How did it go yesterday? Were you able to guess the photo? 
If you guess a Tervis cup of coffee, you guessed right! š
Thanks for playing! I hope you’ll join me again next Friday for another new angle and this Monday a new post! š
coffee
Are You Comfy?
Comfort and apathy can go hand in hand. We are all creatures of comfort to some extent. I love warm cups of coffee, good books and a great big quilt to snuggle under for an enjoyable night of reading. Some like to drive for comfort, some like to sleep. Some like to get comfortable in the quiet while others enjoy the comfort of people and noise. Comfort for one might not be the comfort of another, but we all enjoy being comfortable over not.
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Yet, in our prayer life, our worship and our passion for God, comfort should not be the mode of operation. Comfort can create apathy and apathy creates aĀ death of passion. Comfort and apathy can creep into our prayer lives when we grow comfortable in where we are and over confident in what we are doing. It can lull us to a slumber where we neglect theĀ voice of God and, eventually, even neglect the things and people of God.
When we grow too comfortable, we will become callous in our prayer life, lazy in our worship and apathetic in our God-message to others. Too often, as God did with Moses, He will call us beyond our comfort zone to reach the world around us and to deliver them out of the bondage in which they live. If we are only seeking what causes us comfort, then, we will be more apt to resist change, challenge and things controversial to the common worldview around us. God never called us to blend into this world. He called us to change this world by showing them His love, and His love will always challenge them to leave behind the sin in which they live.
Just as Moses did, when we decide to follow God and walk out of our comfort zone, we may question our ability. We may walk into ridicule from our own families and friends, and we may face a king who hates us and desires destruction for us, “but if God be for us, who can be against us”? (Romans 8:31)
Can we sit back and let this world ‘go to hell in a hand basket’ just so we ourselves may remain comfortable? NO! We must find our voice. We must step outĀ of ourĀ places of comfort, complacency and apathy and seek His face. We must step upĀ and allow His passion for the lost to infiltrate our lives to go and seek them. Look around you. See those who need Him and share His message for the redemption of their souls!
“Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.Ā Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.Ā Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” Philippians 2:1-4
“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.Ā But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” James 1:2
If We Were Having Coffee…
If we were having coffee today, I might have you walk past a few suitcases and ask you to definitely not look at the laundry room, because we just got back from a week away. I’ll tell you more about that in just a minute. Let’s get a cup of warm brew and settle back here on the deck…
How was your week? I might even ask, How has the last few weeks been for you? I’ve missed a few coffee chats these last few weekends; so, we have a little catching up to do. Have you been well? Anything exciting happen? Did you have a good Mother’s Day for yourself or with your mom or your daughter? …
Things have gone well here. Mother’s Day was sweet; my guys always treat me so nice. I think maybe one of the most special moments of the weekend was that morning… I was already in a bit of a frenzy, because I had woken up an hour late. Yet, I was almostĀ running on time. Haha.Ā I had called out to my boys that we’d leave in about 5 mins., only to realize I hadn’t put on a stitch of makeup! š So, I proceeded, finished up, and headed downstairs to leave. Our oldest said, “Five minutes, huh?” (Always the “smart” one. š Lol) I told him it would’ve been had I not had to apply makeup. A few minutes later, as we were walking to the truck, he said, “Ya know mom, you didn’t have to worry about the makeup…You don’t need it…You’re beautiful without it.” Oh my! Be still my beating heart!! That boy brought me to tears…and I just about had to reapply the makeup again! š Love him so much! š We had family over later to grill out, and it was just a GREAT day.
The next week was pretty uneventful, I suppose, but we did get several pieces of needed furniture; so, that was fun. However, this week has been very eventful and simply wonderful! My husband and I celebrated 20 years being married, and someone blessed us with a week’s stay in Daytona Beach, Fl. The weather this week has been pretty stormy, but the moods of the ocean and clouds captured on film is totally worth it! Here, let me show you some of the pics…
A brewing storm
We had an absolute blast! It was just he and I, and we sure did miss the boys, but we made some wonderful memories together. We stayed in a great resort, right on the beach. Our room was really nice, and it had an extra large balcony that reached out toward the pool area. It was one of only two balconies like it; so, it kind of made you feel like you had an extra special room. We spent the week together exploring restaurants, walking the beach, “hiking” to the top of the lighthouse, watching the sunrises and trying to catch the sunsets when they availed themselves.
