Stellar Day Magazine, August Issue, 2017

STELLAR DAY ISSUE 24 | AUGUST 2017

The

August Issue

SELF CARE BUCKET LIST If you need new and fresh ideas about how to take care of yourself, you've come to the right place.

YOU MATTER

Taking time for you however that may look, is vital to your well being. Catch some encouragement about how!

REDISCOVERING YOUR MARRIAGE A book review from one of our writers abut rediscovering your marriage in the midst of motherhood.

Images Throughout By Jennifer Stamps

REFRESH

Stellar Day Magazine

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09 21 05

03 05 07 09 12 16

Starting New Rediscovering Your Marriage In The Midst Of Mommyhood Self Care Bucket List Lessons Learned Ssssssssummer You Matter

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Added Another Stamp In The Passport Go Take A Hike Prisoner Of Hope Refresh Editors Note

By JESSICA WILLIAMS Photos by JAY & JESS

STARTING NEW

was totally worth it, but now that our kids are getting bigger and growing, I'm seeing how hard this is truly going to be. Thankfully, I'm always on the lookout for new opportunities and my husband is one who lets me fly!

I love that we live in a day and age where we can

So I've stepped into a new career and partnered

just switch gears if we need to. I have decided to

with a company and doing so will likely allow me to

take a few steps back from photography lately, and

focus on Stellar Day Magazine full time by the end

I am grateful that we are in a position in our lives

of the year! I wasn't sure I was going to see this

to be able to do that.

day so quickly, but it's rapidly approaching and so I am working my tail off to make it happen.

It's been so refreshing and needed.

The thing about opportunity, is that it always Not that I don't love that career, I do, and I will

presents itself, but it hardly sticks around for long.

likely do it off and on again for the rest of my life.

But the thirty weekends a year given up for twelve

Amiright?

hour days? Being gone during the weeknights for meetings and engagement sessions? At one point STELLAR DAY MAGAZINE | 03

When this opportunity presented itself, I knew

I SEE HOW GOD HAS WORKED ALL OF THESE THINGS TOGETHER FOR MY GOOD. that I needed to jump at it. I knew

made fresh again. That maybe you

that my soul needed something more,

could see the opportunity and the

something new. I have tirelessly

reason why you have had to go

worked by myself with Jason in a

through all of that hardship; and that

career that I loved, but that I was

maybe it was because it was

lonely in for so long. I saw the

supposed to bring you right to this

opportunity to change my family's

very moment.Â

life and the chance to do the magazine full time, and I leapt. I

I believe that we are very able to

haven't looked back since.

refresh our situations and our lives at any given moment. We are the ones

To be refreshed means to be made

that can decide to start over or

fresh again. And that's what I feel has

whether or not something is working

happened inside my spirit. I see how

for us any longer. And you know

God has worked all of these things

what? It's okay if it's not working any

together for my good, I am starting to

longer! It's okay to want different

see how the pain of the past is truly

things and to be grateful for a past

going to help me, and as raw as my

career that you loved and it's okay to

heart still feels about that from time

move forward into something new.

to time, it is healing. I am moving on.

And I'm moving into what the Lord

If you're looking for something new, I

has desired for me all along.

have it. Message or email me an we can talk. But in the meantime, find

That is my hope for you as you read

refreshment in your life however it

this issue. That you would discover

may present itself to you. God might

the areas in your own life that can be

just be bringing you to a new path.

REDISCOVERING

Your Marriage

I recently finished an amazing booked

IN THE MIDST OF MOMMYHOOD

to myself cause that is what reality looks

BY CHRISTINE CRAM

called, Love Unending: Rediscovering Your Marriage in the Midst of Motherhood. This book is a 21-day challenge, where you read one challenge per day and by the 21st challenge you have completed the book.

Real life‌I was able to start and finish this book in about four months. I was laughing like for me. To try and get a book completely read is a huge reward in and of itself.

