The Christmas Story

It’s December 18^th and Christmas is fast approaching with endless to do’s that will keep me on the run until we finally arrive at my in laws home on Christmas Eve.  This is a night that I look forward to each year because it is filled with promise.  Every year is the same but the same is always cherished.  Bar-b-que Beef, Potato Salad, Punch, Chips, M&M Cookies and Lemon Bars.  The list goes on.  Music, candlelight, decor, presents, pictures, family, and the Christmas story.  The story that has forever impacted my life in an amazing way…

 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.  Luke 2:11

If you haven’t heard it, it’s a must!  It is truly the most impactful story that you’ll ever hear.  It is about a God who loves us enough to come to earth in the form of a baby, grow up, and live a perfect life, only to eventually give up His life in order to redeem us and give us a new life filled with the promise of eternity with God and life abundant right here on earth.

I have come that you may have life, and have it more abundantly. John 10:10

 So where is the abundant life that we are meant to lead.  It has somehow escaped even our thoughts as we face the trials each day can bring.  We are fighting so hard to get ahead that we get lost in the battle and all the while we are losing the war.  I got tired of fighting.  I got tired of  doing it on my own and not winning.  Can you relate?  Are you tired?   Do you feel like you have no fight left?

Maybe it’s time to quit doing life alone.  You have a Savior, whose name is Jesus.  He wants to come along side you and be there with you.  He wants to walk through life with you.  He wants to love you, and heal you, and make a new way for you.  He wants you to win.  He wants to tell you that you matter, that you weren’t an accident, and that he has a plan for you.  He wants to help you find and fulfill your purpose and He knows that with His help, you can.  He says, your worthy, and important.  He forgives and forgets your mistakes, and let’s you begin again.  Every day, His mercies are new.  He doesn’t keep a list of wrongs or crucify you when you mess up.   He doesn’t care what you have done, or how you’ve acted.  He just wants you! Just like you are, He wants you!  Faults and all, He wants you. 

If we were perfect, Jesus wouldn’t have had to come, live the perfect life that we couldn’t and then die to take our penalty.  We don’t have to be perfect, that’s what He is for.  He knows it all anyway; every mistake, every thought, every action.  All of it, and He still wants you.  Do you want to be loved like this?  I do.  My life has never been the same since I asked Jesus to take over.  It hasn’t been perfect but every day of my life – EVERY DAY, gets better.  You see Jesus doesn’t leave you where He finds you.  He wants to take you on a journey, an adventure, the ride of your life.  I have experienced it and I can truly say that my life is amazing!  Not because it is perfect and certainly not because I am perfect, but because Jesus, day after day, redeems another part of my life.  Day after day he reminds me of just how much I am loved and every day that he does that is another day closer to forgiving and forgetting all of my failures, all of my fears and all of my hurts.  I have not arrived, and there are many things that still hurt and I still struggle with, but the difference is, I have hope.  I know that He will redeem everything if I will give Him access to those deep places in my heart where I hurt.  So I do.   Day after day, I tell him a little more about where I hurt, and every time I do, He tells me a little more about how deeply He loves me; and every time He does, I am one step closer to believing I am completely forgiven and completely lovable. It’s amazing what God shows me.  He wants to show you too!

All you have to do is believe and ask. Do you believe?

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

You see, you not only get the promise of eternal life, you get a Savior who wants to come and live inside you and help you find and live abundant life, right now, right here, on earth, today!  Will you let Him come in and help you with your life?  Whether you’re sick, tired, lonely, or sad; guilty, hurt, betrayed or abandoned, He is there.  Waiting for you to believe and waiting to take you on a journey where you will find your life.  Won’t you ask Him today?  It will change your life forever.  This difference is, you will have HOPE and Jesus will begin today to redeem your life. 

