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

A New Attitutde!

Hello guys and gals!
It has been while since I signed on.  The start of school came with a flurry of activities.  I am taking today to catch my breath.  No appointments, no meetings, no activities.  A total pajama day. Yeah me!

There are so many things to catch up on.  My eldest daughter turned the ripe old age of 23 on September 4th.  Wow, to be young again!  Well I am young at heart.  Started out my students with team-building, games and of course dance!  One of my students commented that it's just something not right about a teacher dancing.  My response, you better dance while you can!!  We had a blast.  Then it was down to work. I am so excited about my culinary classes, preparing them for the ProStart Competition this year.  I have great group of students this year.

Celebrated a lot of birthdays in August in September.  Had a super time with my adopted New Orleans family the Baylis-St. Julian clan, toasting Lyndia's 6-0 at Painting with a Twist.  You know we painted the none other than the Fleur de Lis,  mais qui!

In September I also saw The Help, Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer were superb, not to mention a great cameo by the lady herself, Ms. Cicely Tyson!  I love the book even more, but they did the movie justice.
Spent time with some good friends this month and shared some great moments in new places.  We visited Max's Wine Dive on Washington.  Great atmosphere, excellent food, fantastic night.  Finally went to Jax's on Shepherd.  Listened to some great Zydeco Music and shared laughs with my sister Josephine and friend Pauline and made some new friends. Loved it! Could not believe the older guys still dancing and half-way trying to mack!  Oh boy... Can't wait to have another Louisiana/Port Arthur Ladies night out.

I am striving to move on with the next phase of life. There are  great opportunities right in front of our eyes, sometimes we become so jaded from past experiences, we don't see the good that is right in our face. God is bringing me new acquaintances, and re-connecting me with some old ones.

I told a friend recently, that if we chose not to reclaim those things in our lives we feel we are missing, then we are really not experience life to the fullest. We are simply just existing. With so many catastrophes swirling all around us daily, it is important to hold fast to those things of the heart that matter to us the most. And to realize that some things in life just are worth fighting for. However, chose your battles carefully.

Relationships are tough, but we make choices each and every day. Some good, some not so good.  Some that take our lives in a new direction and some that push us into paths of destruction.  One constant is and should be, our faith.  God is faithful.  He will never leave us or forsake us, we are the ones who turn away from him.  Recently in our women's study we are exploring the lives of women touched by Jesus.  One thing I have come to learn is that we all need Jesus, in whatever phase of life we are in.  The women in Dorothy Valcarcel's book When a Woman Meets Jesus, all face tragedies and triumphs, struggles and strengths...it is a day-to-day walk that moves us along this journey.

For some of us it is time for restoration and renewal others are in a good place and ready to share our experiences with those who need help.  One of our group members made a great observation, while we should not focus on being perfect, we are all God's perfect women. At the appointed time, he directs our lives, and we are the perfect woman for what He calls us to do.Whatever is His vision for us He gives provision to accomplish.

My hope and prayer is to be ready and  able to answer the call when it comes.

¹⁹ And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. ²⁰ Now to our God and Father be the glory forever and ever. Philippians 4:19 (NASB)

There comes a time when we all have to learn how to move forward...and realize that some people in our lives are stuck-like-chuck in the past for whatever reason. So much so that a gallon of Crisco won't get them out!  We must learn to be patiently prayerful that our Father knows what is best for us. 
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
Galatians 6:8-10

More of Everything!

Greetings Fellow Bloggers!

It has been a few weeks since I posted.  I have been writing curriculum for the past two weeks. So, this is my first breather to get back on the boards.  I am excited to be back!

Well,  it is hard to believe that  this is the last day of July 2011.  Half of the year has past and we are on our way to 2012.  There are so many new opportunities on the horizon. Election year (Goooo Barak!), Summer Olympics in London, lots of Food and Wine Festivals (NOLA, Las Vegas, New York, Santa Barbara, Barbados, Paris and Italy.)  I am claiming 2012 as my year of discovery and exploration!

This summer has provided me with plethora odysseys. I have been so very blessed with many new opportunities to teach. Cast Iron Skillet is on the move with two upcoming events!  God is good all the time, and all the time, God is Good my friends!

When we trust in the Lord with all of our hearts, He will truly grant us the desires of  our hearts.  And in doing so, He give us, more than enough.  MORE OF EVERYTHING! More time, more resources, more patience, more love.

 Just when you think about throwing in the towel, God is right there to hand you another one!  I love that about our Lord, He is so patient and kind, simply waiting for us to acknowledge His presence in our lives.  When we do He is more than able to meet each and every one of our needs.

I started this blog as a "relief from grief" and ins so doing it has led me on a mission of self-discovery.  That's just like Jehovah Rapha ~ The Lord who heals.  When we are in the midst of licking our wounds, he shows us a more excellent way.  Friends He merely wants us to come to HIM in the first place! 

As the song says...

