MckLinky Blog Hop ~ Favorite Photo

"These Are The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything!" This is my three youngest sons being Pirates!

Blessings,

 

Mclinky Blog Hop ~ An Encouraging Word

Let's Face it, life can be really hard sometimes. In fact, it can be just plan difficult. I don't know about you, but I have faced some really tough times. God never promised that life would be easy sailing, he promised he would be with us along the way.

I grew up in the church, and I personally acepted Christ as my Saviour at the age of 11. I have always believed that he was there and would take care of me. He has always been there for me and picks me up when life just gets too hard.

Here are a couple of Scriptures that often help me when I am down.

Isaiah 40:31 (New International Version)
but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (New International Version)
Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight.

As you can see, hoping and trusting in the Lord are key to living life. He will bring us strength to carry on. When we are trusting in Him and acknowledge him in our lives he will direct our way.

If you do not have your Hope in this Everlasting God, I invite you to do so today. I could not imagine facing life without him.

I have enjoyed this song by Chris Tomlin recently. It reminds me that I will receive strength as I wait upon the Lord. He Reigns Forever, He is my Strong Deliverer, He is the Everlasting God!












Blessings,

 

McLinky Blog Hop ~ Favorite Kid Photos

In honor of my youngest son Micah, who had Surgery today and also recently celebrated his 4th Birthday, here is one of my favorite kid photos. One of his Birthday presents was a Spiderman costume. Here he is wearing the costume without the mask while celebrating his birthday.

 

MckLinky Blog Hop ~ Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownies

Today on the McLinky blog hop we are sharing one of our favorite recipes. This recipe became one of my favorites recently. A friend shared it on Facebook and she got it from Bakerella. It originally came from Betty Crocker. It is so easy to prepare. It calls for using canned icing, but I like to make the chocolate ganache that Bakarella mentions. Be prepared for Yummy Chocolatey Goodness!



Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownies

1 Box Betty Crocker Original Supreme brownie mix (with chocolate syrup pouch)

1/3 cup vegetable oil

1/4 cup water

2 eggs

1 pouch (1 lb 1.5 oz) Betty Crocker® chocolate chip cookie mix

1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened

1 egg

1 container Betty Crocker® Rich & Creamy chocolate frosting


1. Heat oven to 350ºF. Spray bottom only of 13x9-inch pan with cooking spray, or grease with shortening. Make brownie mix as directed on box, using oil, water and 2 eggs. Spread in pan.

2. Make cookie mix as directed on pouch, using butter and 1 egg. Drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls evenly onto brownie batter; press down lightly.

3. Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until toothpick inserted 2 inches from side of pan comes out almost clean. Cool on cooling rack 30 minutes. Frost with frosting. For brownies, cut into 8 rows by 6 rows.

Chocolate Ganache

12 oz. semi-sweet chocolate morsels

3/4 cup heavy whipping cream

6 Tbsp butter

In a small saucepan, heat cream and butter until just before the boiling stage.
Pour over the chocolate morsels.
Let stand about 20 seconds and stir until smooth.
Pour over brownies and let set before cutting.