Sunrise on our anniversary
Our anniversary day couldn’t have been better. We woke to an absolutely gorgeous day! The sunrise was stunning. We walked downtown through several of the vintage antique shops then went to eat at a restaurant called Aunt Catfish’s. Talk about good food! I’ll be sharing about it on a Tuesday’s Treat real soon.
We were so tired after lunch, we went back to the room for a little nap. When we got up, we got all dressed up for an early dinner at Stonewood Grill in Ormond Beach. Oh. My. Word. It was a great meal! (Again, I’ll share soon on Tuesdays Treats…we’ve eaten great all week!) We then went back, changed into comfortable clothes, and drove to Ponce Inlet to walk the beach and the jetty.
It was absolutely awesome. Joey stopped, told me how much he loved me and how thankful he was to have married me 20 years ago and kissed me. The whole day was so overwhelmingly awesome, I cried! Yeah, I know, that’s sappy right there, but I did! I am just so thankful for him, our life, this trip, all of it. I have been so blessed. š
The moon “rise” after a storm
Ok, well, I could probably go on an on, but I’m sure you probably have enough to do without sitting here listening to me jabber. It’s been so fun having coffee with you. I always love our little chats, and I look forward to ‘seeing’ you again soon. Here, I’ll take your coffee cup and walk you to the door…I hope you have a blessed week ahead! š
*Thanks to Diana over at Parttimemonster.com for hosting this coffee share linkup. š
If We Were Having Coffee
If we were having coffee, I’d invite you to have a seat on the couch, cuz it’s been raining a bit this evening and now, there is a downpour. Would you like coffee or tea or maybe a bit of hot cocoa?
Now, that you have your yummy cup of goodness, let’s sit and chat for a bit… I have some fun news this week…
Yesterday, my husband and I were treated to a “Night on the Town”in downtown Atlanta. Joey’s mom came to keep the boys, and we were picked up by a limo at 4:00.
We proceeded to Atlanta to eat At Fogo De Chao, a Brazillian Steakhouse. Oh. My. Goodness. You can really hurt yourself when eating there! They have an enormous salad bar, appropriately called, The Market Table, and then, when you’re ready, the waiters start bringing out the meats! You have a little coaster, which is red on one side and green on the other, and you use this to let the waiters know if/when you want more. The room seems almost to “move” as each waiter goes from table to table with a skewer stacked high of individual types of meat, such as, top sirloin, bottom sirloin, house sirloin, filet of lamb, ribs, pork loin, etc. You can choose what you like, and you can have as much as you’d like.
The food is absolutely fantastic, and because it’s simply slices of meat that each waiter gives you, it’s pretty easy to not realize how much you’ve really eaten until you are about to bust!
We left from there and checked in at The Westin. We were supposed to have dessert at the Sun Dial Restaurant, which is on the 72 floor, but we were so full, we didn’t dare. After we had recouperated a little, we decided to go up to the restaurant and see the view. They have a Gallery, just above the restaurant, where you can walk all around and every view is overlooking the city of Atlanta. It was absolutely beautiful!Ā 
We left to come home today, and I was glad, as I’m not a big city girl, but we definitely had a blast for a treated ‘evening in the town!’š
So, how was YOUR week? Anything exciting or interesting happen in your life? Please, tell!
It’s been lovely sharing this time with you, but now, it’s getting late, and our littlest one has climbed up beside me and fallen asleep; so, I suppose I will have to say so long until next week! š Try to stay dry out there, and I do hope you have a wonderful week!
Ps. Don’t forget to check out some of the other great coffee chats at the Coffee Share hosted by our gracious hostĀ Diana at PartTimeMonster.
If We Were Having Coffee
If we were having coffee, you’d know it was hot today, and tonight it’s still a bit warm outside; however, since my husband keeps the temps at 69-70 degrees in here, and I’m the cold-natured one, I’m wearing a sweater right now. Let’s move to the back deck where we can chat and listen to the birds chirp and the neighbor mowing his grass.