What I loved most about this book was the outlook it has on marriages. Every day the challenges always talked about what your marriage was like in the beginning, beforeÂ

STELLAR DAY MAGAZINE | 05

having kids. How easy life was, and so forth and so on. This book even touches on when you and your husband started dating and all the feelings and emotions that came with that sweet time of getting to know each other.

We all know that marriages change drastically when you bring a child into it. Bringing a child into our life is one of the most amazing gifts I have ever experienced (and we have now done that twice). But there is also that shift of focus – sadly - that I think naturally happens. We, as moms, are now drawn to taking care of more people. Our children are so dependent on us, especially when they are little, that our marriages tend to be placed second. I know I am guilty of that. It is not like we mean to do that either, it’s just how life is when there are little people that cannot take care of themselves yet.

The author references her own father a lot and how he is such an example of what a loving husband looks like. I think all guys should aim to be more like this author’s dad. He treats every single day like it’s the first day he got married to his bride. All the feelings, and emotions that special day held, he treats everyday like that first day. And he has kept at it for so many years later. Half the time I forget what that day looked like for me to be honest. Life is straight up crazy.

Therefore, I really enjoyed this book. It challenged me to think back to the beginning of my relationship with my husband. How I spoke to him, how I treated him. How I listened to him when he would speak. How we would dream about our futures together. How we would just totally be content doing absolutely nothing but that we were together doing nothing. Silly things but real things.

I encourage you, my friend. I know life is insane. If you have been married for any length of time and are knee deep in mommy hood, take some time and refresh and read this book. It will be SO good for you, for your marriage, and ultimately for your family. Our marriages need to come first and this book helps bring it back to being first and foremost.

Enjoy!

self care bucket list

BY SARAH HUMPHREY It’s often amazing how the simple things in life are really the big things in life! I’ve always been enamored by big joy in small town living. I love simplicity, refreshment, and connection. Motherhood has been an even greater amplifier of this because when my day is full of multi-tasking, the simplest focus can seem like the greatest of achievements! Over the last six years, we’ve spent a lot of time detoxing, minimizing, and re-prioritizing our lives in my household. It’s been our heartbeat that “real life” needs little stimulation and, instead, more presence. With this presence, it’s been easier to enjoy, refresh, and to actually appreciate all the gifts that we’ve been given. This summer I started a small selfcare list to enhance my gratitude for the month. Giving myself one small treat or goal a day has given me encouragement, motivation, and

"It only takes a small choice to shift your whole day." happiness. In order to spread the refreshment, consider taking a month to knock some of these simple joys off your Bucket List! It only takes a small choice to shift your whole day. Caring for yourself is essential, and this list is a great way to remember that!

Check out the full list on the next page!

1. Make your bed.

2. Iron a few shirts (you’re so

16. Eat some chocolate.

17. Read for fun!

productive!!).

18. Paint your nails.

3. Refill your toiletries.

19. Watch a movie.

4. Eat fresh fruit.

20. Handwash the dishes (with wine

5. Look at the stars.

and jazz music).

6. Diffuse some essential oils.

21. Listen to the birds.

7. Take a walk.

22. Hug a friend (on purpose).

8. Sing a song!

23. Write a handwritten note!

9. Buy that Starbucks.

24. Pay it Forward.

10. Take a salt bath.

25. Volunteer your time.

11. Get a new chapstick.

26. Take a Nap.

12. Take a deep breath.

27. Slow down…all day.

13. Do 25 Jumping Jacks.

28. Do a phone detox.

14. Call a friend.

29. Just say “No” to something.

15. Drink a glass of water.

30. Buy fresh flowers!

Sarah is a wife, mother, writer, and natural-born creative. She loves spending time doodling in God’s presence, loving the small things, and spreading joy! You can find her books in stores and online. To partake of her journey, you can also follow her on Instagram @shumpdee or her website: www.thehumphreytable.com.

