Christmas Joy Cookies

Sing, O heavens!
Be joyful, O earth!
And break out in singing, O mountains!
For the Lord has comforted His people,
And will have mercy on His afflicted.

Isaiah 49:13
This scripture verse is so wonderful. What greater JOY can we have than to know that God sent His only son to save us? And what greater hope to the chronically ill and to our caregivers than to know He is with us always. My reflection on this passage has found it to be a great source of comfort and JOY.

But more JOY has been given to me this past year than I could ever imagine. The reason is that I have, and you have, been able to witness something awesome. By ministering to one another through the vehicle of PLWP we take on the voice of God. His Spirit shines brightly in the night when all the insomniacs come together to share and support each other. Isn’t it overwhelming to think that our words of comfort and advice to others are actually the spirit working through us?

Through the friendship of Sandy Norris I have come to know a soft and gentle voice who reminds me that our loving Father is always there so we can climb up on His lap because we are His children and in doing so our troubles will be gone. That is one terrific image and Sandy is one terrific lady who ministers to every broken spirit that arrives on her porch, taking them in, filling their soul and setting them free to move on and do the same for others.

Then there is Jim Newton, aka “Figgy” my Literatti buddy. During one of our first conversations he told me he questioned God about PD saying “Why me Lord” and then answered his own question “Why not me”. To me this reveals the parkie spirit I have found in most of us that is attributed to a strong faith in God who gives us the strength, as well as our caregivers, to “make it” through to the next day. The Spirit is alive and well in Figgy for sure.

I have also met a guardian angel named “Charlie”. He has been known for his gift of a sixth sense and being able to pop up at your doorstep via instant messenger at a time when he’s needed most. The standard answer if you question Charlie about his perfect timing is, “I just knew you needed some help”. Once again I am awed at having God’s word and support given to me in the guise of a human voice leading me on to carry out His plan...

The heart of God is alive and well in Joan Snyder. She reminds me of our Fathers love which is like a never ending river from which flows the gifts of love and friendship. I am so grateful that I was able to navigate my way into meeting her.

The word of God and the soul of man can be found in the writings of my dear friend Pauline. She is a reflection of the humility of Jesus in that there is so much talent in her words but she is very modest in the acknowledgement of this gift.

David Vaughn, what can I say? You are His hands, feet and voice. God Bless and keep you strong to do His work.

Tim Foley, I never saw your face but God’s reflection certainly beams up at you each morning when you look in the mirror.

And when I picture Jesus I see Him as a smiling, laughing, loving Father. Kelley Moses, Sylvia Cable and Ryan Trip certainly manifest this quality.

I wish I had more space to keep on writing because in each and every one of you that have touched my life in some way have left an imprint that has changed me for the better. In other words the gift of God himself in communion with your soul has touched my heart and life. For all of you I give thanks and because of you I have JOY in my life.

I almost forgot the cookie recipe. Here it is:

Joy Cookies

All the PLWP family, friends and caregivers
Mix well

Results: JOY BEYOND ANY MEASURE

 
Love Carolyn (Gunny)

email Carolyn