Author: The WheatandTares

Wednesday’s Ode #8

/ The WheatandTares

In honor of our birthday week and being able to celebrate together one more time, I thought I’d reblog this today. Hope you enjoy. 😊

The WheatandTares's avatarthe grizzle grist mill

Today, I’d like to give tribute to my grandmother. She and I share the same birthday this month, and since today is April first (and I’m not so crazy about April Fool’s Day), I think she is a much better subject to talk about! 😉

I absolutely love my grandmother! Many people say we’re a lot alike, and I take that as a huge compliment. She is a very loving, peaceful, pleasant, elegant, loyal, diligent, dependable, and noble woman. She is fiesty at times, yet, incredibly feminine. She is enthusiastic and always ready to have a good time; yet, she’s quiet and as easy going as the day is long.

She fiercely loved her husband of almost 59 years, and she loves him to this day; although, she had to say goodbye to him almost 13 years ago. They were best friends, confidantes, business partners and lovers. Together, they faced…

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Tuesday’s Treats #10

/ The WheatandTares / 1 Comment

Ted’s Montana Grill

Location: Several locations in the Atlanta area – Georgia

Since, this week is my birthday week, I thought I’d post one of my favorites for Tuesday’s Treats. Hope you enjoy! 😊

   
Yes, I started this post off with their yummy dessert, the Apple Pecan Crisp. Oh. My. Word. This will send you right over the top! My husband and I love apple pie; however, we’re hesitant on crisps, because, too often, those who prepare them lean too heavily on the breading crumbles (that end up being too soggy), or the filling is more like the canned-fruit-topping-fillings than something fresh and homemade. Well, this dish is incredible! They begin with whole, thick slices of Granny Smith apples, add a touch of cinnamon and make the crumble topping with pecans and oats; so, the combination tasted more like a fresh-out-of-the-oven, heavenly goodness!! Yum!

You may not be the type for desserts first; so let me back up to the main entrees. They have sandwiches, burgers, chicken and steak options. It’s a real “man’s steak and potatoes” kind of restaurant. They are known for their bison burgers, which are incredible, and they have several different types to choose. Every burger variety has the option of beef, bison or chicken. One of our son’s favorites is the Red Rock Bison Burger. I’ve screenshot the monsteracity for you from the website. I usually can’t get a pic fast enough when my son’s involved! Haha.   

I have ordered the Farmhouse salad with salmon and with roasted chicken; both variations are amazing. That salad is huge, and I usually can’t finish it. The menus calls for roasted chicken, but I think I prefer the salmon more, because it’s a little more healthy for me…since, we also get an appetizer and that yummy dessert! Ha. 

Lately, I have also been ordering a side of their squash casserole. Oh. My. Goodness! This is made just as it should be!! The squash isn’t too squishy, cooked with buttery goodness, and it is topped lightly with a light bread crumble. Amazing. 

My husband usually gets the bison cheeseburger with fries, and our youngest has had their chicken fingers with fries. Again, everything is delicious! Oh, and the other day, my husband ordered  the daily special of bison chopped steak, green beans and roasted corn. Oh my word, again, it was all incredible, but that corn was out of this world!! It was roasted kernels with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and bread crumbs. Amazing, again. 

The appetizer we often order is the Bison nachos with extra chili, because we love the bison chili that is on them! Oh, and there are three other things you’ll definitely want to try while you’re here… They put marinated cucumber slices “(homemade pickles 😉) on the table to begin your “Out West Experience.” These are so yummy. I could eat the whole bowl…well, I usually do, because they’re not so much the favorites of my husband or kiddos. They, also, have fresh squeezed lemonade, made just the way it should be: tart enough to make you pucker but sweetened just right. If apples just aren’t your thing, be sure and try the Kahlua Fudge brownie. I’m not real crazy about Kahlua; so, that was brought on the side, but Oh. My. Word. This is pure sin! (Lol.) It is so rich, you’ll want to share it or take it home, but it’s definitely worth ordering! 

(…I’m sorry I don’t have a picture of that yumminess. Our son dove into that while I was enjoying the apple pecan crisp, and I totally missed the opportunity!)

So, if you’re in The Atlanta area, be sure to look up Ted’s Montana and see if it’s located near you. Even if you have to drive a little bit, I promise you, you won’t be disappointed!   

Yeah, I left one more pic of that yummy deliciousness…

You can find all their locations and menu options here. 

**Note: the burger photo is property of Ted’s Montana, as shown by the copyright. I neither own nor possess this photo. Simply screenshot this from their website to display with written description of item. 

  

To Speak or Not To Speak

/ The WheatandTares / 2 Comments

For our relationships to be healed, mended and restored, we must speak up and be heard, but we must also shut up and listen. Sometimes, what you are assuming leads to misunderstanding and confusion. Sometimes, what you are avoiding leads to brokenness and pain.

Proverbs 17:27-28 tells us, “He who has knowledge spares his words, And a man of understanding is of a calm spirit. Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; When he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive.” Maybe, you need to slow down and listen more. I had a teacher in my young life who said, “God gave you two ears and one mouth. Learn which one He wants you to use more.” This has really stuck with me through the years.

