Train Up Tuesday: THE Greatest Love of All

There has been so much to say about Ms. Whitney Houston's death. Much of it reflects sadness not only on how many of us presume she passed, but also over how she chose to live much of her life. She provided so many "anthems" that are considered the "gold standard" in music now. Unfortunately, between the lines of her songs and her life is clearly marked sadness and loneliness unsuccessfully veiled with false self-confidence. And even more unfortunately, these songs really are anthems for this generation.

Consider today "The Greatest Love of All", it speaks of how children today need to be taught well and led, how in her own search for a "hero", she found no one to meet her needs and found loneliness as a result. In attempt to take care of herself, she looked to herself to find that the "greatest love" is "learning to love yourself". Sadly, in the end, she learned that this was not enough after all.

Is this enough for our children? Looking to themselves for their safety, love, acceptance? There HAS to be more that we can teach them! Well, I have GREAT news, WE CAN teach them and show them a better way!

Do you know THE Greatest Love of all? Of course, I'm talking about Christ, primarily. But there is something more I want to share. If you are married, it is your marriage relationship. Read Ephesians 5:22-29 for full context, but read this quote by John Piper:

The main meaning of marriage is to display the covenant-keeping love between Christ and his church. In other words, marriage was designed by God most deeply, most importantly, to be a parable or a drama of the way Christ loves his church and the way the church loves and follows Christ. This is the most important thing for all husbands and wives to know about the meaning of their marriage.

"Marriage Is Meant for Making Children...Disciples of Jesus, Part 1." (Sermon delivered on June 10, 2007).

I came across this during our youth group's Sunday night gatherings. We are using a resource from "Children Desiring God."

Teaching our children to love, value, and respect the marriage covenant IS the way we can teach them and lead them in the greatest love of all and in leading others towards that. Are you valuing that relationship? Are you doing everything to protect it and honor it, to make it of primary importance to your family? Are you preserving it for your children's sake and the sake of the unchurched? I've mentioned it here before, that Titus 2 isn't there just so we can have happy homes for our own sakes, but so that God's Word isn't dishonored. Do we really believe that?

One of my awesome girls in my 10th-12th grade small group that I am humbled to lead brought up something quite profound. We were discussing Satan's lies and how he makes the "traditional" family look unnecessary or lacking. I asked them why they thought Satan fights so hard to tear down the traditional family and makes divorce look acceptable and desirable. One dear girl said (and I paraphrase poorly), that Satan hates the picture of Christ loving the Church for eternity despite their shortcomings. He seeks to destroy that testimony to the world so that the world won't believe that Christ could really love them that much.

Wow! This is one girl who IS being led properly in her home and is learning to have that Christian worldview. And she is right. Satan does want to fight tooth and nail to blind us and the world to God's love and perfect plan.

Let me leave you with a slightly more inspirational song that you may hear today, in light of the greatest love of all. The message isn't perfect, but if you can "redeem" the lyrics in light of Christ's love for the Church and our love for Him, maybe you'll think a little differently next time you hear "I Was Made to Love Her". Take it, Stevie:

Train Up Tuesday: Valentines to the Forgotten

I've really enjoyed seeing the many posts about Valentines Day. We have some very creative and crafty ladies! I'm hoping to make a photo frame inspired by Hannah's vase. Be sure to scroll to "older posts" to see what all the ladies of the Roof have been up to lately!

Are you making or buying Valentine cards this year? I've seen some really cute ideas on marthastewart.com and on familyfun.com. It makes me wanna do them all! :) We are making valentines at our house. This year, we are using doilies, stickers, glitter...all that fun stuff. I wanted to do something "special" and meaningful to mark the day, too. James 1:27 kept coming to my mind and we take so much time to care for orphans during Christmas; I thought this would be a good time to reach out to widows. My own mother was a widow for a short period when my brother and I were small children, so these precious people (widows) are close to my heart. My mother-in-law works in a nursing home, so I thought that would be a PERFECT outlet for our cards. A chance to bring a smile and encourage them with God's love.

Have you gals come across the "VALENTINE" in John 3:16? I came across it several years ago and just love it. You basically just print out the verse, but letters are lined up so that you spell out VALENTINE (hidden in the verse). We decided to use this on the cards my boys and I made.


