Mona Hodgson's Blog

“Look up, Mona!”

That was me speaking. Yes, talking to myself. Wasn’t the first time. Wasn’t the last.

Here’s some grace for me. For you too, if you talk to yourself.

According to Scripture, I’m in good company. At least that’s true when I’m talking to my soul. The Psalmists, whether it was David or the Sons of Korah, made it a habit to converse with their soul. To remind themselves of God’s goodness and grace.

I’ve decided talking to myself–to my soul–is a spiritual practice worth much merit. Another pathway for seeing beyond myself and (re)centering my focus on my way-maker.

So, why am I giving myself the directive to look up?

Because I don’t. Not often enough. I forget. My default focus tends toward a flat perspective. Looking for and looking at what’s in front of my face. What’s surrounding me at the moment. What’s pressing on my shoulders. The following experience serves as a good example.

My kind of day. Granted, it was still early. Not much time had passed since twilight tapped dawn on the shoulder to step aside for twilight’s dance with sunrise. The three lagoons at Dead Horse Ranch State Park (yes, we’re in Arizona–that is the park’s actual name) served as my gym and my prayer closet. Because of the heat index slated for later in the day, I chose to pound the gravel path before most people cared to roll out of bed.

But when I climbed out of the dry gulley between the first and second lagoons, I spied a man wearing a floppy cap over frizzy gray hair. “Did you see it?” He smoothed his bushy mustache.

“What?” I glanced around me, my focus on the ground. Uh-oh. What was I supposed to have seen? A coyote? A skunk? A rattlesnake? What?

“The bald eagle.” The man pointed a gnarled finger upward. “He’s been circling. Riding the current. But just landed on a perch.”

I lifted my gaze. At the very tip-top of the all-but-barren Cottonwood tree, a white capped, regal bird surveyed the air and water that was his playground and his hunting grounds.

I almost missed the gift God shared with us that morning. Whether I’m looking at beauty or ashes, God has something for me to see, to perceive, to receive. It’s about paying attention, embracing a higher perspective, and accepting God’s grace for and in the moment.

Maybe the something new involves a change of plans, a new mindset, a necessary ending, a fresh start, an opportunity. I don’t know and maybe you don’t see it yet, but keep looking up. To the God who gives good gifts. Don’t miss seeing the bald eagle. Or whatever it is that God is holding out to you.

All of that (and more) is why you’re likely to hear me talking to myself. Urging my soul to look up. To remember the God who loves me. To see and perceive the new thing God is doing.

Is there something you need to say to your soul today?

The post Talking to Myself as a Spiritual Practice appeared first on Mona Hodgson.

Here we stand–on February’s welcome mat. You may or may not know this but evergreens, various pine trees, populate Arizona. We do host myriad cactus too, however, we also see our share of deciduous trees. Sycamores. Cottonwoods. Arizona Ash. Acacia. Mesquite. Elms, and more.

Their leaves have finally given way to cold temps and winter winds. As part of God’s design and holy rhythm, the trees stand bare in their time to wait. It’s their turn to take a break from producing and to rest. Recuperate. To be rejuvenated before they bud and bloom again.

Perhaps you in your spirit and soul, heart and mind and body are in winter, a season of waiting. Looking for something somewhere to sprout. Someone to breathe new life into what was and isn’t anymore. Or could be. Hold onto hope. Jesus came to earth, and Easter Sunday happened! New life is a reality.

The momentum of the new year has me looking forward to my favorite celebration on the calendar. Easter. For Jesus followers, Easter holds the banner of God’s love out to all. Puts His mercy and grace on full display.

To celebrate the hope we have in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, I’m kicking February off with a book giveaway. Not just one book. I have two books for a giveaway. My thanks to Paraclete Press!

Women Who Followed Jesus ~ 40 Devotions on the Journey to Easter by Dandi Daley Mackall, Paraclete Press, 2024

After reading Three Wise Women ~ 40 Devotions Celebrating Advent with Mary, Elizabeth, and Anna by Dandi Daley Mackall, I’ve looked forward to reading Women Who Followed Jesus. Again, the author’s careful study of Scripture and first-century historical references and skillful writing compels readers to walk with eight women who followed Jesus during His in-between times–birth, ministry, death, burial, and resurrection. Her educated imaginings point readers sheds light on the grace and mercy and companionship available to us today.