 

http://www.poetrysoup.com/poem/my_silence_speaks_633278 : Source

Maybe you contend that it’s easier for me to stop and listen than it is for the next guy. Maybe my introverted personality affords me more latitude. This doesn’t mean the next guy is necessarily excused from the need, from the expectancy of others. This doesn’t mean he has a better excuse than I. No, it just simply means he might need to work a little harder to open his ears and shut his mouth.

Other times, it’s better to speak up and be heard than to remain silent. In just a few chapters later, in the book of Proverbs, this instruction is given to us, “Open your mouth for the speechless, In the cause of all who are appointed to die. Open your mouth, judge righteously, And plead the cause of the poor and needy.” Sometimes, when you remain silent, what you are feeling is not simple discomfort, it is pure conviction for what you are observing, hearing and the situation of which you are allowing yourself to be a part. When you remain silent, your actions further condone what is happening. If it is wrong, speak truth. Stop violence. Stop harm against the innocent. Stop evil with your bold speech.

 

https://tobefree.wordpress.com/2014/02/06/bonhoeffer-silence-in-the-face-of-evil-is-itself-evil-god-will-not-hold-us-guiltless/ : Source

 

I could argue that, maybe it’s easier for you to speak louder than it is for me. Maybe your extroverted personality allows you more fortitude. This doesn’t mean I am excused from the necessity of expression, from the desperation of the wounded. This doesn’t mean I have a better excuse than you. No, it just simply means I must put more effort in the articulation of my voice.

The perfect balance comes between the tension of knowing when to speak and when to remain silent. It comes from the acknowledgment for the need of both and seeking the right one at the perfect moment. It comes in knowing our own weaknesses and strengths and drawing from them both for the courage to do right, and finding our passion in one and releasing our will for another.

That is the beauty of conflict and the harmony of perfect peace.

 

Answer to Friday’s Angle #59

/ The WheatandTares / 2 Comments

Well, did you survive April Fool’s Day yesterday? I did! Even though, we have two little munchkins who were trying to scheme up all kinds of silliness for us! Haha! 

Oh! So sorry, you’re looking for the answer to Friday’s Angle, now aren’t you? 😉

  
Well, if you guessed the top of a medicine bottle, you guessed correctly! 😊

  
Thanks so much for playing!

See you here next week for another New Angle or on Monday for a new blog post! 😊

Friday’s New Angle #59

/ The WheatandTares / 2 Comments

Here’s another New Angle for you! 

  
Remember, the answer will be posted here tomorrow at this same time! See you then! 😊

(And yes, I do realize today is April Fool’s Day, but I promise, I will give you the answer tomorrow! 😉)

House of Glass 

/ The WheatandTares / 5 Comments

http://www.dreamstime.com/stock-image-empty-fish-bowl-isolated-white-image28293691 : Source

 Fish bowl living is not an easy life.

Be careful what you say in your moment of strife.

It can be an invasion of rights, no privacy, no grace.

You can prove to the world your mouth is full of mace.

 

The house of glass is so delicate, so fragile.

People feel no remorse to throw a stone so casual.

Knock too hard, and the panes may just shatter.

They don’t think twice to have their circle full of chatter.

 

The fish bowl can get crowded as others try to see.

No matter how hard they imagine, their lives will never be.

When you’re on the outside looking in, you think you know it all.

When you’re on the inside searching out, you realize how easy is the fall.

 

Penned – MG – 3/30/16

Choose a Path…

/ The WheatandTares / 4 Comments

I came across a new blog the other night, Shades of Today, and the blogger’s post prompted me to send a comment her way, and as I thought about it more, I thought it might be a good topic for me to share here as well…

http://www.paulkern.me/choose-your-path-wisely/ : Source

Sometimes, it’s so hard to know the path in life to take, especially when it feels as if it may be a real “key” to unlocking your destiny. In my life, I have found four things that help the choosing to be a little easier: perspective, diligence, hope and faith.
My perspective can make or break my situation. If I’m all ‘doom and gloom,’ always believing “the grass is greener on the other side,” I’ll forever be searching for the fantasy I’ve created in my own mind. Sometimes, you can miss the very best opportunity sitting right beside you, because you’ve always got your head in the clouds and can’t see a blessing when it’s there. Those with wanderlust can get caught in this vicious cycle. Other times, you may miss the opportunity, because you’re too focused on the here and now, and you’re never dreaming of a bigger, brighter tomorrow. You can get stuck in a rut, because you’re never looking beyond today’s job and tomorrow’s paycheck. Anyone from a small town who now lives with the regrets of a missed college experience or job opportunities can give me an “Amen” on this one.

My diligence in the here and now can both boost my perspective of the current situation and boost the opportunities that may open up in the near future. If I am diligent in doing what I am involved with today, someone who has an opportunity may see my diligence and desire my assistance on their team, as well as, sometimes, diligence can help me to accomplish things which teach me to be ready for my “next step” in life.