I just want to encourage you to spread a little of God's love during the special "love-day". I'm sure you are already good about doing that anyway, but perhaps in making or sending valentines you could also use it as an opportunity to send something to a "forgotten" one. Widows, soldiers, shut-ins. There is a great list of folks who would love the gesture, I'm sure! Share your ideas with us, please!

Xoxo,
Ashlie

Marvelous Monday: Chocolate Cakedy Cake Cake Cake

Ever since our Musing Foodie did her diddy on Valentine Sizzles, we've been waiting on pins and needles for her "whip up in 8 minutes" lava cake and those homemade chocolate cups (hint, hint, CC)! Donna also posted this HEAVENLY and sinful chocolate cake. It seems us women can never get enough chocolate so while you wait for that lava cake recipe, I'll give you a couple more morsels of chocolate to tease your pallets.

I was cleaning out my email box and ran across this novelty idea from Katie L~5 minute chocolate mug cake!

• 4 tablespoons flour
• 4 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons cocoa
• 1 egg
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 3 tablespoons oil
• 3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional)
• A small splash of vanilla extract

• 1 large coffee mug (MicroSafe)

Directions:

1. Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well. Add the egg and mix thoroughly.
2. Pour in the milk and oil and mix well.
3. Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla extract, and mix again.
4. Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts.
5. The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed!
6. Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired.
7. EAT! (this can serve 2 if you want to feel slightly more virtuous).

And why is this the most dangerous cake recipe in the world?
Because now we are all only 5 minutes away from chocolate cake at any time of the day or night!



Remember this scene from My Big Fat Greek Wedding?

Well, sweeties, have I got THE BundT recipe for you! It's not just any bundT. It's a Chocolate Chocolate Chip BundT. Caroline (aka Happy Four) made this for me when I had my twins and it has been made repeatedly since.

I'll admit at first I was bundT challenged...

...but am happy to report the past few attempts have been bundT success! Our grandmother's weren't lyin' when they said a lil crisco and flour are your friend.

Want me to say BundT one more time? Ok. I will. Click here for such BundT goodness that it won't be around long enough to put a plant in it!

Need something to top all of this chocolate? What better than chocolate? Let's not forget Amy A's homemade chocolate icing that she shared with us here.

Do you have some chocolate favs you'd like to share with us? Either way, you ladies have noooooo excuse but to have yourselves a scrumdillylish Valentime's w/ yo men!

Love ya'll!
Hannah

Free-for-all Friday: DIY Valentine Wreaths!

Alllll I have to say is some of our peeps have some goooood lookin front doors! Two of my college sistah friends were feeling pretttty crafty and shared some presh DIY Valentine Wreaths. Trust me that you'll wanna try these.

First, we have Claire in VA. Claire and her kiddos made this darling wreath.

LOVE it. Wanted it. Tried it. Here YOU have it...

What you need:

• Large heart cut out of sturdy cardboard
• Colored tissue paper (cut in 5x5 squares), around 6 dozenish
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks
• Coordinating decorative ribbon

Cut tissue paper in 5x5ish squares

Put hot glue on cardboard heart and glue tissue paper onto heart. Fill with as much tissue paper as you can.

I'm not gonna lie. This started out as a craft to do w/ my 3 year old but she became a little distracted after she realized there was a large surface area to fill so I cut her two smaller hearts where she could go crazy. It actually occupied her quite well. She covered one with leftover hearts from this craft and then made a smaller heart wreath for her bedroom door.

Finished product! I'll admit I like Claire's reddish one better but since we have a red door, we went hot pink and light pink.

Note from Claire: Be careful that your wreath isn't directly exposed to natural elements such as rain, snow, etc. because the tissue paper will bleed.

Next up we have Jennifer C. of good ole NC but we call her Cole. Cole whipped up this adorable wreath.

 What you need:

• Styrofoam wreath or straw wreath w/ plastic wrapping left on
• Pack of 36 in. red felt cut into 3 inch circles
• Straight pins

 Fold circles in half and then in half again. Stick straight pen through bottom like so (don't my girls nails look fab?!?!!?)...

