Friends, I did it! I got on an airplane all by myself and survived!

This was a very, big deal for me! I have never flown alone in my entire life. I am petrified of flying. This time it was just me, myself and I! But like my book, You Never Cook Alone suggests, I was never really alone.

I found reciting several of my favorite bible verses like, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” very comforting. As I waited in the airport for my flight, I pulled out my Smart Phone and glanced at what all of my friends and family had posted on my news feed. This helped to pass the time and allowed me to think of something other than the date I had with a very large airplane.

Interestingly enough, my dear friend Debbie Forster from Inspirational Creations by Deb had uploaded one of her beautiful photographs that morning. In the picture was another verse I had been reciting all morning, “Be still and know that I am God.”  I found such comfort in this picture and verse. It was just amazing. On the airplane I went, with a happy heart, knowing that I could just be still and enjoy my adventure. God’s timing is certainly perfect. How grateful was I to know that He was in charge.

Returning home safely to my loving family waiting for me was amazing. How grateful I am to God for my husband, children and of course, Isabel.

Why was I flying by myself?

I can not articulate how thankful am to BJ’s Wholesale Club for believing in me, for caring about families as much as I do and for embracing my mission of bringing families back to the table! I was actually headed to Buffalo, New York for  Winging It Buffalo Style, a lifestyle show that focuses a lot on cooking so it was the perfect fit for us. With football season upon us, we would be sharing an awesome grilling/tailgating recipe from my new cookbook, and a second helpings recipe with their viewers. I shared my Grilled Turkey Spinach and Feta Burgers and Turkey Salisbury Steak with everyone.

You can actually see how much fun we had here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

An Attitude of Gratitude

After 18 years of homeschooling I first started my Cooking with Elise journey. I was given the amazing opportunity to be on the My Carolina Today show here in North Carolina. I had a weekly cooking segment called, well,  “Cooking with Elise!” How thankful I have been for the stepping stone that Brad Moses and Kim Green from NBC 17 provided me. That year was amazing and I will be forever grateful to them for the opportunity and trust in me. I was also very thankful for my two sponsors Garner TV and Appliance and Duplin Winery.

Since that show, I have been so grateful for companies like Quintiles and organizations like the American Heart Association for also believing in my mission of the well fed family. From personal experience, I know that cooking and eating together builds healthy relationships quicker and stronger than any other way! As a child who didn’t speak with ease until 17 years old, I know the power of an hour! BJ’s Wholesale Club has been an amazing supporter of my mission and their commitment to the well being of families is amazing!

I am also very grateful to all of you who spend time on my blog, watch my videos, and television segments and have purchased my cookbook, You Never Cook Alone. In trying to bless others with my story and mission, you guys bless us by caring and supporting it.

All my love and gratitude,

Elise