Halle Joy

We are having a GIRL! We've decided on Halle Joy for her name. I have loved Halle since we started talking babies in the beginning of our marriage almost 11 years ago. I had no idea what it meant, I just liked it, which is the opposite of how we named our boys. We have always been really big on the meanings of their names. So one of my friends the other day mentioned to me that she thought Halle was short for "Hallelujah." So Bryan started researching what the meaning of Halle was in Accordance. Sure enough Halle is short for Hallel(in Hebrew), which means "Song of Praise!" It was a chant of praise consisting of Psalms 113 through 118, used during Passover and on certain other holidays.

We have a healthy baby girl who is supposed to join us August 15th. She is going to be well loved by all these boys in our house and a momma who has always wanted a little girl. Yesterday I was reminded, as I talked with a friend who had just gone to a regular doctor's appointment and the doctor couldn't find a heartbeat, that Halle is the Lord's and He is good in all things. I am thankful daily for that day that I have a healthy baby girl growing inside of me knowing that she is a gift. Thankful for my little, Halle Joy.

Longing for this

GF Pumpkin Pie Muffins

So I've had a hankerin' for something pumpkin. Found these on this blog: www.elanaspantry.com/

 

Gluten Free Pumpkin Pie Muffins
1 ½ cups blanched almond flour
¼ teaspoon celtic sea salt
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
1 pinch ground cloves
2 tablespoons grapeseed oil
½ cup agave nectar
2 large eggs
1 cup fresh baked pumpkin (or winter squash), well packed (learn how to roast pumpkin in 10 easy steps!)

1. In a large bowl combine almond flour, salt, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and cloves
2. In a Vitamix puree oil, agave, eggs and pumpkin until smooth
3. Stir wet ingredients into dry
4. Place paper liners in muffin pan
5. Scoop batter into paper liners
6. Bake at 350° for 40-45 minutes
7. Cool for 2-3 hours
8. Serve- makes 8 big muffins

**I used Bob's Red Mill all-purpose GF flour instead of almond flour and canned pumpkin instead of baking it myself. I dusted them with cinnamon and powdered sugar. They would be over the top with cream cheese icing. They turned out fabulous! The texture was amazing. YUMMY!

Thankful

:conscious of benefit received.

Why is it so hard to be thankful? As a sinner, I confess that my heart is bent towards ungratefulness b/c I am not always conscious of the benefits I have received in Christ. When I looked up the antonym for thankful one of the words was "joyless." I don't want to be a joyless person. I am a Christian saved by grace and have every reason to rejoice!


This verse is always one that reminds me of why I should live day to day thankful and full of JOY!

    Bless the LORD, O my soul,
        and all that is within me,
        bless his holy name!
    Bless the LORD, O my soul,
        and forget not all his benefits,
    who forgives all your iniquity,
        who heals all your diseases,
    who redeems your life from the pit,
        who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
    who satisfies you with good
        so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
                    (Psalm 103:1-5 ESV)

Today and everyday, 

I am thankful for the Cross of Christ for without His blood shed for me I am nothing. 

Lovin' Life in Austin

Pinterest

This whole thing is super cool but super new to me. I love to see everyone's sense of style and the things that they love! The DIY, home decorating and of course recipes have to be my favorite things to look for. Follow me lindseyapayne but remember I am just learning and figuring out how to use it.:)

Caleb and Ole' Blue

One of Caleb's favorite things in the whole world right now is to sit in the driver's seat and "drive, drive." Bryan sold his new truck and got this old FORD that he calls "Ole' Blue." Not having a car payment is super nice and Bryan loves his old truck. :)