 ...and stick onto wreath.

She said the trial run took about 1 hr. 45 minutish but that it's soooo cute that it was worth it. She loved it so much she also made a smaller one. Maybe her learning curve will help it go even faster for you!  Granted, this may be an adult only craft but her hubs was out of town so this was one fun way to fill her time!Thanks, Coley. B-E-A-utiful!!!

I love all of these FUN, easy and affordable Valentine ideas! What tricks do the rest of you have up your sleeves?!?! Do tell! Do tell! We wanna know! Special thanks to Claire Bear and Coley for sharing their ideas. Also, I LOVED getting an email from an extra special reader, Anna, that she enjoyed doing this craft with her 3 boys. Here was their finished product. How pretty!?!?

TGIF, ya'll!

Love,

Hannah

roofwithaview (at) gmail (dot) come

Marvelous Monday: Fun & Easy Valentine's craft for all ages

Looking for a CUTE Valentine's table centerpiece or teacher gift? Look no further and it's something you can do with your kids! All you need is:

• Old pickle, jam, or baby food jar (glass)
• Package of Valentine's Conversation hearts
• Hot glue gun w/ glue sticks

Easy peasy-glue the hearts on the jar and make a presh flower vase!

 And here is the original masterpiece made by a sweet friend, Shawn. We have her to thank for getting these creative juices flowing!

For kicks, here is my hubs' creation. He wanted to give a "ruffle" effect which also made it look like a flower. Can you tell he really gets into family craft time?!??! I love that about him. :)

Get creating and send us pictures of YOUR masterpieces. Most importantly, HAVE FUN with your sweet families.

Love!
Hannah
roofwithaview (at) gmail (dot) com

Savory Smackerel: Heavenly Devil's Food Cake

Since we're on the topic of desserts, I discovered this recipe a few years ago in a cookbook that my Dad gave to me. It's called Capitol Classics and it's by the Junior League of Washington DC. A lot of the recipes in it are "she-she" but most are pretty easy and very yummy. I like to make this cake around Valentine's Day because it is everything you'd want in a good 'ol Valentine's Dessert...rich chocolate, cream and MORE chocolate! Don't be put off by the directions. Making a cake from scratch can be easy and afterwards, you can brag to your family and friends that you made a cake...FROM SCRATCH!

Heavenly Devil's Food Cake

1 cup unsweetened cocoa

2 cups boiling water

2 3/4 cups sifted flour

2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp baking powder

1 cup butter, softened

2 1/2 cups sugar

4 eggs

1 1/2 tsp vanilla

Filling:

1 cup heavy cream, chilled

1/4 cup powdered sugar

1 tsp vanilla

Frosting:

1 6-ounce package semisweet chocolate chips

1/2 cup light cream

1 cup butter

2 1/2 cups powdered sugar

*Combine cocoa and boiling water and beat until smooth. Cool completely.

*Sift together flour, soda, salt, and baking powder. Set aside.

*In large bowl, cream butter, sugar, eggs and vanilla until light, about 5 minutes. Add flour mixture alternately with cocoa mixture, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Do not overbeat.

*Grease 3 9" cake pans. Divide cake batter evenly between pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until cake springs back when gently touched. Cool in pans for 10 minutes. Carefully loosen sides with knife and remove. Cool completely. (Note: I only had 2 9 inch pans, so I did two at a time and then did the third once the first two came out of the oven).

*To make filling, whip cream until soft peaks form. Beat in sugar and vanilla. Refrigerate.

*To make frosting, combine chocolate chips, cream and butter in saucepan. Stir over medium heat until smooth. Remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar. Place ice in a large mixing bowl. Place saucepan over ice and beat until frosting holds it's shape (Note: this will take a few minutes--maybe 5+. When pan comes off stove, mixture will be dark and runny. Beat until it turns a light brown and is more "frosting" looking!)

*To assemble cake, place 1 layer topside down on plate. Spread with half the cream filling. Repeat with second layer. Place third layer on to with topside up. Frost cake and refrigerate at least 1 hours before serving.