Would you like coffee, tea or hot chocolate? I have a little “coffee bar” here in the house; so, you can take your pick. Today, I think I’d prefer to have a little lemon and honey with a pinch of Cheyenne pepper, as I’m trying to kick this sinus junk I’ve had this week. Can I offer you cream and sugar with your coffee or tea, or would you like a little hot chocolate with marshmallows or peppermints?
Ok, let’s kick back in these lounge chairs on the deck. Aren’t the trees just stunning out here, and the birds are singing to us while the creek is babbling over the waterfall below. Ahh…this is one of my favorite spots in the world…
Yeah, this is REALLY in my backyard!
This is my first weekend share; so, please forgive me if I kind of blunder through it. I’ve been reading them for a few weeks, enjoying finding new blogs and contemplating if I would join. Considering I love coffee, love to read, and love a good conversation, I figured, “Why not?”
Ok, so enough chitter chatter about ‘nothing,’ now onto some interesting things going on this week. My husband, boys and I are trying to decide what to do for the summer. We really want to take a trip out West, but the cost, the time and the drive is making us pause and consider the pros and cons. We thought maybe we’d just buy a camper to make the drive a little easier. We’ve been looking throughout the week. There’s some good deals out there, but do we really want to “take the plunge,” spend that kind of money and try to figure out where to store that thing. We are still contemplating; however, yesterday, after coming in from looking, my husband received an email for an incredible offer to stay at a cabin on the lake in Highlands, NC, for the summer. If you’ve never been to Highlands, it is a town at 4,000 elevation; so, the temperatures in the summer are always like a cool Spring day! We’ve always wanted to stay there for a while. OH, decisions, decisions!
This week was pretty noneventful for me, I suppose. The boys had school. I ran errands and worked a little at the church most days, as well as, helped out at the school…just kind of the “same ol’ same ol’,” I guess…
Oh! I just remembered something. Let me pull out my phone and show you some pictures from Monday, which turned out to beĀ kind of our “Saturday,” as we had things going on this past Friday and Saturday and couldn’t really get away. We went up to Lake Winfield Scott and onto Vogel State Park. It was anĀ absolutely beautiful day, and we had an awesome time! We ate in Dahlonega at Burbon Street Grill; they have some great fried pickles, burgers and shrimp and grits! We,Ā then,Ā hung out around the lakes a bit. Joey and JMan did a little fishing, ,while I sat near by and read my Kindle, and JGrizz went walking around. We did see a snake shimming across the water. Later, JGrizz and JMan played a little putt putt while Joey and I sat by the creek. We finished out the day with a stop by Betty’s Country Store in Helen. We always joke about how you can get a “cookie the size of your head” in there. They are huge! I always get the apple walnut muffin (with a dollup of icing on top) and a cup of coffee. The coffee really isn’t that good, but it cuts the sweetness of the muffin. Once the muffin is gone, you realize the coffee tastes more like tree bark than anything else! haha! Coffee and all, it was a great day.
Also, the boys had a very eventful evening yesterday. Our church is celebrating Pastor Appreciation Day next week; so, in honor of this, their respective pastors took them out yesterday and gave them “a night on the town.” JGrizz was picked up first by his youth pastor and some friends. He had no idea they were coming, and they showed up on the doorstep complete with “mustaches,” aĀ big greeting card,Ā balloons, cameras rolling and Lecrae blaring from the speakersĀ in the Hummer. He was speechless, which is very unlike him! They took him to dinner, gave him a shopping spree and finished the night riding go-carts. He had a blast!Ā To hear the “updates”Ā of what he was saying throughout the eveningĀ and to see his smiles and enthusiastic retelling of the night just blessed my heart! He was still talking about it throughout the day today.
JMan was picked up shortly after this, and he knew a little of what was going on, because one of his little friends had let the secret out on Thursday (haha!); however, he was so excited to go shopping and to Skyzone (an indoor trampoline playground) and finish out the evening with dinner at one ofĀ his favorite Mexican restaurant. One of his little friends, who went with them, came home to spend the night with him. They were so wound up, they didn’t fall asleep until after midnight, but to see the smiles on their faces and to hear all their excitement over the night, it was all worth it!
