It’s Friday, which means, it’s time for another New Angle! 🎉
Remember to check back here tomorrow for the answer! 😊
Author: The WheatandTares
A Season For Tears…A Season For Cheer
Praying for those whose Christmas may not seem as magical today as they grieve their precious loved ones. There IS Hope.
Yesterday, I was so emotional all day, I felt I had to hold back the tears with all my might. It all began when I read a Facebook status update from a friend and relative who has lost her grandmother and grandfather within almost a month of each other and how she is struggling with the grief while trying to maintain a cheerful home for her children during the holidays. The feelings just washed over me like a tidal wave of how much I miss my own grandfather, even though, he’s been gone for over 12 years now. So much changed within my family after his death, and without him here, it will never be the same. Christmas has never been the same without him.
Several times throughout the day, I thought of him, and I began thinking of so many who have lost a mom, a dad, a child…
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We Never Know
We have no guarantees. We have no promises of long life and happiness in this earthly life. Not one of us can predict what tomorrow might bring.
I read a post today about a friend who lost her sister in a tragic accident. She was a wife of 14 years and a mom to four children still at home. Talked to a young man yesterday who lost his mom 7 seven years ago; he’s just a teenager. Another friend is grieving the loss of her 16 year old who was lost in a house fire last month. Tragedy surrounds us everyday, and we may never know what someone is going through unless they share their story.
Sometimes, especially in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, we can get so busy with our ‘to do’ lists, our shopping needs and our holiday parties that we fail to see the hurting who may be standing right next to us. You know, the waiter who seemed to not care about whether you enjoyed your meal today? Maybe she just lost her mom last week, and she’d rather escape responsibilities right now; however, she has to work to pay the bills. The cashier who seemed mad that you were even in her line? Maybe she’s struggling through a divorce and won’t get to see her kids on Christmas Day, because the judge granted visitation to dad this holiday. Or the father in the grocery aisle looking lost and confused, who just won’t get out of your way? Maybe he is distracted, because his beautiful wife of 10 years is lying in a hospital bed suffering from an incurable disease, but he’s here, searching for the cereal that his four year old so wants for breakfast.
The promise of our Savior is one of Hope. Isaiah told us He would be called Wonderful, Counselor, a Mighty God, the Prince of Peace, and He is all of this and SO much more! I have to ask, “Are we sharing Him with the world around us this Christmas?” Are we looking for those in need and taking the time to listen to their stories?
We never know the stories unless they share them with us. Yet, if we will open our eyes and listen to His voice, sometimes, He will bring them right in front of us. Just a smile, an encouraging word, a helping hand might help them make it through another day. God could have placed them in your path for you to see; so, you could share your story…because you are someone who has found the Hope they desperately need.
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Let us not just be a great church who sits on a hill looking lovely and singing beautiful songs. Let it be our ambition to reach this community, to share the love of Christ to the unloveable and to proclaim His Hope to the hopeless. Let us share our story that has found love and grace and Hope in the only One True God.
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Tuesday’s Treats #46
Pack’s Tavern
Location: Asheville, NC
This restaurant is super cool, and it’s nestled in the heart of Asheville, right next to the Police Department. The atmosphere is great as is the staff. The place has a lot of character, and there are nights they have live music, too. The food is incredible, and the cheesy bread appetizer is a must!
They have a great variety on the menu, including salads, sandwiches, burgers bison meatloaf and shrimp and grits. We ordered bison burgers, fries and the shrimp and grits. I’m sorry I didn’t get any pics of the actual food. We were so hungry that I forgot once the food arrived. We really enjoyed the atmosphere and the giant windows that showed the beautiful surroundings. All the food was tasty, and the boys even got some ice cream for a yummy dessert. Honestly, the shrimp and grits weren’t my favorite, but I’ve learned when going to a burger place, and being so far inland, that’s the chance you take. It was edible; I’d give it a solid B-. The burgers are definitely great, and the cheesy bread appetizer is to die for! 😉
If you’re in the downtown Asheville area, it’s a definitely stop. I’d like to go again just to try another bite of that appetizer and one of those burgers! There looks to be a lot of yummy items on the menu, too. Here is their website for you to check out.
Fear Not
An angel appeared to Zechariah and told him to not be afraid for his wife would bear a child in her old age. The angel, Gabriel, appeared to Mary and said, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.” Angels appeared to the shepherds out in the fields … “Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.'” (Luke2:8-11) An angel appeared to Joseph in his dream and told him to not be afraid.
It seems to be an overriding theme throughout the birth and even life of Christ: Fear Not. Now, so many years past, He still reminds us through Scripture today to fear not. If you’re not personally familiar with Him, you might ask, “Why?”
Prophecies declared He would be the Savior. Angels proclaimed He was Lord. The wise men professed He was King. Scripture reminds us He is our Hope, our Light for darkened times. Throughout the story of Christ, He is the Hope to the nations and the Light of the world, and many who foretold of Him also spoke of the words, “Fear Not.” When you have Hope, you no longer have fear, and when you are in darkness, and you find the light, you no longer fear.
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Answer to Friday’s Angle #95
How did you do wth the new Angle yesterday?
