Nutty Blueberry Protein Balls

I posted a picture of our breakfast protein balls this morning on Instagram and got a lot of interest so I want to share the recipe!

These little dudes are an awesome little breakfast treat. Make them the night before and sleep in 20 extra minutes! They are very easy to make and packed with yummy, healthy, goodness. 

The recipe comes from "Primal Blueprint Quick & Easy Meals" 

"These little balls of protein are packed with tons of healthy fat and are the perfect snack when you're on the run.  They're also a healthy way to satisfy a sweet tooth.  Change the flavor of Nutty Blueberry Protein Balls by using different types of nuts each time you make them.  Other variations include adding cinnamon, dark chocolate, or dried fruit instead of fresh.  Or, instead of rolling them in coconut flakes, try sesame seeds. "

Time in the kitchen: 15 minutes

Servings: 12 balls (health information based on serving size of 2)

What you need:

4 dates, pits removed

1 cup walnuts

1/2 cup macadamia nuts (we used 1/4 almonds, 1/4 pecans because macadamia nuts are expensive)

2 tablespoons coconut oil

1/2 cup fresh or defrosted blueberries (we used organic frozen blueberries)

1/2 unsweetened shredded coconut

THEN, we added 2 other ingredients ourselves

1 tablespoon chia seeds

1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin (which is pure protein--find it here)

What you do:

They call for a food processor--we use our smaller ninja to blend all of this together and it works just fine--so do not worry if you don't own a food processor

Pulverize dates in a food processor until a paste forms, anywhere from 40-60 continual seconds. The paste will typically come together in a clump. If you need to pulverize more to make the clump, do so. 

Add walnuts and macadamia (almonds or pecans) and blend until very finely chopped

With the blade still running (if you have a food processor), drizzle in melted coconut oil and stop as soon as the oil is blended in. If you aren't using a food processor, just pour in all the melted coconut oil and then blend. It will blend just fine. 

I've found to perfectly melt the coconut oil, put in microwave for 40 seconds. 

Scrape the batter into a bowl and stir in the blueberries and 1/4 coconut (I stir in all 1/2 of coconut because rolling the balls in it is too tedious for me). 

Also, if you choose to use the chia seeds and gelatin, stir it into the batter as well. 

Form the batter into round balls, then roll in leftover shredded coconut (if you so choose). 

Refrigerate for snacking later!

The cookbook recommends eating one immediately but we've found that we like them after they've been chilled. 

Health information:

Calories-375

Fat-29

Carbohydrates-22

Dietary Fiber-4

Protein-5 

We thought that the amount of protein was very low for these "protein balls" which is why we add the unflavored gelatin that is pure protein! 

Give it a try and let me know what you think!

Thoughts From Today

The Lord has really worked in my heart today. 

From bridging last week's sermon to this morning's and then the awesomeness of our young couple's class tonight. God is so good. 

It was a sweet Sunday worshipping and learning with my brothers and sisters in Christ. 

I have to share. The sermon last week and then today were so helpful for me. Forewarning, I'm an intense notetaker, so forgive me in advance for how long this post may be!

Last week the sermon was on predestination and election (with scripture from Ephesians 1:3-6), two words that can be pretty "explosive" at times. For many, many years those two words have stirred up churches. We need to know what they are first--from vs. 4&5. 

If you are IN Christ, a christian, you are one because of God. In HIS GRACE and FOR HIS GLORY, He has chosen me to be so. In His love He has predestined me to be one of His children. The bible isn't a dictionary where we can just look these two words up. They are a gift from God. 

But, these two words are not going away. They are in the bible and we have to deal with it. 

We should approach these two subjects the way an excited child approaches presents under a Christmas tree. Let God, Jesus, The Holy Spirit be the tree and think of election and predestination as the gifts that we receive from Christ for those that are IN Christ--these gifts of GRACE. 

In Ephesians 1:3-14 we see that it is one, long sentence. Paul is so excited, that he doesn't even stop! This is the kind of breathless excitement we SHOULD be reading Ephesians 1 with-a chapter of the bible that often times turns into a debate these days. 

Election and predestination do not need to be defended! They only need to be celebrated, that's it!

In vs. 3-6 Paul is pumped up! He wants us to celebrate with him and here are two reasons WHY:

1. Election and predestination give the bible a unifying message: 

First and foremost this is about God, about His actions, His moment by moment existence in everything that there is. 

