From my vantage point...

I feel that I have a unique view of marriage. Because it is something that I want I'm always watching other people's marriages. In many ways I'm still the early 20ish girl with all my hopes and dreams ahead of me at the same time I'm watching my friends encroach on 20 years of marriage. I've watched many successful marriages and I've watched marriages struggle and I'm watching marriages that seems from the exterior is rocks solid absolutely crumble. I've asked myself why, why do some people succeed why do some people's marriages absolutely fall apart.

1) Marriage is a FOREVER relationship. I have this beef with couples that when things get tough their immediate response is to consider leaving. Many times this is simply a knee jerk reaction and not ever really the intention of their heart but once the words or even simply the thought enters the mind it has already planted the seed.

2) I've come to realize that marriage takes work, prayer, dedication, commitment, tears, honesty, trust, faith. But I've also seen that it is absolutely worth it to put every effort into making a successful marriage. I used to have these fairy tales of the happily-ever-after type of marriage and yes, I still believe that, but I've also come to realize but marriage isn't always happy. That's not to say that marriage is unhappy, it's that the dream of happily-ever-after begins to look a little different at times. Happiness is based on a feeling or on circumstances and I've come to realize that a successful marriage it is much more than the heading off into the sunset kind of happiness.

So what makes a "successful marriage"? I don't think I can pinpoint that exactly. I don't think it's simply crossing the line 25 years together, 50 years together... I don't think it is having 2.5 kids that look like the perfect blend between both of you... I don't think it has to do with how much money is in the bank or what kind of a house or a job you have. I think it has a lot more to do with knowing that you have someone in your corner, someone who is your supporter. Someone that you can be absolutely raw with, with someone that the challenges you, and is the only one that you want to go home to at night.

So, how do you make your marriage successful? (Again, this is coming directly from me who has only ever had the view from the outside looking in)... Prayer. This is pivotal, essential. And to be surrounded by people who are praying for you and your spouse. Don't run to outside sources to find your happiness, your contentment, or fight your battles. I remember saying to someone that I understand needing someone to vent to when things are tough, and I do. But what she said really sunk in..."I wouldn't want my husband talking to someone else about me, what makes it OK for me to talk about him to anyone else?".... Not that there won't be times that a third party won't give you sound guidance or direction, but don't make this the habit. When you're hurt, frustrated or confused by something your husband has said or done take it to him, not your friends, not your parents, not his friends, not his parents.

Celebrate your husband. If you want him in your corner, then he wants you in his. He wants to know you're supporting him even when things are tough.

You already have a major blessing in being surrounded by successful marriages....I dream of having a marriage like our grandparent's have had. Your parents, as well as mine, have done a good job at marriage. My siblings, your cousins, too....that's a lot to be thankful for. Successful marriage has been patterned for you all of your life. Lean on that, learn from them. Together, with Jason, ask questions, seek wise advice.

And last, but certainly, not least...make Jesus the Lord of your marriage. While He must be Lord of your life He also must be Lord over your relationship. Make glorifying Him in your marriage the top priority, the main goal. I've already stated how important prayer is and I'll say it again. Pray. Pray for your marriage. Pray for your husband, ask him to pray for you. Pray with your husband. Pray when things are that happily-ever-after you've dreamed of, pray when he's driving you absolutely crazy. And pray that God protects and preserves your marriage.

Praying,
Anje

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Today's shower challenge is to share some practical marriage advice. Share away :)

Jenni's Serving Up Tacos and Stromboli

A favorite of my guys (minus the bell peppers and mushrooms, of course) - Jenni

Pizza Stromboli

Pizza Loaf Recipe 

This savory stromboli relies on frozen bread dough, so it comes together in no time. The golden loaf is stuffed with cheese, pepperoni, mushrooms, peppers and olives. I often add a few this slices of ham, too. It's tasty served with warm pizza sauce for dipping.

Pizza Loaf RecipPrep: 20 min. Bake: 35 min.