Well, tell me all about your week now,Ā please. I’d love to hear…
Well, it’s getting late, and I’ve got to go fix the boys something to eat; so, I guess, we’ll need to continue this coffee share next time. I hope you’ve enjoyed the coffee. I’ve enjoyed spending time with you, and I do hope you feel the same. I look forward to our get together this time next week. š
Linking up with Diana at PartTimeMonster.com and #weekendcoffeeshare.
Tuesday’s Treats #12
Kilwin’s
Location: Highlands, NC
Kilwin’s is such a great place to go for yummy desserts and ice cream. There are several locations in the South, but my favorite one is in Highlands, NC. It is located right on the Main Street, and it is connected to a large, beautiful courtyard, where bands will set up during the summer months and play the weekends.Ā 
This Kilwin’s has Mayfield ice cream, and all kinds of homemade fudge, pralines and other goodies. One of my favorites is their Turtle Caramel Apple. Oh. My. Goodness!!
Ā They start with a Granny Smith Apple, to give it just a little tartness, cover it in caramel goodness, roll it in Southern pecans and drizzle it with heavenly chocolate. Talk about some yumminess! Then, if you’ll ask them, they will slice it right there for you; so, it’s a lot easier to eat than those carnival apples you’ve been buying over the years!
They, also, have some of the best pralines north of Savannah, Ga. (I love the pralines down there from River Street Sweets, but that will have to be another post. š) Is Hwy have chocolate dipped Oreos and Nutter Butters, truffles and other chocolate delights, but I usually bypass all of that for those wonderful turtle apples.
If you’re in Highlands, be sure to stop by and try some yumminess…and hey, that’s a dessert that’s actually good for you, right? You can eat the whole thing, cuz after all, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away,” right?! šš
For more information or directions, you can look them upĀ here.
Wednesday’s Ode #17
I absolutely love Highlands, NC! At over 4,000 feet in elevation, it is the second highest town on the East Coast, and it is simply a wonderful little town. If you’ve ever visited Gatlinburg, Tn, we always say Highlands is everything Gatlinburg should be…without all the Tshirt shops and commercializations. It is simply beautiful, and if you’ve never been, I encourage you to make a trip! It is a definite favorite for me and my husband, as we spent our first and second honeymoons here, and due to the cooler temperature year-round, we come here at least 4-6 times a year, if not a good many more.
It’s not a big city. It’s a quaint little mountain town with a little bit of “high society” living. They’ve got wonderful accommodations, restaurants and shops. One of my favorites is The Old Edwards Inn; the character of this place is incredible. They have a library, in which, you can actually find a book to sit and enjoy, high vaulted ceilings and even a hidden butler pantry where the staff may come to serve the guests. Their restaurant, Madison’s, has some of the best shrimp and grits I’ve ever put in my mouth…and being a Southern girl, that’s quite a bit! They have inside seating, a wine garden with outside seating, and even a rooftop terrace where you can choose to have your meal. 
Now just imagine: a lovely rooftop terrace, with beautiful shutters, table settings and cushioned seating, overlooking the little town, and a gentle summer breeze blowing in the “heat” of summer with ceiling fans gently rolling. The temperature gauge rising no more than about 70-72 degrees, because you’re at such a high elevation! The waiter brings you a pleasant cheese and cracker tray for an appetizer, “just right” sweet Southern tea, mini biscuits and cornbread made fresh daily, and your meal consists of fish and chips and the best shrimp and grits you’ve ever tasted. They even serve the shrimp and grits in a mini iron crock; so, they stay warm throughout the duration of the meal. It is a fine Southern meal to remember! š
Doesn’t that look just awesome?! …It tastes even better!!
For dessert, you’ll want to walk down the street to Kilwin’s, where you can choose homemade fudge and chocolates, or you can choose from a mass variety of Mayfield ice cream. The pralines and chocolate dipped Nutter Butters, PB cups and Oreos are some of my family’s faves; however, my personal favorite is the turtle caramel apple! They take a Granny Smith Apple, dip it in caramel, roll it in pecans and, then, drizzle it with chocolate, and they will slice it right there for you; so, you don’t have to try to bite into that monstrosity! It is divine!! If you’d like a wonderful cup of coffee with your dessert, you can also find it there; however, I prefer a cup of Buck’s Coffee, preferably a cup of white chocolate mocha, just across the street. Outside Kilwin’s is a brick patio with lots of umbrella tables and chairs where you can enjoy your coffee and yummy desserts, and on Friday and Saturday evenings, often times, they will have a live bluegrass, country (or other Southern genre) band playing. It’s simply a delightful ending for a great day.