All you have to do is ask…

Just say, Jesus, I am tired.  I don’t want to be alone and empty anymore.  I can’t do this life on my own.  I need you.  I believe in you.  Will you come and live inside of me and show me how much I’m loved.  Will you walk with me and talk with me and heal me?  Will you give me HOPE?   

That is it!  If you believe and you pray that prayer, it is done!  You are now God’s child and he will begin today to do extraordinary things in your life and you will look back and be amazed at how He has begun to redeem everything as you give Him access to your heart and your life. 

So our Christmas celebration will continue at my Mom’s house on Christmas Day with all the trimmings – a ham, a vegetable plate, cheese and crackers, spinach dip, fudge, and cookies.  The list goes on;  pictures, presents, family, cherished memories and more.

However you celebrate, my hope is that your Christmas celebration is also filled with promise.  A promise of HOPE in your life and JESUS in your heart; because when you have Jesus, everyday of your life becomes a love story. 

A story in which you find out how much you are loved. 

The greatest story ever told.  The Christmas Story!

 Merry Christmas!

LEGACY

This weekend I was given the rewarding opportunity to hear and meet one of the top 15 leadership experts in the country, Dr. Sam Chand.  What an absolutely amazing time of growth.  Dr. Chand is a former pastor, college president and chancellor, who now serves as president emeritus of Beulah Heights University. 

I had always heard that SUCCESS HAPPENS when OPPORTUNITY and PREPAREDNESS meet.  Dr. Chand re-iterated that in his message this weekend. 

He taught us how to go from STUCK to UNSTUCK, from NEUTRAL to DRIVE, from REVERSE to FORWARD!  “Growth is a CHOICE and if we don’t GROW we got to GO”, said Dr. Chand

Here are 5 qualities he shared that we can all benefit from:

1.  STRONG – Be able to handle instruction and correction.

2.  ATTENTIVE – Learn Quickly

3.  FAITHFUL - Keep going

4.  FIRM – Stand for what is right

5.  LOYAL – You can disagree with my head but not my heart. 

So how do you possess these qualities?  “BE PREPARED”, says Dr. Chand.  As for me and my house we will serve the Lord, Joshua 24:15.  Make a decision in advance as to how you will live and don’t waiver.  Dr. Chand also says, “Have a PDP, Personal Development Plan”, and “ask yourself the real estate question; What’s my highest and best use?”  “Where is it that it just comes out of me?”  “Where do I shine?” And do that! 

Why should we concern ourselves with growth?  One word Dr. Chand shared that I will share with you, LEGACY! 

As I ponder on this I come to the realization that life truly is not about me.  It is about Jesus, and it is about the life that he died to give to people.  But not just life, ABUNDANT LIFE!  If we are going to live life abundantly we need to GROW.  One of the most impactful things that Dr. Chand shared is so simple yet so profound…”There is NO neutral”.  We are either going forward or backward, in drive or reverse, or we are growing or dying.  I choose to GROW!  Why?  LEGACY. 

There is a difference between LEGACY and INHERITANCE, says Dr. Chand.  Inheritance is stuff you leave behind that can be purchased; while LEGACY can’t be bought because it is people and people go on. 

My conclusion is this…Who is my protegé?  Am I growing enough to leave an impact on the life of another, who in turn, can leave an impact on someone else.  That’s IMPACT!  That’s JESUS!  That’s LEGACY! 

I made a decision this weekend; NO MORE NEUTRAL!  I will GROW so I can make an IMPACT, like JESUS, and leave a LEGACY!

To learn more about the leadership principles that Dr. Sam Chand teaches and for resources to help you GROW visit www.samchand.com

 

 

How Upsizing your Charlotte, NC Home can SAVE YOU MONEY!

Did you know that right now might be a
great time to SELL your house in Concord or Charlotte, NC and buy your DREAM HOME?