• Yield: 10-12 Servings

Ingredients

• 1 loaf (1 pound) frozen bread dough, thawed
• 2 eggs, separated
• 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon minced fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 8 ounces sliced pepperoni
• 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
• 1 can (4 ounces) mushroom stems and pieces, drained
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup pickled pepper rings
• 1 medium green pepper, diced
• 1 can (2-1/4 ounces) sliced ripe olives
• 1 can (15 ounces) pizza sauce

Directions

• Preheat oven to 350°. On a greased baking sheet, roll out dough into a 15x10-in. rectangle. In a small bowl, combine the egg yolks, Parmesan cheese, oil, parsley, oregano, garlic powder and pepper. Brush over the dough.
• Sprinkle with the pepperoni, mozzarella cheese, mushrooms, pepper rings, green pepper and olives. Roll up, jelly-roll style, starting with a long side; pinch seam to seal and tuck ends under.
• Place seam side down; brush with egg whites. Do not let rise. Bake 35-40 minutes or until golden brown. Warm the pizza sauce; serve with sliced loaf. Yield: 10-12 slices.

Here's another one from Jenni...

Shredded Beef Tacos

Shredded Beef Tacos

by Jen @ My Kitchen Addiction

Chipotle Mexican Grill.
Shredded Beef Tacos

• 1-2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 pounds beef (boneless chuck roast)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 cup beef stock
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, minced
• 1/2 large sweet onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Flour tortillas
• Favorite taco toppings – lettuce, tomato, onion, avocado, lime, cilantro, etc.

Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat.  Meanwhile, combine the chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika in a small bowl.Rub the spice mix into the beef, covering each side evenly. Once the oil is hot (it will shimmer a bit in the skillet), place the beef in the skillet and sear on each side. (Check out my step-by-step directions for searing beef over at In Jennie’s Kitchen!)
Remove the beef from the skillet and place in the bottom of a slow cooker.  Leave the pan on the heat, and deglaze the pan with the beef stock, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.  Add the tomato paste and minced chipotle and whisk into the pan sauce. Bring the sauce to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer for a few minutes until the sauce has reduced and thickened slightly.
Add the diced onion and minced garlic on top of the seared beef in the slow cooker.  Pour the pan sauce down over the onions, garlic, and beef.  Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours .
Remove the beef from the slow cooker and shred with two forks (if necessary – mine was so tender it just fell apart when I took it out of the slow cooker).  Use a slotted spoon to remove the onions from the slow cooker, and mix into the shredded beef.
Serve the beef in the flour tortillas, topped with your favorite taco toppings.  I like to top mine with fresh lettuce, tomato, onion, avocado, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.

What's Cooking in Barney's Kitchen???

Mediterranean Chicken

1 medium onion, chopped

1 medium bell pepper, chopped

1 large garlic clove, minced

1 teaspoon oregano

2 Tablespoon olive oil

1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken, cut into strips.

1 26 oz. diced tomatoes with basil and garlic.

½ cup sliced black olives

Stir onion, pepper, garlic and oregano in oil in skillet over medium heat for 3 minutes.

Add chicken, cook 3-5 min or 'til browned and done.

Add tomatoes and olives.  Cook 10 min 'til slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper.

Serve over rice or pasta. Serves 6

Pumpkin Bread

3 eggs

⅔ cup vegetable oil

1 15 oz. can pumpkin

2 cups sugar

2 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon cloves

1 teaspoon nutmeg

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon baking powder

3 cups flour

Mix ingredients in order listed.  Batter will be fairly stiff. Pour into 2 greased loaf pans. Bake at 350° for 1 hour or until toothpick comes out clean.  Remove from pan immediately.

I like to bake this and freeze it.  Then it's easy to pull out and thaw for breakfast for a busy morning.

Baked Oatmeal

2 cups oats

½ cup brown sugar

¼ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon baking powder

¾ cup milk

2 eggs

¼ cup melted butter or margarine

Combine all ingredients. Press into 8" square greased pan. Bake at 350° for 30 minutes. 

