Cake Pops

Wednesday Word

I don't know about you, but I could use a little more laughter in my life!  My mother has always said that I was a serious child and that has certainly followed me into adulthood!  Life is tough.  It is real.  And we aren't home yet, so there are some serious bumps in the road.  I've been walking through one of those seasons, where I want so desperately to control and have things in my timing.  Can you relate???  I was reading my devotion a few days ago, and it really opened my eyes to the desire God has for us to ENJOY this life - even when we don't understand the bumps.

From "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young
Learn to laugh at yourself more freely.  Don't take yourself or your circumstances so seriously.  Relax and know that I am God with you.  When you desire My will above all else, life becomes much less threatening.  Stop trying to monitor My responsibilities - things that are beyond your control.  Find freedom by accepting the boundaries of your domain.

Laughter lightens your load and lifts your heart into heavenly places.  Your laughter rises to heaven and blends with angelic melodies of praise.  Just as parents delight in the laughter of their children, so I delight in hearing my children laugh.  I rejoice when you trust Me enough to enjoy your life lightheartedly.

Do not miss the Joy of My Presence by carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders. Rather, take My yoke upon you and learn from Me.  My yoke is comfortable and pleasant; My burden is light and easily borne. 

"A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones."
Proverbs 17:22

"She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come."
Proverbs 31:25

"Take my yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is wholesome, and My burden is light and easy to be borne."
Matthew 11:29-30

How Does Your Garden Grow?

I'm making my first attempt at gardening this year!  Since I altered my diet about five years ago, I've wanted to try my hand at organic vegetable gardening. Luckily, I have a very sweet sister and brother-in-law and a very ambitious father-in-law who all helped me with my planters. I'm just starting to see a few fruits of our labor!  Even my hubby, who isn't a fan of veggies, has tried the tomatoes, "since we grew them."  Whatever works! 

Tomatoes

Squash

Bell Peppers

Basil and Parsley

Chocolate Chip Poundcake

I have made this cake for years and it always gets rave reviews!  It's an EASY cake to make, perfect for taking to parties and other events when you need a quick dessert.

1 box yellow cake mix
3/4 cup water
8 oz. sour cream
1/2 cup sugar
3/4 cup vegetable oil
small box instant chocolate pudding mix
4 eggs
1 cup (or a little more) milk chocolate chips

Mix all ingredients with mixer.  Pour batter into prepared bundt cake pan.  Bake at 350 for 45 minutes.  Cool completely and sprinkle with powdered sugar.  Enjoy!

Cupcake Toppers WINNERS

Thank you so much for all of the sweet comments!  I drew names today and two stuck together, so there will be THREE winners!  If you didn't win, please check the blog frequently - I am going to try to do these contests often.

The Winners Are....

The Steens

Ann Huskey

The Penter Family

If you are a winner, please send me an email at alexissweetbeginnings@gmail.com.  We will start planning your toppers! 

If you didn't win the contest, but would still like to talk cakes, toppers, or cake pops, I'd love to work with you!

Cupcake Toppers GIVEAWAY

It's Sweet Beginnings' first GIVEAWAY...a dozen custom fondant cupcake toppers to two winners!!!  Just leave a comment telling me what occasion you could use these toppers for. It's that easy! Winners will be announced on Monday.

Tree of LIFE Cake

I was so excited to do this cake! My friend Leah is moving to Atlanta and we recently celebrated Leah and Living In Freedom Everyday, a Bible study about living within the Tree of LIFE. We had an awesome time of worship and special guest Tricia Gunn spoke about The Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ: He loves us unconditionally. You can hear the podcast by clicking on the link below!
http://unveilingjesus.com/unveilingjesus/podcast/podcast.html

I love this cake....the special person and the message that it represents! And, I'm counting it as the cake that got me my first celebrity endorsement...Tricia said it was the best cake she had ever eaten! 

I'm so thankful for your friendship, Leah, and am so excited about what God will do in your life in Atlanta!