Olan Carder, Mortgage Loan Officer with American Security Mortgage Corporation explains how:

“I know what you are thinking but hear me out!  It is true that home values are down, and if you sell now you might lose money on your home.  BUT, that can also work in your favor if you are buying a new home that is more expensive…

Let’s say you have to take a 10% hit on your home at $300,000.  That’s a $30,000 loss.   But if you turn around a get a 10% discount on $400,000 that a $40,000 gain, leaving you $10,000 ahead! 

Another thing to factor in is your financing.  Rates are near record lows.  That means there isn’t as big of a gap between your current home and that dream home!”

Example:

Current home: $300K at 6% = $1798 (P&I only)

New Home: $400K purchased at 10% discount would be
$360K, financing 80% at 4.75%/4.96% APR would be $1502! (P&I only)

“These are only general examples, but typically the higher the home price the better deals you can find in today’s market!  It might be worth taking a look at moving up to that dream home NOW! ” states Olan.

For a FREE MARKET ANALYSIS on your   home and for more information on how this may work for you, call Stephanie Blanton at Benham Real Estate Group.  704-796-0896.

Metro Charlotte Homes for Sale and Real Estate Services, Benham Real Estate Group, Stephanie Blanton, We are your REAL ESTATE professionals with expertise in Charlotte, Concord, Kannapolis, Huntersville, Mooresville, Harrisburg, and Salisbury, NC areas.  Engage my expertise by calling me when you buy, sell, or invest in Real Estate.  704-796-0896

Homes for Sale in Highland Creek, Charlotte NC

Minutes from I-85 and Concord Mills, and Charlotte Motor Speedway, you’ll find the sought after neighborhood of Highland Creek.   Nestled right on the Mecklenburg and Cabarrus County line, you’ll find that Highland Creek offers much more than most neighborhoods.   Not only is it incredibly convenient to Huntersville and Concord NC, but it’s within 15 minutes from Uptown Charlotte NC. 

The amenities offered in Highland Creek make it a community of it’s very own.   If you love the outdoors, Highland Creek has endless possibilities.  Whether it’s a family day at the park, a walk on a nature trail, plunging down a slide into the pool on a hot day, or a round of golf on Highland Creeks Championship Golf Course, it’s all here. 

If community and events is what you desire, you will love the activities.  Family field day, adult bingo, a spring coloring contest and the Creek 5K are just a few of this seasons Calendar of Events at Highland Creek.  

Highland Creek offers schools in both Mecklenburg and Cabarrus County, NC.  Highland Creek Elementary, the Mecklenburg County Elementary School is located right within the neighborhood and the Cabarrus County Elementary School, Cox Mill, is one of the most desired elementary schools in Cabarrus County. 

Homes for Sale in Highland Creek range from approximately $175,000 to $500,000.  To create even more of a community feel and connection with your neighbors Highland Creek has numerous neighborhood within a neighborhood.    There’s Crownvista, Whistler’s Chase, Meadowmont, Dominion Crest and Dominion Grove just to name a few. 

Highland Creek is still one of the top selling neighborhoods in the North Charlotte and Concord area?  For this reason Highland Creek  property values have remained more stable than most through the challenges of the economy over the last couple of years.  If looking for a home in the North Charlotte or Concord NC area consider Highland Creek, a community all of it’s own, within the  communities of North Mecklenburg and Cabarrus County, NC.

Metro Charlotte Homes for Sale and Real Estate Services – The Blanton Team at Exit Realty Elite Properties, Stephanie Blanton, We are your REAL ESTATE professionals with expertise in Charlotte, Concord, Kannapolis, Huntersville, Mooresville, Harrisburg, and Salisbury, NC areas.  Engage our expertise by calling us when you buy, sell, or invest in Real Estate.  704-796-0896

Passionate about Real Estate

Why am I a Real Estate Agent? It’s a question I get asked a lot for some reason. Sometimes it is a question I ask myself when the hours get long and the negotiations get tough. You see, Real Estate is not for the weak at heart or spirit. Some days, some deals are easy as pie; some are more like a mud slide. To stick around, even during the hard times, you must have tough skin and most of all PASSION for the industry.