We serve it with cold cream or evaporated milk poured over it.  It makes an delicious breakfast.

Carmels

1½ cups Karo syrup

½ teaspoon salt

2 cups sugar

1 cup butter

1 14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk

Combine all ingredients in heavy pan. 

Cook on medium heat and stir constantly. (CONSTANTLY) until it reaches 240 degrees.

Pour into a 9x13 buttered pan. Cool completely before cutting.

I found this recipe on Pinterest and I've made them several times.  They are so yummy and so easy! 

Enjoy!

      

Funny, sweet or even slightly embarrassing

Most of us have known Curly all of her life, while we have never lived close none of us have escaped without a slew of Clarissa memories. 

Barney sent this whole list of contributions... I think she enjoyed this days challenge ;) 

    One summer Uncle David's family was in town and staying with Grandpa and Grandma.  Clarissa and I were about 9 and 10. Grandma had invited me to come down and stay at her house with Clarissa. Grandma went out somewhere with Uncle David and Aunt Linda, Amanda and Derik.  Clarissa and I stayed at the house with Grandpa.  We were in the TV room and Grandpa came in and sat between us and offered to let us help him change his hearing aid batteries.  We thought it was a funny thing to have your granddaughters help with, but he seemed to think it was a privledge.  He even LET us lick the hearing aids so that they would slip in to his ears easier.  Clarissa and I have often laughed about how awkwardly funny that experience was. :)

     Another funny story was when we were at Cobblestone for Grandpa and Grandma's 50th anniversary.  There were 30 of us Hunts there that week.  One afternoon almost everyone went tubing or canoeing, but Clarissa and I decided to stay in our cabin to play a game.  When we finished our game we went up to see what everyone else was doing.  We walked ALL over the resort before we discovered that everyone that hadn't gone out on the river, had left to go to the fish hatchery nearby.  The two of us were the only Hunts left at the resort and we had no idea where everyone else was. I don't think we were scared just confused as to what had happened to everyone.

     Another summer that Uncle David's family was here and we went down to the spend the day with them.  All of us girls and Abe decided to have a fashion show.  We dressed up in some of Grandma's dress-ups and paraded up through the living room.

     The first time I ever remember seeing Clarissa was when both Uncle David and Aunt Ruth's families were in town.  It was the day that we took family pictures in Grandma's back yard.  I remember not knowing who she was and wondering why she kept following me around.  I clearly remember asking Grandma "Who is that girl?" :)

     We've always teased Clarissa about her Pennsylvania accent. :)  She thinks we are the ones that talk funny.:)  When we were staying at Uncle David and Aunt Linda's, when Clarissa and I were 12 and 13, we were playing Scrabble or Upwords on a team together. When it was our turn she suggested that we spell "PULL".  I was confused because I thought she was saying "POOL" and we didn't have an "O" let alone two "O's".  She kept insisting that we could spell it. Finally she just picked up the letters and layed them on the board and said "See I told told you we could spell it!"  :)  

  

What do a Barney mug and a hand made spatula have in common?

Well...nothing really!

Angie sent me this picture of a handmade wooden spatula that Abe made her. She says she uses it all the time.

Barney says this mug is the most unique thing in her bathroom. She also says she's had it for years and uses it daily.

And my Mom, otherwise known as Aunt Becky, sent me this picture of some of her favorite kitchen pieces. 

Let's Play A Game

Instead of the traditional shower game of What's In Your Purse I thought we could play What's In Your Bathroom!

So start counting!

Each time is worth ONE POINT for wveey one you've got (each towel, each bath mat, etc).

Tally up your points and comment to this post. THERE WILL BE A PRIZE!

