ON THE BRIGHT SIDE
FRIDAY, JANUARY 22ND, 2016
57 DAYS UNTIL SPRING
Sunrise: 7:49 am
Sunset: 5:32 pm
Life is a Special Occasion!
Hallmark
Today is Celebration Of Life Day. It’s a day to take a step back and truly appreciate our children and grandchildren. Granted, some may do this on an everyday basis, but it’s an opportunity to look at our young ones’ lives from a different angle, think about what it is that makes them truly special.
It can be easy to forget that our children and grandchildren are people in their own right. You’ve helped them to discover themselves over the years, but you can’t take all the credit. Their life choices are ultimately down to them; sometimes they’ll do you proud, and other times, as is the case with us all, they’ll make mistakes. So be the one who’s there to offer congratulations, or encouragement to pick themselves up when they fall. And above all else, show that you love them.
If you can't see the Bright Side, polish the dull side
THOUGHT FOR TODAY
The happiest moments of my life have been the few which I have past at home in the bosom of my family.
Thomas Jefferson
My children and grandchildren are very special to me. I do try to tell all of them as often as I can just how much they are loved and appreciated. Each life is a cause for celebration.
To celebrate life is simply a choice. Every day, God extends his hand to offer me the gift of another day to live and to share the joy of living with others. Treasure your gift of life; use it to extol your Creator. In such a pursuit you will discover that which is blessed, both in time and in eternity.
Food is always a part of any celebration and I found this recipe for a Celebration Cake to share with you all today.
Celebrate any occasion with Americas Celebration Cake. This chocolate cake is filled with vanilla buttercream and topped with chocolate buttercream. Everyones favorite flavors rolled into one cake!
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups, 12 oz., semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided
3/4 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
3 eggs
2 1/2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups water
3/4 cup solid vegetable shorting, I use Crisco
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
6 cups confectioners sugar
1/4 to 1/3 cup milk
3 squares unsweetened chocolate melted
Note: 3 level tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder equals 1 square unsweetened chocolate,
Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray two 8 inch round baking pans with vegetable pan spray. I prefer to grease and flour my cake pans rather than to us the pan spray. It’s your preference.
Melt 1 cup chocolate chips and butter together either in microwave oven or on top of range over low heat. Stir until chocolate is completely melted. Pour into large bowl.
Add sugar; beat with electric mixer on low until well blended. Beat in eggs, one at time. Add vanilla. Stir in 1/2 cup flour, baking soda and salt; mix well. Add remaining flour and water; mix until smooth. Stir in remaining 1 cup of chocolate chips.
Pour into prepared pans. Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan on cooling rack 10 minutes. Remove from pan; cool completely.
Meanwhile, prepare filling and icing. In large bowl, cream shortening and butter with electric mixer until light and fluffy.
Add vanilla; mix well. Gradually add sugar, one cup at a time, beating well. Scrape sides and bottom of bowl often. When all sugar has been mixed in, icing will appear dry. Add milk, 1 tablespoon at a time; beat at medium speed until light and fluffy.
Reserve 1 1/2 cups white icing. Beat melted chocolate into remaining icing. Keep icing covered with a damp cloth until ready to use. Place 1 cake layer on cake board or serving plate; spread with white buttercream icing. Arrange 2nd cake layer over bottom layer. Spatula chocolate icing on the rest of cake.
Enjoy!
The pictures today are of my family. It’s not often we are all together so I’m showing pictures of the family reunion we had this past summer. I know I’ve shared them before, but they are all very precious to me. Sadly there were 3 grandchildren missing, but they are very loved.
I hope you all have a FANTASTIC Friday !
COUNTING MY GIFTS
Your life on earth is a precious time. Do not ignore its value; do not squander it in trivial pursuits; do not let it slip away and leave you unprepared.
Counting at least 3 things every day that I'm thankful for. There is truly is always something to be thankful for.
3520. for my children and grandchildren, they are very special !
3521. for all life, it is a gift
3522. for good food, a part of every celebration
Enter into His courts with thanksgiving — and in His presence is fullness of Joy!
PRAYER FOR OUR TROOPS
Please pray for God's protection of
our troops and HIS wisdom for their
commanders.
Almighty and eternal God,
Protect our military
as they discharge their duties
with the shield of your strength,
may the power of your love
enable them to return home in safety
that with all who love them
they may ever praise you for your loving care.
AND bless our Police Officers, Firefighters
and Paramedics and EMT’s
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen
GOD BLESS YOU ALL !
ADVICE FOR TODAY
The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.
Oprah Winfrey
A little smile, a word of cheer,
A bit of love from someone dear…
Love,
ma
1 comment:
Those were all great pictures of your family from last year's reunion Ma! I like all the different groupings of them too :) My niece was going to do the Celebration of Life walk in Washington, DC today (I can't remember the official name for it). I hope the weather holds for them as I know they are due for a potential lot of snow this weekend.
betty
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