Pumpkin Oatmeal Coconut Oil and Maple Syrup Waffles

I had to write a poem for a school assignment. It was right after Hannah posted this poem about fear.  I'm not sharing this with you because I think I'm a poet (no way) but I think poetry and certain forms of writing can be ways to channel certain feelings or thoughts in a more meaningful way.  Recently, I've noticed how many things people label.  Labels are everything!

Who can say what acceptance is?
Some tell you it is valued more than gold
A word, an action, worth it gives
But others know it leaves hearts cold

Who can say what worth is?

Some tell you it relies on your skills
Your hair, your clothes, your status
But others know its God’s grace that fills

Who can say what love is?

Some tell you it’s only an feeling

A look, a moment, a passionate kiss

But others know it’s a commitment sealing

Who can say what life is?
Some tell you it is a time to have fun
A moment, a vapor, a vanishing mist
But others know it is a race to be run

Who can say who you are?

Some will try to tell you you’re nothing
Comparison, jealousy, raising the bar
But others know we are God’s royalty

Who can say what God is?
Some will tell you He’s a fantasy king
A dream, a hoax, a old fashioned mess
But others know He’s everything

You know what else our world tells us?  That fat is bad. Ironic, because Hannah has a post on that, too.  (We aren't best friends for nothing.)  

Not all fat isn't bad.  But so many of the labels on today's food are "low fat" or "non-fat," you know?  Like we are bad for eating fat.  I tend to use pumpkin or applesauce for half of the butter called in recipes, although I'm not a calorie counter. I think a lot of us get our "atta girl" from healthy cooking.  Like, because we are making things "low fat" that label makes us or our food better.  And that isn't true.  So many labels aren't true!  But our world revolves around them.  Even the not-so-crucial ones, like Nike.  That's a label; one we tend to attach elite sports with.  Nike stuff is better than Reebok, etc. because of that "swoosh" or whatever its called.  (Not gonna lie, I do really like Nike:)  I'm not saying its bad.)

But the concept of not letting labels define us or our hobbies is important and is something I deal with every day. Who gets to say what is good?  The marketing people at stores?  No.  Because, guys, if I listened to them, I'd be wearing leggings under shorts with sweaters down to my knees and eating candy corn Oreos while tweeting my boyfriend about Miley Cyrus. No. Just no. 

My label is God's label and He labels me different than the world. He labels me as beautiful for my heart which He made new. He labels me acceptable because He died for my sins. He gives love. He gives life.

I used coconut oil instead of more pumpkin or applesauce and these turned out divine, not to mention hearty and filling.  I've been waiting for a recipe to link this thought of labels with and I'm not saying this recipe uses a ton of fat or overcomes that label or whatever.  It doesn't.  (My next recipe definitely does:) 

Starting the morning right means more than a good breakfast. It means a good mindset.  One that doesn't let others label your life. Give yourself a physical boost in the morning with these waffles, but also make sure to give yourself a mental boost as well.  I think you all are so sweet for reading this, how's that for starters? ;)

P.S. If you want to know about the waffles, they have a little texture from the oats, an addictive taste of cinnamon and pumpkin, and the delicious crunchy edge of waffles.  Depending on your sweetness preference, you may want to add more or less maple syrup. I like them topped with vanilla yogurt or more maple syrup.
 

Pumpkin Oatmeal Coconut Oil and Maple Syrup Waffles
Recipe Source: The Sweet {Tooth} Life.  Adapted from Nina Lemon
Yield: 6-8 waffles

3/4 cup all purpose flour (or half white, half whole wheat)
3/4 cup oat flour
1-1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon allspice
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 egg
1-1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup pumpkin
1 tablespoon vanilla
3 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
1/2 cup pure maple syrup (or more, depending on preference)

Whisk first six ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk remaining ingredients until smooth. Slowly pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Bake in a preheated waffle iron. Enjoy!

Related Recipes:

Peanut Butter Pumpkin Spice Granola Bars

Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes