Anyone else feeling sad, discouraged, frustrated, concerned with the state of America right now? Our daughter works on Capitol Hill so you can imagine how hard it is for her!

via GIPHY

We are a country divided, deeply in need of humility and wisdom, so I thought I’d devote this post to resources around peace and understanding.

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 

Romans 12:17-18

You might want to check out a post I wrote a few years ago titled “What Hagar Taught me About Peace.”

I was really convicted by Brené Brown’s book, Braving the Wilderness, and this post on how we dehumanize others in particular!

She also writes that the antidote to armoring up in hard conversations is staying curious. Here are a few of her favorite questions and sentence starters:

Encouragement from Instagram. Come say “hi” over there!

Sometimes we feel separated from God, not just separated from each other. Maybe this song will encourage you today.

Lastly, on Instagram stories this week I posted a picture of Susan’s famous maple frosted cookies I was baking and someone asked for the recipe.

These are not the usual kind of cookies we like (they’re soft, not crispy), but everyone loves them in the fall!

Maple Frosted Cookies

Mix:

  • 1/2 cup shortening
  • 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
  • 2 eggs

Add:

  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 ts. maple flavoring

Blend in:

  • 2 3/4 cups flour
  • 1/2 ts. baking soda
  • 1 ts. salt

Chill dough 2-4 hours. Heat oven to 375. Drop tablespoons of dough on greased cookie sheet. Bake 10 minutes or til no imprint shows when lightly touched.

Glaze:

  • 1/2 cup butter melted
  • Stir in 2 cups powdered sugar
  • Add 2 ts. maple flavoring
  • Stir in 2-4 TB hot water til smooth

I’ve had 3 fun gatherings around my table this week. What are you up to? How are you embracing this season? I’d love to hear from you (and so would others!)