Author: Dora Hiers

Enthusiastic about Faith: Wrestling with God

/ Dora Hiers

Not long ago, I shared that I was a Bible hoarder. If you missed that post, you can read it here. But, just as I suspected, now I’m reading scripture with fresh eyes.

You all probably remember the story of how Jacob stole his twin brother’s blessing and birthright? Then, when Esau threatened to kill him, Jacob fled to live with his uncle for over two decades while he worked off the wages for two brides. When God instructed Jacob to venture back to his homeland, the land God had promised to give him, his brother came to meet with 400 men. Naturally Jacob was terrified. I’m not sure I’d have worked up the courage to get that far. What about you?

Jacob prayed and split his family into groups, sending the servants loaded with gifts for Esau well ahead of him and his precious wives and children. As always, the fact that Jacob spent the night wrestling with God made me pause. Was this a real wrestling match or an all night prayer meeting, wrestling with fear and guilt over what he’d done to his brother? Whatever, Jacob left that morning with a limp. And all for what? Because he refused to surrender God’s blessing. Ironic, isn’t it? The very thing that sparked his rapid departure in the first place…stealing his brother’s blessing.

Jacob expected a battle, but his brother greeted him with a kiss. Surprise, surprise.

But isn’t that always the case where God is concerned? He divided the Red Sea, fed thousands with a little boy’s lunch, called a man from the grave, and yet somehow I forget how mighty God is, that He makes miracles from my messes, and that He is more than able to restore broken relationships.

If only I’d ask…

And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for. ~1 John 5:14-15


My takeaway from Jacob’s experience…

Obedience rewards. Although Jacob must have quaked in his sandals when God instructed him to go back to his homeland, he obeyed. The reward was a restored relationship with his twin, but he also became Israel, a founder of nations and kings.

Persistent prayer pays off.  Frightened, Jacob prayed for God’s protection and recalled God’s promise that He’d make his “descendants like the sand of the sea.” (Gen 32:12 NIV) And then again when he wrestled with God all night, persevering until God blessed him.

Don’t make hasty decisions. Jacob remained where he was for the night to pray and regroup.

Expect favor. Our God is bigger and mightier than any problem I might face, and when I ask Him for help, His response is to bless.

Oh, and my old Bible? I moved it to my desk. All those highlights and notes make for a fabulous research reference. 🙂

Excited about Eating by Ernie Hiers

/ Dora Hiers
This edition of Excited about Eating takes us to to Krazy Fish in the Plaza Midwood neighborhood. We arrived a little before noon on Good Friday and waited a few minutes to be greeted and seated. The first thing we noticed was the eclectic interior combined with junk art throughout the restaurant, and the musty smell was a turn off.
Interior
At the waiter’s suggestion, we shared the Neptune Platter which included fried fish, shrimp, calamari, scallops, and vegetables and also served with Krazy slaw, Mac n Cheese (our choice) and cornbread. Nuoc Cham (at least, that’s what we think it was?) and wasabi tartar dipping sauces were provided.
Neptune Platter

I don’t believe there is any way one person could have eaten this entire meal. It was huge. The fish was tender, the calamari crispy, and the fried vegetables were perfectly cooked with just the right amount of bite, the highlight of the dish. The two negatives of this dish were the Krazy slaw and the cornbread. The slaw had an unidentifiable spice and a “pickled” flavor which made it almost uneatable and the cornbread was very dry. Dora here. I’m not a huge fan of seafood in general, so it takes a lot to win me over. For me, the fish was a bit too fishy, and nothing on the plate really stood out or invited me to come back. Maybe I might’ve liked the grilled platter more.

I would rate this establishment 3 forks out of 5 for a family friendly restaurant serving good food.Krazy Fish on Urbanspoon

Crazy about Writing!

/ Dora Hiers / 2 Comments

With the exception of promoting blog posts, I’ve been somewhat MIA on social media these days. I blame it on marketing for four releases this year. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it. 🙂

When I received my promotional copies for When Hope Rises, I realized that I pumped the bulk of my efforts into my Harmon Heritage series and Rori’s Healing, which releases on June 5th. But When Hope Rises releases on May 1st as part of Pelican’s Pure Amore subscription. What does that mean?
It means I have five pdf copies of When Hope Rises to give away! 

Pelican Pure Amore’s May release
Art teacher Shelby Coltman transforms junk into treasure and longs for a place to showcase her creations. She’s thrilled when her friend volunteers to room with her. Shelby can finally buy a storefront. Unfortunately, Kennedi’s brother can’t seem to let go.

Abandoned as a teenager, guidance counselor Tate Malone has become surrogate and over-protective father to his sister. Life is great until Shelby Coltman wheedles his impressionable sister into sharing an apartment. Raised in wealth, the beautiful Shelby could never understand poverty or rejection, and Tate doesn’t appreciate her uprooting his sister.

When Shelby hands over her savings to a homeless student, will God obliterate Tate’s fears and deliver all of Shelby’s dreams…when hope rises?
Want one? Here’s your chance!

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