inspiration

Redemption. Freedom. Claim it!

/ Dora Hiers

You set me free. I am redeemed.

“All my life I have been called unworthy. Named by the voice of my shame and regret…

I am redeemed. You set me free.

So I’ll shake off these heavy chains. Wipe away every stain…”

Do you feel like that sometimes? Unworthy, ashamed, weighted down with the dregs of your past?

Life’s too short to waste with unhealthy emotions. You’re meant to live fully, abundantly, and in complete freedom, not shackled by your past or swayed by the opinions of others. Settle back and soak in the words of one of my favorite songs by Big Daddy Weave, Redeemed. Enjoy!

Excited about Eating by Ernie Hiers

/ Dora Hiers / 7 Comments

This edition of Excited about Eating takes us to Queen City Q in downtown Charlotte, a short walk from the Time Warner Cable Arena, home of the Charlotte Hornets. 

Across-the-street view
Dora here. My first Hornets game ever! Too bad they lost that night. 🙂 
Time Warner Cable Arena

This BBQ joint/sports bar serves all of our BBQ favorites, burgers, tacos and more. During our visit, most visitors were sporting their Hornets gear while filling up before the game. 

We opted to try a few menu items and share: Brunswick stew, hush puppies and honey butter, and Carolina Classic Nachos.

Hush Puppies and Honey Butter Appetizer

I never pass up Brunswick stew when it’s on the menu, and I am glad I did not pass on this one. This stew was outstanding, with just the right mix of meat and vegetables and a flavor that kept me going back for more. I think next time we visit I could make my whole meal on this Brunswick stew. 

Brunswick Stew

Dora here. Hmm. I hear you, but I’m quite sure on our next visit, you won’t be able to resist the lure of the Que. 🙂

The Carolina Classic Nachos was loaded with three types of meat (pulled pork, smoked chicken and brisket), lettuce, tomato and chips. 

Carolina Classic Nachos

I have nachos at many places, but these nachos have to rank in the top two or three. What separated these nachos from the others had to be the white queso, with just the right amount of kick and mixed well with the different meat combination. In addition, the serving portion is huge. Both of us ate on it, and still weren’t able to finish. 

Dora here. Huge and delish! I love chili nachos, but the chili version tends to be heavy, so I appreciated the lighter variation. The chips didn’t taste overly salty while I ate them, but I could’ve downed a gallon of iced tea after dinner. 

Service was quick and friendly, even jammed with people. 

We rate this restaurant 5 forks out of 5 for a friendly restaurant serving outstanding food.

Any Hornets fans out there? Make some noise!


Queen City Q Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Time for Family

/ Dora Hiers / 8 Comments

So, now that we’re nearing the end of January,  

how are you doing on your resolutions or one-word theme?


I don’t make resolutions. Nor do I focus on one words. But, for me, 2016 seems to be all about family so far.

My parents spend the winters in TN, four hours away from us. The rest of the time, they hang out in AK. As in A L A S K A. So, we try to squeeze in as much time as we can with them while they’re in the lower 48.

This month they both scheduled cataract surgeries for the same day. One eye at a time, two weeks apart.

It’s been fun watching them see things in a new light. Everything’s brighter, more colorful, and now, after 50+ years of wearing glasses, all they’ll need are readers.

Both pictures were taken after the first eye surgery.

I’d allotted time in my calendar to be there to drive them around and help while they recuperated. They didn’t really need any help, though. After surgery and a nap, they were good to go. 🙂

What I didn’t schedule were snow days. Note to self: must remedy that for next year.

Let me ask you. Would you be able to write with all this cuteness in the house? 


Nope. Not me. 🙂

My word count definitely tanked in January. I’m working on Kissing Santa Nic, a Christmas story that I’ll publish independently as Tori Kayson. No contract, no deadlines, so it’s all good. But even so…

“There is a time for everything,
    and a season for every activity under the heavens…” ~Ecclesiastes 3:1 

Little Man won’t be five forever. Before I can blink (practically), he’ll be driving age. And my parents will head back to AK soon. 

Apparently, God has designated 2016 as the time for family for me. So, I will adjust my calendar and not fret over my poor word count. Because when I release my schedule to God, He blesses my time beyond measure. 


What season are you in right now?