He created the stage (vs. 4 states "before the foundation of the world") AND He wrote the script and one of the unifying themes is God's choice of His people: look at Abraham, Israel, the apostles, all woven into all 66 books of the bible. 

The bible's main plot line includes us, His children. It includes God's choosing of us, of Christians. 

2. Election and predestination-because of them, my salvation is a sure thing

In John 6:35-40 Jesus gives us a lesson: "Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger and whoever believes in me shall never thirst. But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. All that The Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lost nothing of all that he has given me but raise it up on the last day. For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day." 

The teacher of these two truths is Jesus. 

Does the bible teach that people come to Christ of their own or of election? The answer is yes. vs. 37 of John says: "All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out." Divine sovereignty and human responsibility. He never lets us go once we come to Him. 

Lastly, two results will happen when you believe these truths:

1. You will be humbled. People just can't believe in these truths because of pride. It's hard for us to fully believe and trust in these gifts and to see them just as that, gifts. 

2. We will be moved to worship. Ephesians 1 is infused with worship. Worship is all about making much of God and all that He has done! 

I thought it was a great sermon and was so helpful to me to hear because I have always struggled with the best way to approach those two truths when asked about them, or more so, challenged about them and I was given so much peace when I saw they are things we should just celebrate! Biblical truths that we can seek refuge in and thank God for!

Then today's sermon related to last weeks so perfectly. 

Redemption as found in Ephesians 1:7-13

We are a people chosen BY Christ. But, here on this earth we have something blocking our path to our predetermined destination-sin. 

This is where Jesus comes in-to remove our road block. 

Matthew 1:21-"She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save people from their sins." and why? Matthew 20:28-"...to give his life as a ransom for many"

Redemption is from Jesus. It's what fuels the powers of praise for Him. 

1. Redemption reminds us of who we are:

It reminds us that we are sinners for whom Jesus HAD TO DIE. 

Sin is such a "skirted around" word these days. Sin is blamed on human nature, and it seems to always make us look like victims. But, we aren't! We sin. We choose what to do/not to do. 

What separated us from God IS sin. We ARE sinners, who sin every. single. day. 

Redemption speaks of God saving us from something we can never save ourselves from...sin. 

When it comes to sin, we are all "naturals" at it. 

I mean, how often do you have to teach your children how to do the wrong thing?

Sin enslaves us to do IT'S will; our natural will. To try and fight sin that is in our own will--we find out quickly we will lose. We need God's will. 

Sin gets us into debts that we can not pay off. Sin is a debt that we owe. We can't pay it off with good works. We can't pay it off period. Sin is bondage. We are sinners who sin and THAT is why we need a redeemer, THE Redeemer. 

2. Redemption reminds us of the riches of God's grace:

God has come to deliver us from bondage of all that sin encompasses in our lives. God HAS to do it, we can not. 

vs. 8 states that "..that He lavished on us..." He lavished His grace on us for ALL of our sins--past, present, future. The debt has been paid in FULL-"it is finished"

When Jesus redeems you, He forgives you. You are wiped clean. God forgave ALL, not some, of your sins. "Jesus paid it all" 

You will hear "the voice" accusing you, reminding you of what you've done but remember Psalm 103:12 "as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us"

To show the bridge between last week (predestination and election) and this week (redemption) we are shared with this story: The story of Hosea and Gomer. A man marries a woman with, what you could say is a past. Through their marriage she becomes unfaithful, leaves him, and the bottom point of the story for her shows her standing naked in the middle of the town for all the men to "inspect" and see who could bid the highest on her. The highest bidder? Her husband. "I have bought you. You must live as mine. You must not belong to another so that I may always be your husband."

Sin degrades and dehumanizes us. It tears us away. Hosea and Gomer's story is our story. We are Gomer. We flirted with and fell for the world and all it has to offer. BUT, Jesus, our true lover brought us back with HIS OWN BLOOD. He clothed us, covered us, and He says "I have bought you. You must live as mine. You must not belong to another so that I may always be your husband."

I am so thankful for a God that redeems. What a joy we have in knowing that we are so loved by Him that he DIED for us. He died to save us. To save me. It's a truth I've know since the day I became a Christian, but a truth that never ceases to amaze me. 