Lessons Learned I love being a mother. It is enjoyable and rewarding, but for me at times, it has also been physically exhausting and emotionally draining. In my marriage there have been times of closeness, support, and spontaneous fun. However, in the ebb and flow of relationships, there have also been times of feeling distant, frustrated, and discouraged. Throw into this mix a difficult relationship with a neighbor, co-worker, or family member and life can easily pull me down to the "depths of despair." (An appropriate phrase from Anne of Green Gables.)

My married daughter, with four daughters, asked me one thing I would do differently in my parenting. My answer, "I would take more time for myself and not try to be a ‘super mom.’” I believe I would have been a better wife and a relaxed mother if I had learned earlier the art of refreshing my inner soul.

When I am weary and downtrodden from the trials of life, I learned some tools to refresh, reset, and rejuvenate myself physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

For years, maybe decades, I operated on little sleep. Knowing I needed more sleep, but being disciplined to do it was another story. The obvious result of inadequate rest was a very cranky wife and mommy. God has shown me sleep is an area of my life I am able to control. Now I intentionally

By Maria Derminio

keep alert to signs of an overloaded schedule and I work on getting more quality sleep each night. I learned soaking in a bathtub with lavender Epsom Salts, prior to bedtime, is the ultimate in relaxation (except do not use when pregnant.) A restful sleep resets my body and the benefits are immediate and rewarding. I become pleasant to my husband and children and the fruits of the spirit are evident in my life- love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control.

Family life can easily consume a mother's thoughts, discussions, time, and energy. In my younger years, I read everything I could related to marriage, parenting, nutrition, home organization, and education. An older mother advised me to broaden my reading to include the front page of the Wall Street Journal. It was overwhelming to read it daily but I was able to read it once a week.

This simple act broadened my thoughts from the overload of tips on how to potty train and get your toddler to eat their vegetables. It reminded me there was a world outside of my little circle and the daily demands of home and family. Now I have more time and my reading has expanded to all genres, but I still have a soft spot for the WSJ. Good friends, good food, and good conversation provides emotional refreshment for me. But in that environment, I also need an abundance of healthy laughter

STELLAR DAY MAGAZINE | 09

and meaningful conversations. Shallow discussions, gossip, and sarcasm drag me down.

Proverbs 13:20 encourages me to "Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm." Quality time with girlfriends, aka "kindred spirits," lifts me emotionally and gives me energy to address the highs and lows of life.

To be refreshed spiritually, I need to spend quality time with the Lord in prayer and reading my Bible. This was difficult with a houseful of children. If I tried to get up earlier than the rest of my family and sought the refuge of a quiet place, I was quickly discovered by a little one. I had one child with a “Mommy Antenna” who knew all my secret spots: bedroom corner, closet, patio, or my favorite, a walk-in pantry.

She also knew the time I went into hiding.

When I was awake it meant to her the day had begun! If I tried to read and pray during nap time, the laundry and clutter called out for attention. And if I tried at night, I quickly fell asleep. My solution was to leave Bibles strategically placed around the house (night table, kitchen, patio) and they were open to the same passages. While doing household chores, I would “park” on the verses that helped me in the areas I was struggling: contentment, anger, self-control. My favorites are still from the book of Proverbs. In 15:1 "A gentle answer turns away wrath but a harsh word stirs up anger." And 16:23 “Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” Prayer and reading scripture rejuvenated my mind and heart. The words brought me back to a better place where I was able to accept and encourage others, listen intently to their struggles, and respond instead of react.

And so amidst the chaos of six children and a plethora of their activities, a home and a husband, this momma easily became overwhelmed. But God met me where I was, full of faults and frustrations, and He refreshed me physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. His words of comfort from Proverbs and Psalms were, and still are, a balm to my weary soul.