 

Season of Beauty ~ A Lent and Easter Treasury of Readings, Poems, and Prayers by Paraclete Press, 2024.

Season of Beauty provides a peaceful and beautiful resource for remembering and reflecting on Love incarnate, the gift of Christ’s cross and resurrection. Through artful prose, poetry, Scripture, poignant quotes, and reproductions of Christian Art, Season of Beauty invites us  into contemplation of the hope we have in the light that dawns in these holy days between Lent and Easter.

 

To ENTER THE GIVEAWAY for one of these two books, simply comment on this post with one of your favorite Easter memories.

The giveaway ends Sunday February 4th at midnight (MST). Comment and share your favorite Easter memory now!

The post An Easter Two Books Giveaway appeared first on Mona Hodgson.

Early one morning the week before Christmas, before any other creatures stirred, I set my cup of peach-ginger tea on the table beside the armchair then stilled myself under a cozy fleece blanket. Enveloped in quietness, I closed my eyes and drew in a deep breath. After a long, slow exhale, I repeated the practice several times. When my spirit quieted some, I whispered, “I come.”

I repeated my acceptance of Jesus’ invitation from Matthew 11 on a breath. Again and again. “I come.”

This time in the stillness, I received a word . . .

Discernment.

The word settling into my consciousness that morning hadn’t been a stranger to me in the month of December. At least twice, the word discernment had hit pause in my mind grabbing my mental attention for more than a mere second.

The first pause came during my reading in Philippians. In chapter 1 v9-10, the apostle Paul wrote, “And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ.”

On a separate occasion, while listening to a Practicing the Way teaching podcast*, John Mark Comer shared that learning to discern how God is coming to you through the events of your life, for the moments of your life, for what is happening to you or what is not happening to you is a key part of learning to hear God’s voice.

Number three was the whisper in my spirit that crisp morning while I rested in my armchair. Father God held my attention as I sat in stillness. In the quiet solitude, I battled my many internal distractions to contemplate what the Lord wanted me to do with the notion of discernment.

Year after year for several years now, I’ve asked the Lord to give me a word that represents an overarching focus for the upcoming new year.

Listen from Proverbs 8:33, Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not disregard it. 

Spacious from Psalm 118:5, When hard pressed, I cried to the LORD; He brought me into a spacious place.

Delight from Psalm 37:4, Delight yourself in the Lord.

Just to name a few.

I hadn’t yet asked for a focus word and Scripture verse for 2024. Turned out I didn’t have to. Yep, discernment is the one word and the focus for the new year stretched out before me.

What meaning and purpose am I to unpack from this three-syllable word? How does the Holy Spirit wish to guide me in this new year with the gift of discernment?

In the Merriam Webster Dictionary discernment offers the ability to comprehend what is obscure; it’s an act of perceiving something. Things like reality and truth. Essentially discernment is the ability to see or understand something clearly.

Pastor Paul packed Philippians 1 v9 and 10 full of encouragement and equipping, full of purpose and promise. Our goal is that our love for God and others would overflow in knowledge and depth of insight, so that we would be able to discern, perceive, know what is right. What is aligned with God’s will. What is best. Not just good or better, but best. Perfect for the launch of a fresh start.

The ability to discern is not a passive verb. Instead, discernment requires action. A choice comes into play when I embrace this one word gift of discernment. Love over contempt. Truth over lies. Faith over fear. Wisdom over folly.

Friend, I hope you’ll choose with me to open the Holy Spirit’s gift of discernment today and everyday in 2024.

PRAYER

Father God, thank you for the ability we have through the redeeming work of Jesus, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit to discern lies from truth, right from wrong, and what is best from what is good. Help us to grow in our love for You and to open Your amazing gift of discernment more and more frequently. Regularly. Habitually. In Christ, we pray these things. Amen

Do you engage in the One Word for the New Year practice? I’d love to hear your word and direction for 2024.  Please comment.

 

*John Mark Comer Teachings Podcast, Listening to God, Prayer E3.

 

The post Launch Your New Year Encouraged and Equipped appeared first on Mona Hodgson.

