Love, Cookies, and the Kindness of Strangers

John 3:16

King James Version (KJV)

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

John 13:34

King James Version (KJV)

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

As I’m sure you already know, Valentine’s Day is fast approaching. The day of love, flowers, candy…and sadness to a lot of people. People are so much more isolated than they used to be. Oh sure, we have our iphones (well, I don’t have one but I’m a rebel in that way) so we’re connected to Facebook and Twitter and such and know exactly what kind of sweater Sally Sue bought last week, but when we’re texting and reading while in line at the grocery store, who else are we ignoring?

Some of my happiest days are when a stranger is friendly in a store, or when a cashier actually looks at me and smiles. People still need this old-fashioned in person interaction. This confirmation that yes, you are alive, I noticed that and I do wish you a good day. You mean enough to me and to God and we both want you know that you aren’t invisible and you do matter, and deserve to be acknowledged even if it’s just a simple “hello” with a smile.

God loves us enough that Jesus died on the cross so that we can be free from the burdens of our sins and live with him in Heaven one day. Even when it seems that you have no one, always know that you have God. He will never leave you nor forsake you. He is always there to listen. He feels our heartache. He knows our deepest secrets. He loves us no matter what. You are loved. Remember that this Valentine’s Day.

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

If you’re looking for a sweet treat to make at home for Valentine’s Day or any other day, try these sugar cookies. They do puff up a little and don’t perfectly keep their shape, but it’s sooo worth the imperfect hearts for perfectly delicious cookies.

Sweet Sugar Cookies
[Printable Recipe]

1-1/2 cups powdered sugar

1 cup butter, softened

1 egg

1-1/2 tsp. vanilla

2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp. baking soda        

1 tsp. cream of tartar (sold with the spices/baking items)

Extra powdered sugar to dust dough and work surface.

Mix powdered sugar, butter, egg, and vanilla in large mixing bowl. In separate bowl, stir together flour, baking soda and cream of tartar. Add to creamed sugar & butter mixture, and mix.

Pat dough into a circle, cover with saran wrap and refrigerate an hour or so.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Dust a large cutting board, or work area with powdered sugar (instead of flour!) to keep dough from sticking.

Divide dough in half. Roll each half to approximately 1/4'” thick. Cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters, re-rolling the dough scraps and cutting again until all the dough is used up. Place cookie shapes approximately 2” apart on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake until edges are very light brown, 9-1/2 minutes for my oven. Cool completely before decorating.

Makes approximately 2 dozen large cookies.

Sugar Cookie Frosting

4 cups powdered sugar

½ cup real butter (or shortening if desired)

5 tbsp. milk

1 tsp. vanilla (use clear vanilla if you want a pure white icing)

Food coloring if desired.

In a large bowl cream together the powdered sugar and butter until smooth. Gradually mix in the milk and vanilla with an electric mixer until smooth. Divide and add food coloring if desired.

Note: Use more milk for a runnier frosting, or less for a thicker frosting to pipe designs.

Then set your 4 year old loose with the sprinkles like I did! They’ll love helping to decorate the cookies. 

 ~This Glorious Day