Coconut Flour Pecan Pancakes

I love Saturdays. Sleeping in, leisurely cooking with my hubby, doing our daily reading, it's these small things that make Saturdays so awesomely, awesome. 

This morning's breakfast: Pecan Pancakes, made with coconut flour (for a healthier option)!

I love breakfast foods, especially waffles and pancakes. When Jason and I began to eliminate grains from our life, along with other processed foods I knew I would miss my favorite breakfast foods. Thankfully, Jason found this pancake recipe and it's definitely satisfied my pancake yearning! 

This recipe does call for some items that you may not have lying around the house already--which is okay! My hope in sharing these recipes is to encourage you to go outside of your comfort zone and purchase some of these healthier cooking bases/additives to show some healthier eating options and still having those food items you just can't go without--like my muffins and "oatmeal". I promise, you will find many, many uses for these flours, gelatins, seeds, etc. that we mention using! I would be happy to share more of our favorite recipes if you are interested! 

What you need:

1/4 cup coconut flour (we got ours off of Amazon it's organic and comes in a pack of 6 so it will last a while. We got ours in Sept and have only used 1 full bag.)

1 tbs of grassfed gelatin (also, purchased off of Amazon and it has many other healthy uses as well)

4 pasturized eggs at room temperature (we get all eggs from the local farmers market)

1 heaping tbs of softened butter or coconut oil (heating coconut oil for 30-40 seconds in the microwave puts it in it's liquid form needed for mixing) 

1/2 cup of coconut milk (from Amazon as well)

1/2 cup chopped pecans

Coconut oil for the pan/griddle

What you do:

Heat your pan or griddle over medium heat

Whisk together the coconut flour and gelatin

Stir in the eggs, beating until a smooth paste forms

Stir in the softened butter/coconut oil until combined 

Add the coconut milk

Add chopped pecans

Cook the pancakes on the pan/griddle under the edges and center starts to look opaque, then flip

This makes about 12 small pancakes--we made it into 6 larger pancakes. 

We topped ours with some local honey from the farmer's market (you could also use 100% pure organic maple syrup) and some of our favorite fruit! 

This was the first time we've ever added pecans to the batter and it was AWESOME! 

As a side note, these pancakes are not "light and fluffy" like pancakes made with enriched flour. They are more hearty and somewhat "gritty" I'll say. They are PACKED with fiber and leave you feeling full. 

Primal Hot Cereal

With the dreaded allergen season among us, Jason and I spent the day inside yesterday.
I've never had to deal with allergies, in any shape, form, or fashion (thankfully) so I can't even scratch the surface on understanding how Jason feels and how it effects him. But, nonetheless, I spent yesterday with my man acting like someone with really bad allergies who needed a relaxing, lounge day and it was awesome.

Primal Hot Cereal is one of our favorite primal breakfast meals. From what I can gather, it replaces oatmeal (which I love with a big blob of butter and brown sugar) but, this really does satisfy the craving. It's a pretty filling meal and packed with protein and a lot of healthy fats.
This version contains no grains but tastes so yummy!

What you need:
1/2 cup of almonds, whole or slivered
1/2 pecans
1/2 banana (we use a whole banana)
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk (more to taste if you want it runny-we use coconut milk because we buy these large containers of it)
1 egg (optional) I've put the egg in there once and couldn't tell a difference.

What you do:
Pulse all ingredients in a food processor or blender until desired consistency is reached.
Depending on your preference, it can be smooth and creamy or chunky (we like it chunky)
Warm the cereal in the microwave (about 30 seconds) or on the stove until hot.
Add fresh berries and more almond or coconut milk to taste.
I also personally add a spoonful of honey to mine as well.

This recipe comes from Mark Sisson's "Primal Blueprint Quick & Easy Meals"

Let me know what you think if you give it a try!

What I Love About Today

Today, I am appreciating a lot of the little things and want to share with you what I love about today. 

I love my husband and how sweetly he loves me. 

I love that I get to ride to work with the most handsome man I've ever seen. 

I love my job. I can't wait to do it for the rest of my life. Not to mention, today was a calm day (which we rarely have in my room) and it was so nice. We all relished in that.

I love that my kids (students) are the funniest people I've ever met, and they have no idea. We spend 90% of the day laughing together.  