I am not sure when my passion started. My mother is a real estate agent and I loved hearing about her clients and contracts much before I was “in” the industry. Before I was a real estate agent, I was in the mortgage industry, did my PASSION start then? I remember one particular meeting in said profession stuck out to me. One of our underwriting managers reminded us about looking at the big picture, we were not just approving and processing one of many loans, we were making a dream come true to someone or an entire family. Our job had an impact in the way someone lived, providing them with the homeowner dream! This mentality has settled with me as I transitioned into home sales. Every house I help someone purchase or sell is changing their lives! That fact is something that our team takes seriously and to heart! There will always be homes on the market, there will always be couples, families, first time buyers, and retirees who want to pursue the homeownership dream or downsize their living quarters. No matter the situation, our clients can rest assured that when working with us, they will be truly cared for, listened to and that we will do all in our power to attain their dreams.

Aside from this, real estate really excites me; maybe that is also part of my zeal for the industry!! A lot of women in the world find excitement in shopping for or looking at shoes, purses or jewelry online or in person. I won’t kid you, while those things place me in a happy place too; THIS is what really does it to me!

Can you hear my heart sing? Check back soon to read more about new construction neighborhoods that feature homes like the one shown above in the Charlotte Area. Will that make your heart sing too??

If not, what are you zealous for?

Top Valentine’s Day Restaurants, Charlotte NC

Our Valentine’s Day Picks, Charlotte NC

I should have called this page our Picky Picks!  These restaurants are sure to please because we never go to a restaurant twice where we haven’t gotten a great meal and certainly wouldn’t recommend it.  So go and enjoy, cause we’ve tasted for you in advance and we keep going back time and time again!

Here they are - Our Top Picks to take your sweetheart to this Valentine’s Day…

Rooster’s Wood-Fired Kitchen - A southern restaurant with French, Italian and Spanish Influences.  Locally owned by my friend and Chef, Jim Noble.  I highly recommend this unique dining experience where you can expect that every bite will be mouthwatering good!  Rooster’s is located across from Southpark Mall.  Jim also owns the Kings Kitchen in Charlotte which is a not for profit restaurant where the proceeds go to feed the needy.  Amazing man, amazing Chef!  

  

  

 

 

 

Red Rocks Cafe  – What a great place.  I was just there in January and it was fantastic.  My friend especially like the Ahi Tuna.  She said she hasn’t had Ahi Tuna that good in ages.  The waiter was especially amazing in the way he tended to us!  Funny too!

The Melting Pot - One of my fav’s if you want the evening to last!  The food is great, it comes out slow and you cook it yourself.  The cheese fondue is incredible, and the chocolate with cherries will keep you coming back for more.  Oh my, I think I just sold myself on this 2 hour dining experience!  If the budget doesn’t allow, just go for dessert!

Firebirds -  So good!  If you are a steak lover this is the place.  My husband is very picky when it comes to steak.  He says, “My steak MUST be bursting with flavor.”  Firebird’s has it.   His favorite is Cajun Seasoned Steak.  Not sure if it’s on the menu but they will do it.  Mine is definately without a doubt the Filet with Blue Cheese on top.  EVERY BITE IS MMMM GOOD!

Mickey and Mooch - I love Mickey and Mooch for the atmosphere, the blue cheese cole slaw and the mile high dessert.  You must not leave without ordering a slice of cake.  You will be amazed!

131 Main - Wow!  Great Restaurant, quaint atmosphere, two locations.  Charlotte and Lake Norman area.  It is a MUST!

Ameliels French Bakery - Try something a little different.  Go out for just dessert and try Amelie’s.  You will be in awe at the draperies, chandeliers, decor, the many rooms, and of course the pastries!  What a great way to show your love on a small budget!  They are open late too!  Check out the link.