I love the the Lord, he heard my cry
And pitied every groan, long as I, I live
And troubles rise, I hasten to his throne.

 

I want to truly encourage you all to hold fast to your faith, put God first in all you say and do and trust the Lord with all of your heart.  Whatever you are experiencing in your lives, God will bring it to pass.  I realize that when you are going through it is sometimes a very daunting task just to put one foot in front of the other a keep moving forward.  But (since), God is our Father and He is faithful, we mus move forward.

The apostle Paul puts it this way...

Philippians 3:13-14

King James Version (KJV)

 ¹³Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
 ¹⁴I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus

 Brothers and Sisters, we must press!  We have all things unto life and Godliness, it is up to us to live as though we do. There are times in our lives, especially when we are hurting, that we would rather cling to that which is familiar rather than move boldly into our destiny.  Unfortunately many of us never move forward into God's plan for us; in order to fulfill His purpose in our lives. Jesus tells us in Matthew 11:29-30...

²⁹ Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. ³⁰ For My yoke is ^[a]easy and My burden is light.”

Be encouraged today that no matter what you are going through, God does indeed have a PLAN and a PURPOSE for YOU!  You are HIS craftsmanship, created in HIS image to do the "good works" He created you to do.  Do not despair or become discouraged., our GOD is able!

Take a list to the classic "I'd Rather Have Jesus" from the DFW Mass Choir!  Be Encouraged!  Until next time...Peace and Blessings.

Ephesians 3:20-21

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

 ²⁰ Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, ²¹ to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations ^[a]forever and ever. Amen.

For The True Man of God

"I will wait for you" by Official P4CM Poet JANETTE...IKZ

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall!

Well, it has been a moment since I have had time to write.  As Tyler Perry said, writing is cathartic! (Taken from is mentor Ms. O!)  I too agree, writing down your thoughts keeps you from saying some foolish things.

Last week was the anniversary of the death of our King of Pop, MJ himself.  While watching all of the tributes (can't help myself, I am a huge MJ and J5 fan!); I reflected most on the song, Man in the Mirror.  God spoke to my heart through this song and it compelled me to look in the mirror of my life.  That made me think about one my favorite Grimm fairy tales, Snow White.  The evil queen has this mirror she looks into asks the proverbial question, "Mirror, Mirror on the wall, who is the fairest of them all?

Isn't that how we feel sometimes in our lives?  Like we are the fairest of them ALL?  Only to look at the woman (or man) in the mirror an discover we have FLAWS!  None of  us can claim perfection, especially when measure ourselves against the image of Christ. Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 13:12
"For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known."

You see most of us have impaired vision when it comes to our own goodness.  Sometimes we are near sighted and can only see those things which are close to us.  The things we cherish such as a hobby, friends or family.  Not expanding our vision outside of that keeps us from seeing that there is so much more in life to be valued.  Often when life provides us an opportunity to break free we are not able to let go of old and wrong ideas, habits,  patterns of thinking and behaviors.

Then there are those of us who are far sighted; we project waaayyyy into the future for no apparent reason at ALL!  We play a super-sized game of "What if?" with our lives and those around us. This can be very detrimental in relationships. Instead of enjoying the present, we worry about what will or will not happen.  Therefore, we inhibit ourselves from recognizing when God is sending us a special gift, that is why it is called "THE PRESENT"!

There are host of vision related maladies that keep us from moving into our God-ordained destines.  Such as short-sightedness-the glass half empty crew lacking foresight.  These individuals tend to rush through life from one event to the next. Unfortunately they rarely time to live IN the moment.

Then there is tunnel vision-my way or hit the highway folks, they have blinders on and can not see to left or the right. They become casualties of their own captivity.  Next are those who suffer from  night blindness which Webster defines it as the reduced visual capacity in faint light. Proverbs 29:18a states,

"where there is no vision, the people perish:" Then you have those who suffer from cataracts and can not bring anything into focus to save their own lives!  They are wishy-washy, can not make sound decisions because they just cant SEE IT.

 The worst case is glaucoma-a gradual loss of vision due to pressure in the eye.  This gives me the most concern because a persons can be under so much pressure in life (whether real or self imposed) that they gradually begin to lose sight of who they are in Christ and who he has called them to being.

What God wants from us is to trust HIS vision for our lives.  Trust that the good work he began in us, He will bring it into maturity.  "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them." Ephesians 2:10

So the next time you take a look at the man in the mirror, think not about what you see visibly, but what your inner man sees;  "for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7b  Ask yourself, is it time to make a change?  Is it time to examine yourself and make some hard choices? 

Remember, I have said it before "FEAR is just FALSE EVIDENCE THAT APPEARS REAL" Hill Harper

Take a look at the Man in the Mirror...Mirror, Mirror on the wall who is the fairest of them all?  His name is JESUS. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. Colossians 1:15

Make a Change!

http://www.michaeljackson.com/us/man-mirror-video