I love how thoughtful they are. You should see my desk. There are pictures FOR DAYS taped on it and it's not uncommon to get random things like leaves, coloring sheets, paper clips, trash from the floor (you never know) put on my desk as little "presents" for me 

Today's gift that I love: 

 this sweet little gem that a student picked for me while he was on an errand--you can't beat a child's heart & mind. Once again, I love my job. 

I love getting to ride home with the love of my life and talk about how our days went. 

I love getting the mail. 

I love that I got  chose to run today (first time in over a year!)

I love that I have a colander that was my Nana's 

I love that I cooked this meal, all by myself with no husband in the house--if you know me, then you know this is a big deal ;) I didn't have my chef to refer to, or my eye candy! 

I love serving my husband. 

I love the smell of the pumpkin caramel latte candle burning. 

 I love this amazing sunset. I have a feeling I will never get tired of the view from our backyard. 

I love my new lavender shampoo. 

Life is so awesome and we are so blessed by these little things. 

Thanks be to our God who is intentional with the little things in our lives. 

Spring Break Week

It was a crazy week leading up to our spring break--traveling to Homewood, Alabama for my cousin's wedding and then traveling to Auburn, Alabama for my Grandfather's funeral and not to mention to usual work days on Monday, Tuesday and Friday. Needless to say, we were MORE THAN READY for this week long break. 

Our plans: to do little to nothing...and that my friends, is exactly what we did! 

We spent the week enjoying the weather, enjoying time friends and family, and enjoying spending time with one another.

This year, Spring Break is documented through the following pictures! Everyday things that we did throughout the week. 

This is an amazing beer. We got in while in Auburn from a coffee shop (of all places) called Overalls. Now, we are on a mission to find a 6 pack of it around our neck of the woods. 

I never, ever get tired of this sight.

Mom, Mary Claire and I got pedicures to kick off the week! 

Loved getting to lounge around in the mornings and read with this handsome man

We ended up selling Jason's car, which is something we have talked about doing for a while now. Since we work together, we ride together and figured now was best a time as any!

 a little "craft" we were working on Tuesday

My AWESOME new coffee mug from Stella & Co. It's a piece from "Fingerprint Pottery" --check out their website, they have BEAUTIFUL pieces--and if you are interested in this mug (and can't get it locally) you can order them from their online catalog!

We were running out of mug space in the cabinet (I might be a little obsessed) and Jason had the wonderful idea to house the mugs under our coffee station.

 speaking of coffee--we tried our first "latte art". Come to find out, we definitely need some practice but I promise to perfect it!

I was able to have dinner with some of the girls on Wednesday night, which was way overdue! It's always so fun getting together and catching up with everyone.

Thursday, Jason and I took a day trip to my old stomping grounds, Starkville.  Our craft we were working on Tuesday, is now permanently on our bodies forever. My writing on Jason's arm and his on mine. It's a verse that comes from Matthew 19:6 and was said at our wedding right before we were pronounced man and wife for the first time!

and...when in Starkville, you have to go to Dave's.

Friday, Mom, Mary Claire and I had a girls day! It was full of good eats and bumming around the town--it's what we do best!

 One of the MANY reasons that Anthropologie is my favorite store. They do the COOLEST STUFF. Dried oranges, real dried oranges, made into a chandelier!

Nothing says spring like a wall full of Strawberry Abita.

With all that being said, we have had a wonderful week. But let's get down to what I love most about spring break week and what I know, without a doubt, I will ALWAYS love most about this week. Today, March 14th, marked exactly 1 year since Jason asked me to marry him. That sweet day in New Orleans is still one of the best days of my life! If you don't know our engagement story, and you want to read it go here. I can honestly say that I love Jason Ellis more today that I did one year ago--marriage will do that to you ;) 365 days of walking through this side of life with Jason and I've already learned so much about serving one another through love and what that truly means--and I am far from being even mediocre at it, but I am learning! I am so excited to see what each of the following years brings to us. God has been so good and we have seen His hand through our entire relationship and for that alone, we are so thankful and so blessed. May we always keep Him at the center, may we always seek to love Him more so that we can love one another even more.

Living Room & Foyer

It's time for my monthly home post! If you missed last month's Kitchen Debut just click the link and check it out! The featured room this month is the living room and I added in the foyer since it's such a small area of the house. (Forewarning: this may seem like an ad for TJ Maxx)

This living room has already shared many movie nights, just dance competitions, game nights, fireside sitting, book reading, music listening, and halo playing--needless to say, it's a well used room!

