Amplification and Gastronomy

The Bible, Amplified

So far I've managed to keep my Lenten resolutions to rise early and spend more time reading and praying. (I know, it's only been a few days in......but I'm actually getting UP in the mornings.  Let me have my moment.) 

Thanks to a recommendation from a dear friend, I've decided to read through the four gospels using the BibleGateway Reading Plan for Lent in the Amplified version.  I love the Amplified version of the Bible.  Information addict in all things, I love that it gives the multiple meanings/translations for certain words. 

Reading Proverbs 31 in the Amplified was an epiphany moment for me.  I always thought that was an unattainable goal, some kind of gold standard I couldn't possibly live up to.  Compare the NIV and Amplified version of Proverbs 31:16.

NIV: "She considers a field and buys it;
   out of her earnings she plants a vineyard."

Amplified: "She considers a [new] field before she buys or accepts it [expanding prudently and not courting neglect of her present duties by assuming other duties]; with her savings [of time and strength] she plants fruitful vines in her vineyard."

The amplified version helped me to see these verses truly apply as much, or more, to the our spiritual life as to actual, physical duties we should perform.  I still enjoy the King James and NIV for quicker reading or memorization, but the Amplified is just so useful for more in depth study and understanding of what the verses are really trying to convey.

Adventures in Gastronomy

Superman has been very happy with his home-cooked breakfasts.  I've enjoyed seeing his handsome face and having a few moments with him before he leaves for work. Being able to connect before our days begin has been wonderful, especially after his recent two-week business trip.

I thought I would share with you one of the fruits of my early mornings.  I used this recipe from Heavenly Homemakers to make Coconut Flour Banana Muffins (minus the nuts).  I decreased the honey called for a little, and added two droppers of liquid stevia.  They were amazing.  Moist, dense, sweet, entirely too tasty.  I think I ate three of them yesterday. 

 

I also made these Chocolate Chip Coconut Flour Muffins by ComfyBelly for Sparkly Princess and Mad Scientist.  They were quite a hit, even with reducing the maple sugar the same way I did the honey in the banana recipe.

I attempted an Avocado Brownies recipe last night, but it didn't turn out quite sweet enough. (Someone possibly, just possibly, forgot to add the in the stevia after reducing the honey......)  I personally love 85-90% dark chocolate, but that flavor is usually a little strong for the rest of my crew.  Surprisingly, Princess enjoyed them for breakfast this morning as is, but I'm brewing up a plan to use the rest in a type of 'bread pudding' so Superman and Scientist will enjoy them as well.  I'll share what I concoct.....if it's successful! ;-)