These things have just got to be in heaven!
Now, if you’d like to work off some of those delicious calories you’ve added to your waistline during your stay, they have a ton of shops for you to find any number of items, and they have a numerous amount of hikes for you to explore. You can stop by the Highland Hiker and pick up a local booklet of all the Day Hikes Of Highlands, and explore till your heart is content. You can check the local weather and head out for a delightful, cool climat-ed, adventure.
We, personally, love Dry Falls, Glenn Falls, Sunset Rock and Whiteside Mountain. Dry Falls had recently had a remodeling of the parking lot and walkway, and it’s an incredibly easy walk to a beautiful waterfall which you can walk behind. When it has had a lot of recent waterfall, the roar can be so loud that you can barely hear each other talk while standing behind it. Glenn Falls is a little bit longer of a hiker but definitely an easy one. Many people who go to this one say they’ve always ended up at the bottom of the falls, but haven’t ever been to the top. Upon starting out, there is a sign to the falls on the left, and to another location on the right. Choose the left; then, a little bit further down the trail, there is a fork in the road where you must choose the right side path in order to get to the top of the falls. The left path takes you to the bottom. We always choose the top of the falls, because we like to put out feet in the water, but please, please be careful here! There are no boundaries once you cross over the overlook area. You can get as close to the edge as you’d like, and if you have adventurous boys like mine, your mother’s heart can very easily suffer about three heart attacks during your enjoyment of the view and the cool waters!!
…WAY too close, JGrizz!!
If you are visiting the area with your significant other, Sunset Rock is a must! You drive to it, and walk just a tiny path that opens up to an incredible sheer-faced rock that overlooks the town of Highlands. The view from here at sunset definitely earns its name! If you’d prefer to just drive to the many water falls, you can pick up a map, head out and literally drive under Bridal Falls and drive around to see many others. Just beware of the very curvy, and often, very narrow highway you must travel to see these. You might want to have a designated driver who doesn’t want to sightsee and drive! Haha.
If you’d prefer a bit longer hike, Whiteside Mountain is a great choice. We hiked here during our honeymoon week and saw our first Peregrine Falcon face to face. The little snapshot camera I had (these were the days before iPhones and digitals!) didn’t really do it justice, but he was about 3-4 feet from us and just seemed to sit there and simile for the camera. The hike is pleasant, and the views are simply breathtaking!
If you are on the East Coast and have never been to Highlands, it is well worth the trip!! It is a beautiful town that is surrounded with breathtaking sights, and the weather, especially in the summertime, is a very welcome delight! If shopping, hiking and sightseeing is your kind of thing, this is definitely a must-see!
Wednesday’s Ode #2
For those of you who may have missed my post last Monday, this is the second of my weekly features: “Wednesday’s Ode.” You canĀ read more about it here. I hope you enjoy these! š
I LOVE coffee! Love it! …did I say, “I love coffee?” Yeah? Okay, well I do! People who are close to me know my love for this flavorful beverage, and those who just met me, they usually find out pretty quickly. I like the taste; however, I do believe my love goes deeper than just the taste. I think my love stems from the comfort of it as well.
I am such a comfort creature! I love cozy corners to read and warm blankets and old worn out quilts that still hold memories. I love good books and warm fires. I love boots, sweaters, fleece filled hats and gloves and warm, fluffy lined slippers. I like the comforts of home and the security in routines. So, my love for coffee probably aligns itself more with my loves for the comforts which make me feel secure.
Yes, coffee is warm and inviting, like an old friend coming back from long winter travels. Coffee is soothing and comforting like a mother’s love or a father’s embrace. Coffee is just wonderful to have on hand at any hour or any day. I think I’d be sad if I could not have a cup or share one with a friend!
Coffee and cake, anyone?
the grizzle grist mill 