Shannon here: Aspiring Author, Karin Beery shares her real life romance proving that opposites attract and whirlwind courtships can last plus a recipe for Christmas cookies called Cathedral Windows. Comment on any post dated Dec 16 – 20 for a chance to win a copy of Rodeo Queen – book 5 in my Texas Rodeo series plus a gently used book I must part with since my shelves are overflowing: Christmas Belles of Georgia – a 4 in 1 novella collection by Jeanie Smith Cash, Rose Allen McCauley, Jeri Odell, and Debra Ullrick. Merry Christmas to one lucky winner. Deadline: Dec 28th, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s Karen:
My husband and I met and married in eight months. It wasn’t just a whirlwind courtship, it was a lesson in insanity. We were fine – everyone else had problems accepting the situation. They weren’t just upset with the speed of our relationship, they were also concerned about our character. In eight months you don’t have enough time to get to know every one of your fiancé’s family members and friends. They didn’t know if Matt and I were right for each other, and they had every reason to be concerned.
We are the stereotypical odd couple.
I’m a bit of an overachiever and ridiculously punctual. I work in an office, dress up for special events, and enjoy snuggling up on the couch watching a good movie or football game. I grew up in a house where vacations meant Niagara Falls, Cedar Point, or shopping trips (I have two sisters – of course we’d go shopping). My parents took us to all kinds of shows, including the Canadian Brass, Peking Acrobats, and Up with People!
Matt has an older brother and younger sister, and they all run on “Beery Time” – 90 minutes late doesn’t faze anyone. Matt’s a certified master gardener who prefers to be outside, considers “dressing up” wearing anything that isn’t camouflage, and couldn’t care less about football (or hockey!) – he’d rather be hiking. His family trips included a camper and national parks. His favorite childhood memories include huge messes or being alone with a tent.
Despite our differences, however, there was one thing that drew us together – God. We both loved God and wanted to dedicate our lives to Him. Our passion for God and following His ways bound Matt and I together.
As the wedding approached, it magnified our differences. Well-meaning friends agreed to support us if we postponed the ceremony. When Matt showed up 30 minutes late to a pre-marital counseling session, I was tempted. I started to focus on Matt’s flaws, but then my pastor pointed me back to God.
God knows everything about Matt and me, but He still brought us together. He didn’t, however, bring us together to focus on each other. Our goal hadn’t changed – we still wanted to live our lives for God. As long as we focused on that, not on our differences and annoying habits, we approached the wedding in God’s peace.
This year we celebrated eight years of a blissfully tormenting marriage. It has challenged us, changed us, and blessed us beyond expectation. We still love each other, we still love and serve God, and we’ve found a compromise in only being 15 minutes late.
Cathedral Windows
On our first date, Matt and I discussed Gary Chapman’s The Five Love Languages. Matt hadn’t read the book, but he didn’t need to. “My love language is brownies.”
Matt doesn’t simply have a sweet tooth – he has sugar-coated dentures. As a woman who loves to make sweets, we’re a perfect match (thanks, God). One of his favorite Christmas cookies is a Cathedral Window. This super easy, super tasty treat is perfect for the person who hates to bake, but loves holiday treats. I apologize for not having a better picture – my husband ate them before I had the chance!
Cathedral Windows Recipe
1 bag chocolate chips
1 bag miniature colored marshmallows
Waxed paper (2 ½ – 3” piece)
1. Melt chocolate chips in a large bowl (I suggest using the bowl as a double boiler – use medium-high heat and stir chips constantly).
2. When chocolate is smooth, add all marshmallows. Coat marshmallows completely.
3. Pour mixture onto waxed paper. Spread mixture down the length of the paper.
4. Wrap paper around mixture, creating a log.
5. Chill log until firm.
6. Cut log into ½” windows.
7. Enjoy!
About Karin: About Karin: A freelance writer/editor/coach, wife, care giver, and homemaker, Karin Beery has published over 350 articles in various periodicals, in addition to writing her novels. She is an active member of the American Christian Fiction Writers Association, Evangelical Press Association, and Christian Proofreaders and Editors Network. You can connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, or at her website, www.karinbeery.com.
Come back Dec 18th for Traci Tyne Hilton!
What a great guest blog by Karin. I met her at a writer’s retreat a couple years ago, and I’ve heard a lot about her husband (AKA Yooper Stewart). What a sweet couple. I found this very relatable, as my husband and I are quite different, too. His family even has “Brady time” which is very much like “Beery time.” Our faith is what brought us together (met at a church camp) and what keeps us focused. Thanks for sharing, Karin!
Great interview !! thanks for the great cookie recipe Karin!!!Thanks Shannon for the chance to win the books!
would love to win.
I enjoyed this delightful insight into Karin’s romance and look forward to trying Cathedral Windows! Thank you so much for sharing and for the opportunity to win!
Great interview Can truly relate to late people
God bless both of you
Chris Granville
Enjoyed your post. Thank you for the fantastic recipe. I will definitely try it. I enjoy your books. Thank you for the opportunity of this giveaway.
I loved the quick romance, marrying story. My husband and I married eleven months after we met. There were many concerns from my parents…..what about finishing college, what will you do, etc….. Well, that was thirty eight years ago and I am here to tell you, the ride has been interesting and worth every step! With God being first in your lives, couples can make it no matter how long they have known each other. Thank you for what you do and the opportunity you give to be a winner.
LOL This was a fun post Karen. You know the old saying is Opposites attract. It is right I guess. Shannon, I would love to be your winner for your books. Thanks!
Maxie mac262(at)me(dot)com
How true! My hubs and I are very different but it balances us out! 😀 Thanks for the interview and giveaway. Please toss my name in the hat!
Emily_reynolds (at) Hotmail (dot) com
Sweet story of God blending to lives for Him! Please add me to the drawing.
worthy2bpraised at gmail dot com
I have a winner! Jennifer Brady won the drawing for the books. I appreciate Karin for being my guest and everybody else for stopping by.