Raise your hand if you could use spiritual stamina as you face your day. Yep, me too.

Sweet and sour sauce on our chicken or pork is one thing. Days drenched in a sour sauce is another.

Bad days happen. To all of us. Some days seem to show up as magnets for mishaps and misunderstandings. That kind of day can launch us into emotional ups and downs.

As you read this, you might be flailing about in the middle of a sour day.

You are not alone. David and the others who wrote psalms knew days like that. Thankfully, God led them to record their emotional roller coaster rides in the Bible for all of us who came behind them. From pouring out their hearts to God to pondering His ways. From petition and pleading to praising God.

The book of Psalms is a go-to for me when I'm battling a bad day, a day of emotional ups and downs, trials and tests.
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Here are nine Psalms and truths that help bolster me on those kinds of days. I’m hoping these truths fortify your spiritual stamina.

1 Feeling alone?

“Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.” Psalm 9:10

The Lord is faithful. He will never forsake you, never abandon you. Your part: Remind yourself of His faithfulness and trust Him.

2 Feeling burnt out, completely spent?

“You, LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.” Psalm 18:28

The Lord keeps His light burning inside you and will turn your darkness into light. Your part: Rebuke the darkness and keep turning toward the Jesus to light your world.

3 Feeling anxious?

“When I said, ‘My foot is slipping.’ Your unfailing love, LORD, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.” Psalm 94:18-19

The Lord’s love for you will never fail you, and His compassion and comfort bring joy. Your part: Reach for Jesus, claim His word over your fear and choose faith.

4 Feeling overwhelmed?

“The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” Psalm 18:2

The Lord will deliver you from the hold your troubles have on you. Your part: Go to the Lord for spiritual rest releasing the hard times and heartaches to Him. 

5 Feeling foolish?

“The LORD is gracious and righteous; and our God is full of compassion. The Lord protects the unwary; when I was brought low He saved me. Return to your rest, my soul, for the LORD has been good to you.” Psalm 116:5-7

The Lord abounds in grace and is a compassionate protector. Your part: Remember the Lord’s goodness and lean into His rest and restoration.

6 Wrestling depression?

“But You, LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, the one who lifts my head high.” Psalm 3:3

The Lord is your shield and will lift your head. High. Your part: Ask the Lord to shine His light into the darkness threatening to overtake you and believe He will. 

7 Feeling stuck, aimless?

“He [God] guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way.” Psalm 25:9

The Lord will guide the humble in doing the right thing and teach you His ways. Your part: Surrender your will and way to your righteous and good God who knows what is right for you. Trust Him to lead you.

8 Weary?

“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.” Psalm 51:10&12

God will purify you, give you a steadfast spirit and joy, and He will sustain you. Your part: Confess your need and accept His gift of renewal. 

9 Feeling unloved, unlovable?

“Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever.” Psalm 107:1

The Lord loves you with an enduring, never ending love. Your part: Live like you believe God loves you.

Friends, I’d love to hear from you. Is there a Psalm that is especially encouraging to you?What practices do you use to increase your spiritual stamina? 

The post 9 Psalms to Boost Spiritual Stamina on a Sour Day appeared first on Mona Hodgson.

Hi, Friends!

Autumn, my favorite season, is upon us, and the cooler temps and colors displayed on limb and leaf will soon usher in the holidays. Thanksgiving next month, and then on its heels, Christmas. Yarn pumpkins and autumn leaf coffee mugs, Christmas lights and tree ornaments fill store shelves and endcaps. And “Jingle bells” and “Deck the Halls” will soon punctuate our shopping experience.

Anyone else craving more than the trimmings? Like me, you might be longing for a deeper, more fulfilling experience this Christmas. A way to settle into the heart of Christmas and add depth to the remembrance and celebration.

I’m so excited about a new book written by my friend and writer-buddy, Dandi Daley Mackall. In Three Wise Women: 40 Devotions Celebrating Advent with Mary, Elizabeth, and Anna, Dandi invites you and I to anticipate, celebrate, and marvel at Jesus’ birth.