 Above the entertainment center we have 3 Gary Walters paintings, 1 original and 2 prints. I absolutely love his work. Our entertainment center was a lucky find and we love the way it's all come together. Since I love my husband so much, we just added those huge speakers ;)

Some of my favorite items on those shelves: my One Tree Hill Series, my Harry Potter movies, 

 Our "Must See Mississippi" book, our candle holder that was a gift from Mary Claire that she got on one of her mission trips to Peru. It is from Parish Woodshop which is a part of Peru Missions. 

Our "Ellis Family Bible" that was purchased for our wedding reception. We had all of the guests underline their favorite verses and put their names out beside it to share with us. It is something that we will treasure forever! 

I didn't actually know it was possible to love a mantle until I decorated this bad boy for Christmas. But, even without all of the Christmas decorations, I love it all the same. 

 I can't thank Melissa enough for our amazing engagement gift--our window framed picture. It not only looked awesome, but looked even more awesome hanging above the mantle! You're the bomb. 

 The lantern is a piece that was purchased for our wedding, now adorning our mantle. I got my "E" (which is made from an older Reader's Digest) from Anthropologie and if you know me at all, you know my nerd alert went off when I found that gem! 

 Our vase was a wedding gift, along with our sweet little angel from the Mustard Seed. I found the old clock, which doesn't work, at Repeat Street--a really awesome consignment shop.  

 This chair. Y'all. This chair is amazing. It's huge, it's comfy, it reclines, we both fit in it, what more could a newly wed couple ask for? Most all of our pillows (and curtains) were found at TJ Maxx. Our Mr. & Mrs. pillow was a gift!

The newest addition to the house, this new lamp! I felt like I struck gold when I found it today. If you are at all interested in getting your pictures turned into photo books (like we did with our wedding photos) do it through WinkFlash--user friendly, great products, everything is customizable, quick shipping, and they usually have some sort of great deal going on. 

Our painting is what we purchased when we got engaged in New Orleans (almost 1 year ago!)--our engagement gift from my parents :) When Jason and I got married, I was so thankful he had this couch. I LOVE couches like this. Pillows, all from TJ Maxx. Lamp, TJ Maxx. I'm telling y'all TJ Maxx is the place to go. 

Hands down, one of the coolest, most thoughtful gifts that we have ever gotten. Jason's mom (who I already mentioned is ever so talented) MADE THIS FOR US! Hand cut the glass, painted the tray, drew out the picture. I teared up when she gave it to us. We will forever treasure this sweet gift. 

And finally, the little foyer. Curtains, from TJ Maxx, to cover the windows. Our sunflower painting Jason's mom did for him on his birthday the year we met (he knew I loved sunflowers--one of the many, many reasons I love that man!) Then we have "the ugly table" which I acquired through some of my mom's previous real estate clients who gave the table it's name--I loved it and they were happy to give it away!

Juicing Week

Since it's our spring break week (cue the Hallelujah chorus) Jason and I have committed to doing a juicing cleanse. We are juicing 2 out of our 3 meals a day (mainly breakfast and lunch). 

We've been juicing for breakfast for the past 2 weeks and I will be the first to tell you, I wasn't excited about it--at all. But, I've really grown to like it! It's like a nice kept secret knowing that your body is getting the nutrients it needs in a very manageable, bearable, mostly tasty way.

We love the Whole Foods Store that just opened up--this is a beautiful sight! Most all of these are organic as well! If you haven't gone, you are missing out. 

The reason that we wanted to juice was so that we could get more (or any in my case) raw, leafy vegetables in us. If you know me, you know I'd rather have anything but. So this was something that really peaked my interest! It's the easiest way to directly get the nutrients that we (I) wouldn't get otherwise. 

This is what a fridge ready for a week of juicing should look like!

We are somewhat flying by the seat of our pants and using these guide lines:

a main green--kale, shards, collards, beet greens, mustard greens

then a "lesser" green--spinach, cilantro, parsley, romaine, cabbage

then a root--carrots, beets, sweet potatoes

then a fruit--apple, orange, pear, kiwi, mango

either celery or cucumber

either lemon or lime

always ginger

and we just alternate what we use for each juice, mixing it up between all of those items but having at least one (sometimes two) of each.