Toilet Paper
Soap
Razor
Tooth Paste
Toothbrush
Nail Polish or Remover
Qtips
Electric Shaver
Eye Makeup
Hairbrush/Comb
Shampoo/Conditioner
Shower Pouf
Towels/Washcloth
Handmade Artwork
Cleaning Products
Magazine Rack
Clothing
Bobby Pins
Bath Mat
Candle
Bag of Cotton Balls
Book
Wall Décor
Bathtub Toys
Prescription Medication
Tube of Ointment
Bandaids
More Than One Cosmetic Bag
Curling Iron/Flat Iron

Extra Credit:
Mail.... Worth 10 points
Something that doesn't belong..... Worth 10 points
Shoes (other than slippers)..... Worth 10 points per pair

Now one last thing: What is the most unique item in your bathroom??? Submit your item and possibly win a prize!!!


START COUNTING!!!

Prizes will be awarded after the end of the shower week.

Grandma's love story...

My love story is too long.  I'll give the highlight.  I fell for Roger first.  It took him 3 years to "wake up" and realize there's a girl in Virginia he should get to know better.  He later asked why I didn't I tell someone how I felt.  I told him I wanted God to work it out.  God did!!!  I then knew Roger was the one for me.  It will be 63 years in June 2016 since we said "I do".

We all know this is a great story....I might just have to dig out my family book and reread some of this!! Or maybe I'll wait and have Grandma retell me when I'm traveling with her for the wedding! ~Anje

Here's Aunt Becky's Story...

Our Love Story - It's 40 years long next week so this will be an abbreviated version ... I'll start at the beginning ...

Summer 1975 - Both Paul and I summered over at Covenant College, working on campus in the housekeeping department.  He lived in Carter Hall and I lived in a fancy house on the bluff while its family summered in Cape Cod.  He had a mishkid room-mate, Lewis; I had a fellow-Ohioan room-mate, Jan.  Jan wanted to get to know Lewis better (to bring him out of his shell as she put it).  The guys were living on what they could "legitimately" steal from the cafeteria and sharing a $.17 can of tomato soup (no tax on food in Georgia).  Jan and I shared pleasure in hospitality.  It didn't take long for the two needs - food, and someone to feed - to mesh.  Many evenings ended with Jan and Lewis playing bumper pool in the rec room, Paul and I cleaning up after dinner in the kitchen and talking, always  talking, talking ...

We became friends.  Sort of anyway.  Early on that summer he told me - and I quote - "I don't have a girl friend and I don't want one and if I did it wouldn't be you."  Towards summer's end, he told me that once his friends returned to campus he wouldn't have time for me, and he'd be embarrassed to be seen with me, anyway.  I didn't harbor much hope.

During the summer, he had become interested in the small home church I attended on the far side of Chattanooga.  Curious, he began attending with me.  Although we convincingly explained our 'friendship' to my church friends, we looked like a 'couple' - you know - one man, one woman ...  It was a long drive to church.  Every Sunday after church we were invited into the homes and lives of various parishioners to share a meal and to linger 'til Sunday evening service.  And talking, always talking, talking ...

Summer ended.  Jan and I moved into a small stone house in Hinkle with a friend of Jan's.  Paul moved into a basement apartment in West Brow with three guys.  Classes started.  We began a small Bible study in the little stone house.  Karen, Jan and I, Lewis and Paul.  Occasionally, one of us would bring a guest.  And talking, always talking, talking ...

Paul remained on campus over Christmas.  His family came to him.  On my return to campus from Ohio I had an accident about a mile from Hinkle which disabled my car.  When I called Covenant for help - late at night - Paul was in the lobby and took my call (no one else was back from Christmas break yet).  He rescued me, helped me sort out the accident and took me down the mountain to the Waffle House.

He invested lots of time to make my car driveable again - at my house.  I handed him tools and thanked him and fed him.  A police car wrecked my roomie Karen's 'indestructable' Volvo.  Paul, Jan, Karen and I - all living about five miles off-campus in different directions, down to two college student-type vehicles and two wrecked cars.  Paul honed his mechanic skills.

Winter became the beautiful mountain spring.  Jan and Karen were both graduating.  Paul and I were each considering summer plans.  I was anxious to get away, feeling, but unable to put into words that Paul and I had become too close, I too dependent on him.  He talked of going to Alaska and working on a fishing boat.