Carraba’s - Oh my goodness!  Another one of my favorite’s.  I have never had a bad meal.  My favorite is the shrimp and scallop combination.  They will create for you too!  Can’t go wrong at Carrabba’s.

Bone Fish Grill - We just ate thier last Friday.  Thier famous appetizer Baha Shrimp is AMAZING!  I had Mahi Mahi.  The cool thing is there are four sauces to choose from to top your fish.  Lemon Butter and Mango were my favorite!  If you don’t love fish and your honey does go anyway, they have something for you too!

 

 

Cheesecake Factory - Love, love, love thier house salad.  The dressing is fabulous.  I never get the same thing twice, except the salad, because IT’S ALL GOOD!  Gotta try it!

 

 

 

 

Capital Grille – I have to admit this is one that we have yet to try but it’s on our list.  I added because we have been hearing people rave about it.  Let me know if you get thier before I do. 

   

 

Also, Read our Blog to view Luisa’s Blog  post on “Keeping the ROMANCE alive all year!”  Here you’ll find many ideas and places to visit in and around the area.  

 

Well we hope this helps you and yours have the best Valentine’s Day ever!  Love, The BLANTON Team 

Keep the ROMANCE alive all year, around Charlotte NC

The Blanton Team wants to wish you a Happy Valentine’s Day! 

For places to celebrate your love, check out our Top PICKS where you’ll find plenty of highly recommended restaurants and bakery’s to suit your taste and budget.

If you want to Keep the ROMANCE alive all YEAR, Luisa has compiled a list of ideas for the rest of the year.  We hope these ideas will help you continue to celebrate those you love by building special memories together. 

 

Ideas to Keep the ROMANCE alive all year:

March - Take an early spring stroll at Latta Plantation.  If you are feeling adventurous go horse back riding and gallop around the beautiful landscape.

April – Go on a spa escape with your sweetie.  The Ballantyne Hotel and Lodge has cocktail packages to fit your needs.

May – Enjoy Cityfest Live, an annual concert featuring some of the country’s most popular performers. 

June – Check out WorldFeast, a celebration of different cultures from around the world that features plenty of music, arts and crafts.

July – Go cool off at Pilot Mountain State Park, just 70 miles north of Charlotte.  Take a walk on the trails and enjoy each others company while taking in the park’s breathtaking views.

August – Drive a few minutes to close by Jetton Park located on Lake Norman.   Have an intimate picnic and long talks on the waterfront beach.

September – Enjoy the last days of summer!  Take a drive to Lake Lure and enjoy a romantic weekend taking in the lake and mountain panoramic views. 

October – Get Lost in a Maze, The Amazing Maize Maze at Rural Hill, Huntersville.  Every year it changes to make it more challenging.  See how fast you can make it to the finish line or take your time and Get Lost Together!

November – Get a sitter and go Black Friday midnight shopping.  Concord Mills and other stores in the vicinity open at midnight or earlier.

December - Visit a winter wonderland by taking a drive trough the town of McAdenville, locally known as Christmas Town USA.

 

Home for sale at 295 Wingmaster Drive, Mooresville NC 28115, Rowan County

Tags

homes for sale in concord, homes for sale in kannapolis nc, homes for sale in mooresville, homes for sale in remington woods, homes for sale in rowan county, homes for sale with 1 acre

Nestled on nearly 1 acre with a gorgeous yard and wooded backdrop is a custom FULL BRICK RANCH HOME that will AWAKEN your DESIRE for NATURE!

Introducing 295 Wingmaster Dr. Mooresville, NC 28115 located in the neighborhood of Remington Woods.