In 40 fresh and thought-provoking Bible-based Advent Devotions, bestselling author Dandi Daley Mackall encourages and equips us to journey through the season alongside Mary, Elizabeth, and Anna—three wise women chosen by God to play extraordinary roles in the fulfillment of Scripture through Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany. Steeped in biblical culture and scripture, Three Wise Women invites us to delve deeper into what these amazing, real-life women may have experienced or pondered during the days leading to Christ’s Birth and beyond.

I didn’t wait until December 1st to start reading my copy. Settling into the pages is like taking a deep breath and then another in the company of three women who were so very deeply connected to Jesus. Right away, I purchased gift copies.

Are you ready for an especially meaning-full way to celebrate Christmas this year–on your own or with a group of friends? Three Wise Women is now available through your favorite bookseller.

BOOK GIVEAWAY NEWS

As a thank you to all of my email newsletter subscribers, later this month I will give away a copy of Three Wise Women in my Mona from Arizona Mini-Magazine. Don’t miss out on the giveaway and let’s stay connected. To make sure you’re on my mailing list with your current and correct email address, you can click here to subscribe.

The post Three Wise Women, Advent Devotions appeared first on Mona Hodgson.

Hi, Friend.

Ever experience the pinch and bite expectations can deliver? Assuming you’re human, I’ll answer for you, yes! We all have. Some of us on a regular basis.

Gathering with eight women for a night of burritos and games is a good thing. With the table cleared of plates and salsa, one of the women pulled out the game of things.

The Reader pulls a card. The rest of us ready our pens and slip of paper to respond to the instruction. When every player has turned in their response, the Reader shares the anonymous answers. The object is for each one of us to try and guess who wrote that particular answer. Sounds reasonable enough, right?

The Reader finished giving the instructions and lifted the first card from the stack. “Name something you shouldn’t touch.”

Heads down, pens plunged into action.

My mind hit a spin cycle. Do I go for an obvious answer that’s sure to be overused? Like cactus? Or do I go for an answer that addresses relational things or issues you shouldn’t touch? Husband’s razor? Your daughter’s new tattoo? Meanwhile, the other seven women had captured an answer and turned in their slips of paper.

“Do I have everyone’s answers?” The Reader counted the slips of paper folded in front of her. “I’m missing one.”

I lifted my gaze from my blank canvas. “Uh, I’m still working on mine.”

“Mona? This should be an easy game for you…a writer.”

“Oh, yeah, this game should be right up your alley.”

Everyone giggled but me. Heat rushed up my neck. I didn’t have to let their expectations spoken in innocence bite me. But I did.

Next thing I knew I was drowning myself with shoulds. They’re right, you call yourself a writer, you should be able to breeze through this game. You should be the first to answer, not the last one. In fact, yours should be the wittiest answer of all.

Whoa! My reaction caught me off guard. Sixty-something now…will I never learn?

Ever do that to yourself? Take the expectations of those around you–family, friends, foes, colleagues, and beat yourself up with them? Let your own assumptions sneak into your emotionally tender spots and bite you? Paralyze you with the fear that you don’t measure up?

Next thing I knew I was drowning myself with shoulds. They’re right, you call yourself a writer, you should be able to breeze through this game. You should be the first to answer, not the last one. In fact, yours should be the wittiest answer of all.

I’ve stood on the other side of assumption and expectation too. The side where I placed unrealistic expectations on someone else. My husband, my daughters, my sisters, my friends.

During my stuck and stalled moment, I did the only thing I know to do.

Lord, You’re my source. Help me get unstuck. Fast. Please.

I went with “cactus.” So what if it was a bit cliche. I’m an Arizona girl and my bestseller is Bedtime in the Southwest. Cactus makes sense. I was so sure the first one to guess would pin me with cactus. Nope the last one of the other seven women–the leader, who has been on my Southwest branded website and given my books to her grandkids.

Such a great evening of fun and fellowship, despite my brief battle with myself. My fresh encounter with the pressure of measuring myself with other peoples’ expectations served as an important reminder. My value comes from the inside out. From the Spirit of God who lives within me.

Father God, help us, Your children, to believe what You say to and about us. Thank You! It’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Friend, how are you doing? How can I best be praying for you this week?

 

Book Giveaway coming soon to my Mona from Arizona Mini-Magazine. Make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss out on the Giveaway and more.

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Hi, Friend!