On April 14th,  we joined a party of other college-age friends from church, some of their local friends, and mutual friends from my hometown who'd all been on a mission trip together a couple of years previously.  (I also had a different friend from Ohio staying with me for a few days).  My houseguests joined us downtown at the Yellow Deli for sandwiches; Paul and I went on to the gathering.  I spent the evening making new acquaintances and renewing old ones.  Paul spent the evening ...

It was late when we headed back up the mountain.  None of the usual talking, always talking, talking ... It felt tense, uneasy.  I felt uncertain.  We were in my car so we drove to his house.  When we stopped he just sat there.  My uncertainty turned to certainty.  The end was here.  "God, please get me out of this gracefully."

Paul, finally - "I've been thinking about asking you to settle down with me."

Silence.

Me, finally, shocked, wary - "What do you mean, 'settle down'?"  (This was 1976 - and a would've been hippy addressing me.)

Paul, clarifying - "I mean, will you marry me?"

Silence.

He reached for me.  It was the first time we'd ever touched.

*************************************            Forty Years Have Passed             ***************************************

It's a love story to God whose sovereignty knows no beginning and no end.  He is soveriegn over the hopes and dreams and hearts and plans of men.

1. A wonderful Savior is Jesus my Lord,
   A wonderful Savior to me;
   He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock,
   Where rivers of pleasure I see.
   • Refrain:
     He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock,
     That shadows a dry, thirsty land;
     He hideth my life in the depths of His love,
     And covers me there with His hand,
     And covers me there with His hand.
2. A wonderful Savior is Jesus my Lord,
   He taketh my burden away,
   He holdeth me up and I shall not be moved,
   He giveth me strength as my day.
3. With numberless blessings each moment He crowns,
   And filled with His fullness divine,
   I sing in my rapture, oh, glory to God!
   For such a Redeemer as mine.
4. When clothed with His brightness transported I rise
   To meet Him in clouds of the sky,
   His perfect salvation, His wonderful love,
   I’ll shout with the millions on high.

Spring 2016 - Nine children, seven children in-law so far, twenty-five grandchildren with prospects of manymore.  Zachary is building the hospitable front porch we've wanted for over 20 years.  Come, sit with us a spell while we count our many blessings.  Help us name them, one by one.

Collyn Shares Her Story...

This is the short form of our story :)

Ryan and I met at Todd Akin’s Fourth of July Party the summer of 2008.  I was impressed with his heart and his vision. We shared the same vision, and had the same goals and ambitions in life.  He loved the Lord, and it was evident. 

Though we were interested in each other pretty quick, we didn’t see it going anywhere due to some serious doctrinal differences.  However, over the course of Hunt Family Bible Study working through Romans (and lots of brotherly “encouragement”), we learned better about each other’s position, and through LOTS of prayer, counsel, and searching Scripture, were led to reconsider and were glad we did :)!  

Ryan asked me to marry him on May 9^th, 2009 at the St. Joe 4-wheeling vacation, and we were married on December 12, 2009.

It's Share Your Own Love Story Day

I would love to hear your love stories and to share them with Clarissa. Sure, most of us know a little bit about each others own story but this is your opportunity to set the record straight.

To tell it from yourown lips, or fingertips :)

Comment here or send me and email  and I'll add it throughout the day.

iamlabocagrande@gmail

Much love,
Anje

More Kitchen Must Haves

Barney says every kitchen should have at least 2 or 3 of these. She calls it a brownie server, which makes sense to me, but it is rarely used for brownies :) She uses it all the time as a pancake turner, a scraper, for cutting homemade noodles...the list goes on!

Mom didn't have any of these when I lived there but I use it all the time when I'm cooking at their house.

Kitchen Must Haves

Elisa says her French Press is her favorite kitchen gadget. Useful and doesn't take up much space either!

For me it is my Pampered Chef Can Opener. I bought this years ago and it is far and away the best can opener ever! I love how it breaks the seal rather than cutting the lid...no sharp edges means no cuts or beat up rubber spatulas!