If you guessed the top of a water bottle, you guessed right! 😊
Thanks so much for playing, and I hope you enjoyed today’s game! See you on Monday for another blog and next Friday for another new Angle! 😊
Friday’s New Angle #95
Friday’s are the days for a New Angle! So, here we go…
Check back here tomorrow for the answer. 😉
Just Roll With It
“Roll With The Punches” … Definition: term is used to explain how boxers will often angle themselves in certain ways to help lessen the impact of incoming blows.
Sometimes, you just roll with the punches. You know what I mean, don’t you? Things just keep piling up, and there seems to be no end to the “punches” that life is doling out. There seems to be no relief to the amount of “adulting” we have to endure.
I have found there are times when “the rain just won’t let up,” or “”the hits just keep coming,” and if you’re going to survive, you’re just gonna have to roll with it or DIE! You have to make a decision in that moment. Are you going to give up and quit, or are you going to dig in for one more round, one more punch, one more hard blow before the bell rings?
As Christians, we’re called to roll with the punches. We’re encouraged to endure till the end. We’re to finish the fight, complete the race, and finish it well. Acts 20:24, “However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.” Romans 5:3-5 tells us, “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” Finally, Hebrews 12:1 reminds us, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
Our ‘commission’ from God to endure, to persevere is not simply so we can suffer through hardships, and it’s not just so we can prove to the next person how tough and strong we are. No, we are encouraged by God to finish so that we might be a witness for Him.
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We are stirred to continue on so that we might share our story with others and they might see Him through our faithfulness. We are inspired to remain steadfast, regardless of the obstacles or the hinderances, in order to inspire someone else along the way that they might see His goodness, His love and His grace. After all, this earthly home is not our destiny, this is just a season. We have an eternal home to which we look forward with desirous anticipation!
So, get up! Dust off those gloves. Get that grit back in your eyes. Get ready to swing, and roll with those punches! He will give us strength for each and everything we encounter. He will never leave us nor forsake us, and He will always fight for us! With God by our side, we cannot lose!!
Fight and Win!
Do you ever feel unworthy? Like you don’t quite measure up? Like you’ll never be good enough for anything or anybody?
Can I tell you these are all lies from the PIT OF HELL? Don’t ever allow the devil to convince you these statements are even remotely true! Honestly, I know exactly how you feel. I have been there. I have battled those thoughts, and sometimes, it can be a daily battle that I still fight.
The Bible says, “…your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” (1 Peter 5:8) He is a sworn enemy of God and of everyone who serves God. He is constantly seeking ways to devour God’s people. He knows your weaknesses. He knows your struggles, feelings of inferiority, rejection, failure and shame. He works strategies to pull you down, to hinder you from your purpose, and to ultimately destroy you. Don’t let him have his way with your heart and mind. Fight back!
Often, what we fail to realize with this Scripture is the scriptures before and after: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.”
When we humble ourselves before God, cast all our cares on Him, remain sober and alert, looking for the devil’s schemes, and we resist him when he comes around, we are better able to fight those thoughts and feelings of unworthiness and worthlessness. No, we’re never worthy in our own righteousness, but when we are a child of the King, He makes us worthy. No, we are not worthless, because through Christ we are made joint heirs with Him, which means we are full of worth!
So, if you’re struggling with feelings of inferiority, insecurity or rejection today, I encourage you to look up! Look to Jesus. If you don’t know Him yet, just say His name. Pull out a Bible and see what He has to say about you. (Try Psalm 139 for starters.😉) Trust Him and simply believe. If you do know Him; then, pick up that Word, find you a Scripture and stand on it! Fight those thoughts and feelings with the sword of the Spirit and the shield of faith which He has given you! You can do this! He is on Your side, and if God be for you, then who can be against you (Romans 8:31) 😉 WIN!!
Tuesday’s Treats #45
Vinny’s New York Pizza and Italian Grill
Location: Buford, Ga
If you’re looking for a great pizza joint, Vinny’s is your spot! It’s locally owned, and the owners care about their customers. The atmosphere is very quaint and comfortable, and it is suitable for a business lunch, a ladies night out, a large family gathering or even that very first date.
The serving portions are larger than usual, and the food is delicious! As you can see by the picture above, when I say the portions are larger than usual, I’m not kidding! This is a calzone, and I could only eat half of it! I wish I had taken a photo of the personal size pizza. It’s as big as a small, and the large pizzas…well, let’s just say they can feed an army! 
They have a pretty diverse menu, too. Calzones, pizza and spaghetti is available,and they also have subs, lasagna, eggplant Parmesan and even hot wings. Often, restaurants who have a wide variety on the menu will do some things great and then other things way below average; however, Vinny’s seems to get it right. I haven’t had anything, yet, that I don’t like, and we’ve know about this place since 2005.
Oh, one menu item that I must mention are the Alfredo garlic rolls. Oh. My. Goodness. These are just pure sin! Their regular garlic rolls are delicious anyway, but these are then smothered in Alfredo sauce and served as an appetizer. I have friends who have had these simply as a meal! Those attempting to be health conscious need not apply! 😂
The desserts are supposed to be scrumptious as well, but I am always so stuffed by the end of our meal that I have yet to order a dessert. They have some yummy looking cheesecakes and chocolate cake slices, and I did sample a friend’s “funnel cake,” which is more like little sugar-covered doughnuts. Those were yummy. So, if you’re ever in the Buford area, you should check them out.
Vinny’s is located at the Friendship Road exit off 985. I had a little difficulty pulling up their website; however, their Facebook page has the location, phone number and most everything you would need.