This Gorgeous custom BRICK RANCH lies on nearly 1 ACRE and has an amazing yard and wooded lot! The floorplan is very open  and inviting.  The home features vaulted ceilings, a gourmet kitchen with double oven, cooktop stove and stainless steel appliances, trey ceilings in dining room and master bedroom, hardwood floors and ceramic tile, finished garage, lots of trim, and much more.  The OUTDOOR COVERED PATIO & AMAZING REAR YARD with WOODED DROP BACK can be enjoyed year around!  The home is minutes from Kannapolis and 20 minutes to CMC Northeast and Concord Mills. Enjoy LOW Rowan County Taxes.  Call Stephanie Blanton at 704-796-0896 for more information or to schedule your personal tour!

For information on this home and others please visit www.theblantonteam.com

Home for Sale – 183 Ashmont Dr. Kannapolis NC 28081

Located just outside the city of Concord NC lies 183 Ashmont Dr. Kannapolis NC 28081

This gorgeous 4 bedroom home is sure to CAPTURE YOUR ATTENTION! The curb appeal along with the huge fenced rear yard and open MASTER DOWN floorplan is incredible!

This home located in the Manchester Place neighborhood is immaculate inside and out and features a master down, two story open foyer, and two story living room with soaring ceilings and cat walk that overlooks the great room. A formal dining room is offered for all of your special occasions. Living room is cozy and has a gas fireplace and tv niche and is open to the breakfast and kitchen which lends itself well to entertaining guests. Upstairs you will find 3 large bedrooms and a full bath. Third bedroom could easily be used for an office or bonus room. Home has been freshly painted ceilings and all.

Please call me today at 704-796-0896 to schedule your personal tour.

Metro Charlotte Homes for Sale and Real Estate Services – Exit Realty Elite Properties, Stephanie Blanton Team, We are your REAL ESTATE professionals with expertise in Charlotte, Concord, Kannapolis, Huntersville, Mooresville, Harrisburg, and Salisbury, NC areas.  Engage our expertise by calling us when you buy, sell, or invest in Real Estate.  704-796-0896

Home SOLD at 660 Vega St. Concord NC 28027 in the neighborhood of Winding Walk

SORRY, we got this one SOLD!

Nestled in the gorgeous community of Winding Walk, just on the outskirts of Cabarrus County and right around the corner from Huntersville North Carolina lies an AMAZING 6 bedroom home located at 660 Vega St. Concord NC. 

This home is approximately 3350 s.f. and features a soaring two story entry with a formal living room and dining room.  Behind the open cat walk and stairway is the great room that is open to the gorgeous kitchen.  The kitchen has custom cabinetry, an oversized island and gorgeous black granite countertops.  Spend cozy evenings in front of the fireplace that is surrounded by built in bookcases and cabinetry or have your morning cup of coffee and take in the warmth of the sun in this homes amazing sunroom.  Downstairs you will find a guest bedroom and a full bath to be enjoyed by overnight guests.  Upstairs is 4 additional bedrooms and a 6th bedroom/bonus.  The home has many upgrades and features like, columns, hardwood and ceramic tile floors, a fenced yard, a custom patio and deck, and plenty of gorgeous landscaping for you and your friends to enjoy.   The front of this home is only the beginning.  Once you see inside 660 Vega St. you will want to see it in person.

 

You can also enjoy the many ameneties that the community of Winding Walk has to offer.  A swimming pool, clubhouse, walking trails, tennis courts, and a playground all create the feel of community at Winding Walk. 

What is so incredible about this home is how much you get for the price.  The tax value of this home is $387,000 and is currently on the market for only $300,000. 

Please call me to schedule your personal tour of this home.  You will be glad you did!

 

Metro Charlotte Homes for Sale and Real Estate Services – Exit Realty Elite Properties, The Blanton Team led by Stephanie Blanton, We are your REAL ESTATE professionals with expertise in Charlotte, Concord, Kannapolis, Huntersville, Mooresville, Harrisburg, and Salisbury, NC areas.  Engage our expertise by calling us when you buy, sell, or invest in Real Estate.  704-796-0896 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              704-796-0896      end_of_the_skype_highlighting