scandals. You may not believe tabloid headlines or callers demanding you pay a ransom for a loved one, but beware when the malware warning pops up on your computer or a beloved friend or relative convinces you to invest in beachfront property in Arizona.
The unexpecteds of life interfere with our most carefully laid plans and goals, catching us off guard and unaware even when we realize and accept the changeable nature of existence. Somehow we are able to see the pitfalls ahead of everyone but ourselves! As soon as we buy the concept that something is foolproof just how foolish we are becomes apparent!
How much time and money do we spend on ‘proven methods’ of weight loss, decluttering, financial freedom, kicking an addiction, getting in shape, and finding true love? Just read this book, buy this course, take this pill, join this gym, follow this guru . . . Foolproof or proving the fool?
That’s why I love this chocolate chip cookie recipe. In fact the recipe is easy. Using Gold Medal flour and Crisco is non-negotiable for a proper outcome. People that choose to use a less expensive brand may make good cookies, or may fail, the choice is theirs. On any given day something might be off, but overall, following this recipe over and over will ultimately yield delicious chocolate chip cookies.
The message of Jesus is easy. “Follow me,” he says, “I have words of eternal life.” Following Jesus, the one and only Savior of the world, is non-negotiable, no other brand, no other name will do. On any given day it may seem difficult, but it is the only recipe that will yield eternal life in heaven. Jesus offers everyday freedom from sin and shame. Jesus’ part of the deal, like Crisco, was very costly; but the reward guarantees all who believe in Him salvation. Some things are worth the cost.
Yesterday began what I hope is a lifelong love of baking chocolate chip cookies for my granddaughter. I believe that with time and practice and the recipe, she will follow in the footsteps of her mother and me and my mother in living a life filled with everyday chocolate chip cookies. So much more important, however, is the message of Jesus. Believing in Him, following Him day after day, living a life filled with the Spirit of God.
I have shared this recipe before, but for those of you who have not tried it, get to work! Your family and friends will love you for it.
Chocolate Chip Cookies
- 1 cup Crisco
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 1/2 – 3 cups Gold Medal Flour
- 1 – 2 cups chocolate chips, or any kind of chips
Measure Crisco and place in a mixing bowl with both sugars. Stir by hand until well combined. Add eggs and mix. Add in dry ingredients until batter is soft and almost stiff, not too sticky. Add chocolate chips. Drop onto ungreased cookie sheet and bake for 8 minutes, until cookies are set.