Some juicing tips we've learned thus far: 

lemon and lime help all of them with taste, trust me. 

juice the greens first. 

beets always change the color of the juice to red (and other things!) no matter how many greens you put in there. 

ginger is a great balance for all juices. 

mustard greens are VERY SPICY--double your fruits if your choose to use that and I recommend not having them for breakfast--you'll thank me later! 

go organic, a must since it's going straight into your body. 

buy local, if you can (we have a WONDERFUL Farmer's Market located by the coliseum).

use the "discarded materials" from the veggies/fruits for a compost pile or for some other recipes.

drink the juice as soon as you make it (after you clean the juicer) the fresher, the better. 

We got most all of our juicing information from an awesome documentary that we watched entitled "Hungry for a Change". I've also subscribed to their website and they send e-mails with free juicing recipes along with some other great information. 

Dinner tonight:

green shard, ginger, lemon, orange, carrots, romaine, and beautiful lacinato kale 

Maple Banana Spice Cake (Muffins)

For the most part, Jason and I try to eat healthy foods. 

The past 2 weeks, we have been juicing for breakfast and my body is actually starting to really like it! It's such a different way to get all of the nutrients that we miss out on when we choose to over cook/over season our veggies. I know I've had more raw veggies these past 2 weeks than I have in years. So far so good on the juicing! It's been an adjustment, but I know it's something I need!

But with that being said, we also still have a HUGE sweet tooth and I'm a big time snacker. If you were to ever wonder who initiates our "cheat nights" it's 98% of the time me (guilty, guilty, guilty) so I am quite thankful for a husband who can show self control--an attribute I often times lack when it comes to yummy food goodness! When trying to eat well/nutritiously, I have personally found that it's so important to have some "go to's" that can help you transition (back) into the healthy eating style. One of our "go to's" are these Maple Banana Spice Muffins--they don't sound too healthy, I know! But they are a much healthier ALTERNATIVE to how muffins are usually made. I wanted to share the recipe with you all so you can either a.) try something deliciously new or b.) just add a little health variation to your muffins. 

This recipe comes from "Primal Cravings: Your Favorite Foods Made Paleo" (which is my favorite cookbook we have in the house--it has some really awesome goodies in it!)

Maple  Banana Spice Cake (Muffins)

I make ours into muffins because they are easier to manage portion control and easier to take to work 

Makes: 1.5 quart loaf or 12 large muffins

What you need:

1/2 cup butter, melted (plus more for the pan)--we use coconut oil instead of butter and it works beautifully

1/2 cup maple syrup--organic and pure maple syrup 

1 cup mashed banana (about 2 large)

4 eggs--we get ours from the local farmer's market (free range chickens)

1/2 cup coconut flour

1/2 cup tapioca flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg

(their recipe also calls for 1/2 teaspoon of powdered ginger & grounded cloves--we have never used these because we didn't have them and they turn out great!)

then I also add in:

1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

1/4 cup chia seeds (great health benefits from chia seed)

handful of shredded coconut

handful of dark chocolate chips

2 handfuls of chopped pecans

What you do:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Lightly grease a 1.5 quart oven safe loaf pan (or muffin pan)

In a large bowl whisk together melted butter (or melted coconut oil) and maple syrup, then whisk in mashed bananas and eggs

In another smaller bowl, whisk together coconut flour, tapioca flour, baking soda, and spices

Whisk the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, and mix until thoroughly incorporated.  Pour the batter into the loaf pan (or spoon into the muffin pan)

Bake until the edges are golden brown and the center is cooked through, about 50 mins to 1 hour (33-35 minutes for the muffins). 

Let me know what you think if you give it a try! I promise you won't be disappointed! 

Psalm 23--Grandaddy

Tom Smith, my grandfather passed away yesterday morning. 

When I called my mom to talk to her, she told me that Nana told her on the phone she had always loved Psalm 23:

"The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures. 

He leads me beside still waters. 

He restores my soul. 

He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, 

I will fear no evil, for you are with me;

your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; 

you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,

and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. "

I want to share with you all some words from my mother that she shared earlier this week when we first learned that Grandaddy fell into a coma--words that I think sum it all up, that share our thankfulness to God and where our hearts are/have been through this journey. 