Maybe grab a cup of your favorite. Can we sit for a minute and chat about some resetting soul care practices?

I’m not sure you and I can accurately count the various hats we wear on any given day. Daylight. Sundown. Weekday. Weekend. Winter. Spring. Summer. Fall. The list of the roles we manage 24/7 is a long one, no matter our age and stage in life. Personal shopper. Mentor. Caregiver. Homemaker.  Housekeeper. Tutor. Teacher. Student. Landscape artist. Employer. Employee. Neighbor. Coach. Gardener. Calendar Keeper. What am I missing from your list?

On top of that…the list of tasks and inevitable interruptions stream-live most every day. No wonder we get overwhelmed, grow claws and fangs and bark like a beast of burden. Oh, maybe that’s just me? Maybe not.

It’s too easy to lose ourselves and our sanity in the chores and the chaos. The fangs are a neon sign signaling time to press reset. In my spirit. In my thoughts. In my habits. In my behavior. Certainly, in my attitude. Tells me my focus is off by a long shot.

Summer is winding down. September is on us and school is gearing up. I’m guessing you might be due for a reset in your spirit too. If not right now, later today. Long before Sunday, I’m sure.

I have 10 liberating soul care practices I return to when I need to set my stack of hats on the soothing sand beside my virtual beach chair and rest my spirit. Practices that help me pause for a reset.

1  Silence all unnatural noises. Enjoy a few moments or an hour, if possible, without beeps, buzzers, timers, TV, podcasts…, and breath deep until you’re praying.

2  Kick comparison to the curb. Nothing good comes out of comparing ourselves to others or to media-generated ideals of what we have or what we do or don’t do. I return to Micah 6:8. “And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”  

3  Let go of unrealistic expectations. Yes, please! Where do we get the idea that it’s okay to place unrealistic expectations on ourselves and allow others to do the same? So crippling. I battled this one again last week. I’ll have that story for you soon.

4  Retreat. Whether it’s an hour or several at a park or on a trail, or an overnight getaway if you can arrange it, a change of place and pace and focus can offer a much-needed reset. Easier said than done, but so worth the effort.

5  Try something new. A creative outlet free of critique can do wonders for a sagging spirit. For me this week, that one involved making sourdough bread with my great-nephew and his class of fifth graders as a stunt double for my sister on Grandparents’ Day.

6  Seek support and wise counsel. Don’t walk a stickery path alone. Call a trusted friend for coffee or lunch.

7  Feast your eyes on a favorite medium of art. In place of being able to stroll through an art gallery, I settle into a comfy chair with my little book, A Year in Art and breathe through a few distracting images. Perhaps your choice would be a book of poetry or a hymnbook.

8  Do something physical–take a walk, dance it out, go for a spin on your bike. A physical outlet for stress can help reset your mind and refresh your body.

9 Exercise gratitude for what you have and express your thanks. Reciting or recording 10 things I’m especially thankful for in a given moment serves me well every time.

10 Be still and know that God is God and that He is with you. This one comes from Psalm 46:10 and offers me the ultimate reset for my spirit. My mind. My attitudes. My focus.

 

I’d love to hear about your favorite Soul Care/Self Care Practices!

 

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Friend, if you need to feel cared for, protected, and sheltered today, I have a story and a word of encouragement for you.

So far this summer, early mornings (as in 6 am) here in Arizona remain cool enough for sipping coffee on the patio. If only we were still welcome out there.

One morning last month, within seconds of me settling into my swivel-rocker patio chair with my cup of steaming brew, a huffy hummingbird buzzed me from a distance. When I didn’t budge from my perch, her helicopter wings whirled as she flew in under the pergola. She flapped and squealed at me a mere foot away from my face.

Her exit flight pattern led me to gaze up into our eaves. There, an extension cord served as the horizontal branch for a compact cup of a nest. That’s where Mama Hummingbird landed…in a nest carefully constructed of scavenged twigs, dried grasses, and spun spider silk threads to bind it together. A cushy place protected by a wall on one side and a roof-hangover on top.

For the next four weeks or so hubby and I observed from a distance the way the mama hummingbird kept watch and stood guard, protecting her eggs and subsequently the two hatched babies from potential threats. We watched (from inside the house) as she provided for them beak-to-beak, giving them what they needed to survive and thrive on their own.

