Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies= Happiness

So, I think there are different levels and varieties of "happiness" and that to experience glimpses of happiness doesn't mean that everything in your life is perfect. I don't have all the secrets on how to live a happy life or whatnot, but I can say this:

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies= Happiness

Always.

I love fall sooo much. What other time can you have such a perfect combination of boots, hot chocolate, scarves, changing leaves, lots of holidays, and pumpkin food??! It's genius. Anyways, if you need a little pick-me-up...follow these instructions. And, if you're already feeling great about life, this will make you feel even better. So, be like Nike and just do it.

Okay, ready? Here's your list of pick-me-up instructions:

1. Make these cookies (duh). It's the easiest, best thing you could be doing right now. I mean, think about it...it'll make you happy. Then you'll want to spread that happiness to your friends and family, so then you'll share (hypothetically, haha) and everyone will be the better for it. So, this is basically a service project...

All you need is 3 ingredients: 15 oz can of pumpkin, cake mix (it can be any flavor, but I prefer spice), and chocolate chips. Mix these ingredients (the cake mix is just the powder in the box--don't complicate this by trying to make cake), and bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes. It will change your life. 

**If you have other pumpkin recipes that you love, pleasssse share with us! We love food...

2. Read this quote. I read it last night before going to bed and I keep rereading it this morning because I love it so much.

"The Lord allows us to be tried and tested, sometimes to our maximum capacity. We have seen the lives of loved ones—and maybe our own—figuratively burned to the ground and have wondered why a loving and caring Heavenly Father would allow such things to happen. But He does not leave us in the ashes; He stands with open arms, eagerly inviting us to come to Him. He is building our lives into magnificent temples where His Spirit can dwell eternally.

In Doctrine and Covenants 58:3–4, the Lord tells us:

'Ye cannot behold with your natural eyes, for the present time, the design of your God concerning those things which shall come hereafter, and the glory which shall follow after much tribulation.

'For after much tribulation come the blessings. Wherefore the day cometh that ye shall be crowned with much glory.'

I testify that the Lord has a plan for each of our lives. Nothing that happens is a shock or a surprise to Him. He is all-knowing and all-loving. He is eager to help us, to comfort us, and to ease our pain as we rely on the power of the Atonement and honor our covenants. The trials and tribulation that we experience may be the very things that guide us to come unto Him and cling to our covenants so that we might return to His presence and receive all that the Father hath."

-Linda S. Reeves

3. Send a quick text or write a note to someone, thanking them for something they've done for you or letting them know you love them or telling them how awesome they are. Or all of the above :)

4. Watch a couple of these Kid Snippets videos. These are a few of my favorites. They're hilarious.

Enjoy!!!

~Kristilyn