It is imperative to hold onto hope in all things and in all circumstances. For, if I don’t have a dream, a hope for a better tomorrow, how can I ever set goals to get there? If I don’t have hope, how can I finish what I’ve started today, and if I don’t hold onto hope, where will my joy in the little things be found?

Finally, I have realized, for my life, I have to have faith in Someone who is bigger, better and so much smarter than me. Some will call my faith in God a mere crutch, and, yes, I have found, I can’t even walk without Him holding my hand. He guides me, helps me, comforts me and loves me. He is the Creator of the universe; yet, He loves me. He is the King of all Kings; yet, He knows my name. He is one with God Almighty; yet, He chose to die for me and be raised from the dead to give me hope and a future! The Word makes it clear to me that He has good plans for my life. Jeremiah 29:11, says, “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'” That’s a pretty great promise to which to hold! So, to have faith in a God who not only loves me but One who also is looking out for me and planning a good life for me, is definitely a great thing to obtain. How can I possibly live without Him?!

I have found having these four elements active in my life help me every time I am faced with a new challenge, a new dream and/or a new path to choose in life. When they are in balance, and I’m not leaving one out or leaning solely on one while neglecting the others, it is so much easier to find the path and walk in it. I have, also, found these four elements join together to bring perfect harmony and balance to my heart and soul on a daily basis.

Maybe they can be of help to you… 😊

Tuesday’s Treat #9

/ The WheatandTares / 2 Comments

Crab Trap

Location: Destin, Fl   

We love the Crab Trap! There are several locations in Florida, but we like the Destin location the best. It is located right at the beach; so, when you get done eating, you can walk down to the beach and enjoy!
 

This restaurant has a real dockside feel, very casual and laid back. The seafood is great, and even the cheeseburgers are yummy! We usually get the fried or blackened grouper, fried shrimp or some other fresh catch of the day. They actually call their grouper Bronzed Grouper, and, yes, it is as good as it sounds! 😉

The kids’ plates are served in either a bucket or on a frisbee, which is really cool, being that the beach is just below. They’ve changed this a couple of times over the years, and we haven’t been in about a year; so, I can’t tell you which you’ll get, but it’s neat anyway. 

We usually ask for a seat by the window; so, we can watch the surf, but the whole place has got a great atmosphere. I think you’ll enjoy wherever you sit and whatever menu choices you choose. 

You can find all the information you need here. You will also find on the website the other locations, in case you’re in a different area and want a “repeat visit.” 😉 

What is Easter to you?

/ The WheatandTares / 2 Comments

What is Easter to you?

Is it cute little bunnies, an Easter Egg Hunt and all the goodies in the basket that you look forward to? Maybe, it’s the color coordinated outfits and the pretty little family picture for the social media page. Or maybe it’s the Sunday morning attendance at that church where grandma has gone all her life, and after all, since the family’s been begging you forever to go, you might as well make your “once (or twice) a year showing.”

Perhaps, your thoughts of Easter turn toward the sunrise services and Lent in the weeks before. Maybe your musings even turn toward the annual Easter plays, Choir musicals and worship endeavors of local bands and places of fellowship. If you’re in the ministry, it could be the many events of the weekend, the hard work that needs to be accomplished for the ‘big day,’ or possibly even a sermon, devotion or song presentation you’ve been asked to share on this once-a-year event.

For me, Easter is filled with a heaviness of heart, a gratefulness of mind and a true rejoicing of my spirit. This heaviness comes when I think of the cross and the price Jesus paid in my place. The weight of it all comes with the tears I shed thinking of His great sacrifice for my wretched lost ways and sinfulness. It’s not condemnation, mind you, but rather, a great conviction of who He is and who I am not. For Isaiah made it clear for us, “…He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5) You see, the cross, in all its shame and agony, was necessary for the shedding of Christ’s blood for you and for me. It’s not a joyous place, especially by the world’s standards, but oh, “…for the joy set before Him…” that joy was you and me!

The gratefulness of mind begins as I think of the hope I have in Christ and that hope which is for all who believe. I am grateful He died, and I am more grateful that He loved me enough to die in my place. Romans 8:11, says, “If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.”  I am, also, so grateful He didn’t stay in that place, that He rose again on that third day! I do not serve a dead King! I serve the King of Kings, the King who has risen and who is coming back again one day soon to take me home!

This is when the rejoicing builds into an overwhelming sense of joy and wonder as I ponder His pure love for me, and that this love is not conditional; it is not weak; it’s not wavering in circumstances and it’s not abundant for some and lacking for others! My spirit is overcome with rejoicing when I think about how GREAT a God He is, and how He has chosen Easter to represent His great love, His great sacrifice and His great resurrection for us! We should rejoice and praise Him not only today, but EVERY day for His love and redemption and His resurrection and soon return!! He is worthy to be praised!

 

Answer to Friday’s Angle #58

/ The WheatandTares / 1 Comment

Well, how did you do yesterday?


If you guessed the tip of a thermometer, you guessed right! 😊 I hope you’ll join me next week for another fun angle, or I’d love for you to join me on Monday for another blog post!


Thanks for playing!! 😊