(Sorry for the poor quality on the photos below. To appease the mama, I took them from inside the house.)

Watching those fledglings grow up over the edge of the nest, their eyes on Mama and their beaks open for nourishment, reminded me that you and I have not been left to fend for ourselves. Our heavenly Father waits for us to look to Him to meet our needs.

Health challenges, family drama, caregiving, media bombardment, desperate loneliness, financial upheaval, surprising goodbyes, crises across the globe, job losses, and more. The struggle is real. And too often our default is weariness and feeling defeated. The truth is, we don’t have to live overwhelmed or floundering in fear.

We have a mighty God. A loving Father watches over us. An attentive Father stands with us. We can cling to our faith in a powerful God, our Father, take cover in His shadow and live sheltered.

Here’s the hope we cling to . . . God the Almighty offers you and I rest in the midst of whatever storm we face.

Let’s take steps toward rest today, sheltered in His shadow.

Embrace life as God’s beloved child.  The Holy God, the Creator and sustainer of all, is your divine Father.

“Yet to all who did receive Him [Jesus],
to those who believed in His [Jesus’] name,
He gave the right to become children of God.”
John 1:12

Take every thought captive and renew your mind.

“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God,
and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
2 Corinthians 10:5

Cast your anxiety on your heavenly Father, who loves you with an everlasting love.

“Cast all your anxiety on Him [God] because He [God] cares for you.”
1 Peter 5:7

Pray with me?

Father God, thank you for making a way for me to have relationship with you as your child. Thank you for loving me and providing for me in ways I can’t fathom or don’t even recognize. I give You my cares [name each one] with confident trust in You. Shelter me in the shadow of Your great love. In Jesus’ name, amen.

NOTE: I’m excited to announce that I have a NEW website full of resources for you. I’d love it if you’d check it out.

 

 

The post Do You Need to Feel Sheltered Today? appeared first on Mona Hodgson.

In Twice a Bride, Miss Hattie drew her Cripple Creek friends into a celebration of new beginnings with her vanilla pound cake. Don’t forget her berry sauce.
Ingredients for Pound Cake:
3 cups flour
2 cups sugar
1 cup oil
1 cup buttermilk
2 teaspoons butter
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon baking soda
4 eggs

Instructions for Pound Cake:

Bake in a pie dish or loaf pan at 350℉ for about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Cool enough to cut, add berry sauce and serve.

Ingredients for Berry Sauce:
1 cup water
1 cup sugar
3 cups berries, one variety or mixed
1 tablespoon cornstarch or arrowroot powder

Instructions for Berry Sauce:

In a medium saucepan, combine water and sugar. Bring to a slow boil then boil for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.

Slice or dice any berries like strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries can remain whole. Add berries to syrup, reduce heat and simmer another 5 minutes.

In a small bowl, stir together the cornstarch or arrowroot powder with the water. Slowly add to syrup, bring to a boil and cook until thickened.

A cup of coffee goes perfectly with this berry rich dessert.

Enjoy! Do me a favor, let me know if you make this. Please snap a photo and post it with a comment on my  or .

www.MonaHodgson.com

 

The post Miss Hattie’s Vanilla Pound Cake with Berry Sauce appeared first on Mona Hodgson.

On the trail west in Prairie Song, Miss Hattie received her recipe from Rhoda Kamden, a Scottish woman in the Boone’s Lick Wagon Train Company.

Ingredients
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups butter, softened
1 cup confectioners’ sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350℉. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.

In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and vanilla, then stir in confectioners’ sugar and salt. Add flour and mix until combined, including what’s on the edges of the bowl.

Shape the dough into a rectangle, then cut the rectangular dough into ¼ to ½ inch thick slices. Place slices about an inch apart on the cookie sheet. Using a fork, pierce a pattern on top of the cookies.

Bake for about 10 minutes, until a light golden color.

The Sinclair sisters paired the shortbread cookies with a cup of chamomile tea with a drizzle of honey.

Enjoy! Do me a favor, let me know if you make this. Please snap a photo and post it with a comment on my  or .

www.MonaHodgson.com

 

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