Just for kicks, here is a picture of Glenda and her Valentine with her own Heavenly Devil's Food Cake. I got her name in a blog swap and this recipe was calling her name. :)

Enjoy!

Love,
Donna

Free For All Friday: V-Day Sizzles Part II

Happy Friday Ladies! Oh happy day, my husband returns from a week long hunting trip today and I can't wait for him to step off that plane at 4:07 for lots of hugs and kisses. Last Friday I chatted with you about the 5 love languages and what they mean and some ideas on how to become bilingual in these areas. Today, it's about the love of food.

The old adage "The way to a man's heart is through his stomach" is undeniably true. I actually read an old church cookbook when I was dating my husband that mentioned a recipe for Chicken Cordon Blue landed a marriage proposal the following week after cooking this meal. OF COURSE I fixed the chicken. I wanted to see if it worked! Only I didn't just stop at the entree, I made a dazzling dessert to seal the deal. Cheesecake and Strawberry filled Chocolate Cups (oh yes honey, you eat the cup too!). Gaze upon these beauties....don't they look delish?



He was wowed and the dessert has been a show stopper ever since. While some will opt for reservations at a restaurant to celebrate, some of the most intimate V-day dinners can be made at home. One year we grilled steaks and fixed the entire meal together, eating in our formal dining room on our China that only gets pulled out for special occasions and my husband wonders why we have it in the first place. Some things men will never understand, thankfully mine just goes along with the pattern I had my heart set on from the time I was born.

You could fix finger foods - fun and filling appetizers that can be eaten picnic style in front of your fireplace with soft music playing and candles everywhere. Put blankets on the floor and have the food on trays beside you. Helloooo chocolate fondue for dessert to feed each other! Strawberries, bananas, pound or angel food cake bites....oh hold me back!

For those with harried schedules, take out for dinner and a movie in can't be beat. Order pizza, go pick up your favorite barbeque or Chinese (Yum PF Changs!) and eat it on the couch while watching a romantic comedy or (if he'll go for it) chick flick. Cozying up on the couch is so romantic - light your fireplace too. Ambiance. Ambiance! For this sweet ending, think Chocolate Lava Cake - how amazing does this look?!....I whipped it up in 8 minutes. They also sell the already made kind at Trader Joes and it rocks the house.



Another fun touch is chocolates on the pillow. Why must it only be reserved for turn down service in fine hotels? Godiva has fun little ballotins...and I can eat my weight in Lindt Truffles.

Whether it's a steak a Morton's, pizza from the local parlor or your favorite chicken casserole, the right atmosphere you create will make all the difference. Low lights, soft music, candles, sitting in a different room, on the floor, in bed - will all set the mood for a 'lovely' evening.

I enjoyed this post on V-day from Angela and she reminds us of some of the fun peripherals that add the extra spark and sizzle. Check it out for a fun reminder.

Have fun planning your romantic holiday!

XO!
CC

Marvelous Monday: It's a VistaPrint Valentine's!

You've been introduced to VisaPrint here. Meanwhile, I have a busy month coming up and am trying to dot my "i"s and cross my "t"s. This includes getting ready for Valentine's Day!

When I think of getting ready for Valentine's for my child, I automatically remember those little Valentine's cards that you pass out to your classmates. Instead of getting a pack for $5 at the drugstore, why not get them personalized (even better) and for FREE from VistaPrint?!??! I took VP up on their free premium business cards and ordered my daughter the cutest little Valentine cards w/ cupcakes AND her name printed on them. It so happens they come in quantities of 250 cards so I guess we'll be blessing boookooos of peeps this year OR I'll be set with Valentine notes for several years to come. Nothing like planning ahead!

I also created and ordered this cutie patootie banner to go on our mantle (again...for free)! I've ordered a birthday banner from VistaPrint before and their banners are a nice,durable vinyl that you can keep for multiple occasions.

You can also remember teacher's gifts! I know Teacher Appreciation is coming up at our school so I ordered some great personalized items for my daughter's teachers along w/ the set of 25 magnets as a treat to go along w/ the Valentine cards.

Share some of your VP creations with us! We can never have tooooo many helpful ideas.

Happy Monday, ya'll!

Love,

Hannah