"We worship a God who is kind and merciful.  You all know my Dad was diagnosed in the fall with a brain tumor. Since that time, he has slowly gotten more weak and confused but has had no pain from the cancer.  This past Tuesday he fell into a deep sleep and his condition has not changed.  We believe he is in he final stage of going to be with The Lord.  They are moving him to the hospice facility to get the care he needs.  Please pray for him, that he will continue to be comfortable and that the Lord will graciously take him home to rest with Him.  He has fought a good fight.  Also, be in prayer for my Mom.  They have been married for almost 63 years, their anniversary is March 17th.  She has been right by his side and lovingly taken care of him these last few months.  It has been a sweet testimony to my heart of sacrificial love and care.  Thank you for lifting my family up in prayer at such a sweet and tender time.  God's care for His children follows them until their very last breath and on into eternity.  We worship a faithful God!"

I am so thankful for the Ultimate Healer that we worship and run to in times such as these.  God is good, all the time--and that, is where our hearts can rest.

I find myself often time relating to music during times such as these and I want to share the lyrics to an Indelible Grace song entitled:
"On Jordan's Story Banks"

"It's a song that speaks of the new heavens and the new earths--the new and future Canaan; the heavenly hope that we shall know as Eden.  The hymn pictures for us a people of God "bound for the promised land" while standing "on Jordan's stormy banks." If you have gone through trials and tribulations of great difficulty, stormy banks you could say, then this hymn is for you and for us who stand in the midst of it."

On Jordan's stormy banks I stand, 

and cast a wishful eye

to Canaan's fair and happy land, 

where my possessions lie.

All o'er those wide extended plains, 

shines one eternal day;

there God the Son forever reigns, 

and scatters night away.

I am bound (I am bound)

I am bound (I am bound)

I am bound for the Promised Land,

I am bound (I am bound)

I am bound (I am bound)

I am bound for the Promised Land. 

No chilling winds nor poisonous breath

can reach that healthful shore;

Sickness, sorrow, pain and death, 

are felt and feared no more

I am bound (I am bound)

I am bound (I am bound)

I am bound for the Promised Land,

I am bound (I am bound)

I am bound (I am bound)

I am bound for the Promised Land. 

When shall I reach that happy place, 

and be forever blessed?

When shall I see my Father's face, 

and in His bosom rest?

I am bound (I am bound)
I am bound (I am bound)
I am bound for the Promised Land,
I am bound (I am bound)
I am bound (I am bound)
I am bound for the Promised Land. 

I love this version because you can hear all of God's people singing out to him, resounding with the hope that "we are bound for the promised land" what a hopeful joy we have in Christ Jesus!

Thank you for all of your prayers, your kind and encouraging words, your hugs--there's no place we would rather be than surrounded with the love of our brothers and sisters in Christ. Please continue to pray for my sweet Nana--pray that the Lord will continue to comfort her and wrap His arms around her.

Sarah & Brandon 3-1-14

Yesterday, we made our way to Homewood, Alabama to celebrate my cousin Sarah's wedding to the love of her life, Brandon! Homewood was such a neat little town and the weather could not have been any more beautiful. It was a wonderful day. On the way over, we got the call that my Grandfather had passed away (he was diagnosed with a brain tumor earlier in the fall)--and the first thing that I thought was that The Lord's timing is perfect. What a sweet opportunity we had to all be together after such a loss and uplift one another and celebrate this new family unit being made today! I was very thankful as to how it all worked out! God is good, all the time! 

It was such a sweet wedding, very reflective of Sarah and her kind, gentle spirit. It's always a joy to see the people you love taking the step into marriage. Jason and I only hope we can always encourage, pray for, and see their love reflect the love that Christ has for us. 

We pray for joy and happiness all the days of your lives Sarah and Brandon! 

We love you both so very much! 

All the picture credits go to Mary Claire! Her first big event using her new camera. 

 My wonderful mother

 Alex and Clay 

 My sweet, handsome husband. I love you so very much!

 Sweet man of mine. 

 These two, they are something else. 

 My talented Aunt did this beautiful arrangement, among others they used in the wedding. 

 Love these two sisters. 

 Y'all are next! Can't wait to come celebrate in Atlanta!

 Lovely Lemon Cake

 These three goonie birds. 

 Sweet little Barrett, just relaxing in his Mommy's arms. So precious.  

 The beautiful bride and her Aunts and Mom 

 Sarah, you were breathtaking! We all love you so very much! Some of the girl cousins. 

 The Gallup's!