If nothing changes, nothing changes!

Hi guys and dolls,

Well I am finally finished with the ProStart Culinary and Management competitions.  We went to state this weekend in Austin and had a blast!

I have been contemplated the title of this months blog for quite some time.  I actually heard it preached in a sermon some years back.  Recently, I have come to the realization that this saying has more depth than we can to imagine.

There are so many things in life that are predicated on "Change".  And in fact, if things do not change, do not reach maturation, two things can happen.  Stagnation or regression.  Either you remain right where you are, not growing, not moving forward or you go back to what is most comfortable or familiar to you.  I don't know which is worst, becoming a stick in the mud or allowing fear to make you go back to something you know is not best for you!

At first I felt that change started in the mind, but I have come to rethink that in the past few months.  Change actually starts in the heart.  We often believe, if I just could have a fresh start.  If I could just do it all over again.  The real question should be, do I need a heart transplant?  What strongholds in my heart am I allowing to take root and grow?  How have these strongholds impacted my choices, beliefs and decisions?
A little self-evaluation every now and then never hurt anyone.  In fact, you may " change your mind" about some things you have held fast to for a long time.

1 Samuel 16:7

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

⁷ But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for ^[a]God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”

Our women's Sunday school class is studying, Breaking Free, by Beth More.  I highly recommended it to my sisters who may be feeling "stuck".  It is proving to be very liberating for me.  And to tell you the truth, I didn't even want to to the study!  That tells me that the Lord knew that I needed it all the more. (lol) 

In relationships, especially, there are times we are afraid to let go, afraid to move on.  But the truth of the matter is, things have changed whether we are willing to admit it or not.  So we just simply need to, MOVE ON, LET GO and LET GOD!  You can not make others change, you can only simply accept change yourself and consciously decide to change yourself.  In the end, you will grow, blossom and renew your spirit, just by embracing the change!

News and events:

As most of you know I launched Cast Iron Skillet this summer and we are moving forward.  In February, CIS had the privilege of serving an elegant dinner for 12 lovely ladies in Magnolia, Texas.  In March we will collaborate with the Braman Winery of Refugio, Texas at their Richmond, Texas location. 

I am really excited about all of the upcoming opportunities to showcase Cast Iron Skillet.  Please check out the new Facebook page and the updates on the website, www.wix.com/slraleigh1913/castironskillet.


On a personal note, Mia attended the National Society for Minority in Hospitality convention in Washington,  DC, where she was a delegate. http://www.nsmh.org/

Adrian was accepted to attend the Air Force Academy Summer Institute, June, 2012 in Colorado Springs, CO.

Ari has postponed grad school to June 2012, but is still looking forward to the balmy breezes of Savannah, GA!

I leave you with one of my favorite songs, "I am Changing" from the Dreamgirls Soundtrack, sung by none other than, Ms. Jennifer Hudson.  And my hasn't she, CHANGED!

Remember, sometimes you don't need a fresh start, what you need is a new heart!

Psalm 51:10

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

 ¹⁰ Create ^[a]in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew ^[b]a steadfast spirit within me.

Take care of yourselves, 'til next time!

Sheri

Amazing Grace!

Hello everyone!  It has been quite some time.  I usually and never to busy to write, but lately, I have had technical difficulty.  2011 was an inspiring year; I have so much to thank God for!  It was a year of change and reconstruction.  What do I mean by that?  Well, I am glad you asked!  Change is such a dreaded word for some of us, but do you know that if nothing changes, nothing changes.  For instance, if the seasons do not change, the agriculture would suffer.  If technology does not change, we become antiquated.  If habits do not change, it could be detrimental to our health.  So you see, change can be very good.

Sometimes it is change of employment, relationships, residence and often "change of mind", That's right, the old mindset has to go if we want to embrace the new things God has for us!  That is where the reconstruction comes in.  We must learn to reconstruct or way of thinking, our way of responding and our way of handling our emotions. If we don't reconstruct, it could cause us to deconstruct!  Therefore we have to learn to look forward and not backwards.  The apostle Paul put it best in Philippians 3:13-14, ¹³ Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, ¹⁴ I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

So let us remember to have an attitude!  I am grateful for my relationship with the Lord.  I am grateful for my family, especially my children.  I am also grateful for true friends. And in 2011, I found out just who those were!  Thanks you guys, you know who you are!  Such a blessing!

Here is a family update:  my eldest daughter graduated for UNT this May!  Hallelujah!

Amiah is entering her second semester sophomore year at U of H. She is still the reigning baking Princess. Here is a photo of her most recent recipe creation, sweet potato cornbread muffins with rosemary honey butter. Delish!

 Mr. Adrian is now a junior (or as they like to say, rising Senior!  Sounds better, huh?)  He is now a member of the FHS Falcons JV Soccer team wearing  number 13. Adrian also had his first job this summer at Timegate Studios.  Sweet gig for a 16 year old.

I also got an opportunity to visit with my pals in Dallas this summer, which was fantastic.  The new school year started off with a bang and we are still going strong.  Getting the students ready for the ProStart Culinary Competition in 3 weeks. Whew!  It has been a world wind adventure.

We had a fantastic Christmas with family in Grambling.  We ate way to much to talk about, but it was all good! lol

I am so looking forward to 2012!  I am leaving somethings behind, so that I can reach forward to grasp what God has for me.I launched my website recently, take a look at, http://www.wix.com/slraleigh1913/castironskillet

TTYL

Peace and Blessings,

Sheri