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Ssssssssumer

BY ESTHER GALLAGHER Ssssssummer, ssssummer, ssssumer… What time is it?! You’re either singing the High School Musical 2 theme song right now, or think that my stutter has taken on a whole new literary level, or maybe like me, you’re just too damn hot and tired to be thinking much of anything because the blazing heat is frying your brain and your kids, who still have several weeks of summer break, are exhausting your energy. Maybe like me, you are all hot and bothered (not in a sexy, come hither kinda way) and you are feeling nothing remotely close to the word “REFRESH” which is this month’s magazine theme. So, what time is it, I ask again?

For me, it’s time to channel refreshing thoughts like cool, ocean breezes and getting a massage, so I can figure out what to write about this month.

Ok, here I go…

[PAUSING TO CHANNEL]………………….

Ok, channeling over. It didn’t really do much for me because two of my kids were in the background arguing over whose turn it is to pick the next TV show, one kid was in my ear asking me to take her to Dutch Bros for the umpteenth time, and one kid was scream-singing at the top of her lungs. Needless to say, none of these happenings put me in a relaxed state of mind. But nevertheless and in honor of Troy, Gabriella, and Sharpay, it did help me pull together some easybreezy strategies that might help us get through the rest of Ssssssummer that also just happen to start with the letter ‘S’!

Spa water – not just your usual resort-style recipe but one with a kicked-up herbal twist. I know it sounds weird but, to your pitcher of water with ice, lemon, and cucumber slices, add a sprig of basil STELLAR DAY MAGAZINE | 12

"Succumb to the couch and the cool ocean breeze, I mean ceiling fan, that is calling you right now."

and rosemary. These herbs thrive in hot temps and are super easy to grow in your very own terra cotta pots!

Because they grow so abundantly, I hate wasting anything and I can’t possibly use them all in savory recipes, so incorporating them into my hydration routine makes me feel resourceful, healthy and a little bit fancy.

Sangria with watermelon – this is a modified Bobby Flay, Food Network chef, version because I don’t usually have vodka or orange liqueur in the house but you can always count on me for stocking at least one bottle of rosee-all-day.

hulled and sliced, 1 cup reserved for garnish. *1 bottle rose wine, cold. *1 can of La Croix seltzer – your favorite, fruity flavor of choice *1 orange, sliced. *1 lime, sliced.

1. Combine the watermelon and strawberries in a blender and blend until smooth; add a splash of the rose if needed to get the fruit pureed.

2. Strain into a large pitcher; you will need about 4 cups total juice.

3. Add the rose, seltzer, orange juice and stir to combine.

4. Add the orange and lime slices, cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 24 hours. Just before serving, add the reserved strawberries.

5. Serve in glasses over ice with a sprig of mint (another herb that grows well in summer).

NO. 1 *1 small seedless watermelon, rind removed, flesh cut into large chunks (about 4 cups) *1 pound strawberries,

Spritz – mix a couple drops of essential rose or lavender oil with a few drops of a non-scented oil like grapeseed or coconut oil in a spray bottle and spritz all over to freshen up and help moisturize skin, especially while out by the pool.

[Check out the Young Living products that Stellar Day’s own Dani Nesper sells that you might like to tryCLICK HERE. Stories (in other words, ‘books’ but that doesn’t start with an “S”!) – Really any light, punny/funny or uplifting reading will do. I have made the mistake of trying to read really complex or emotionally heavy storylines over the summer and I never end up finishing them.

Remember, your children and the sun have been depleting your ability to focus so it’s futile trying to

invest brain power in that kind of stuff. Instead, think along the lines of funny lady stuff like Tina Fey’s memoir, Bossypants, or any Lianne Moriarty book (note: even though she writes murder & deception-type stories, they are written with such amazing wit and sarcasm that overall, they honestly make for light, easy reads— trust me), or maybe a devotional, like the one I’m currently rereading, Lisa Bevere’s Without Rival, to remind yourself that you are a uniquely loved and purposefully called Daughter of a King!

Sleepunders (grown-up style) – invite girlfriends to come over after they put their kids down at night but on these three conditions: Everyone has to come in their ugliest, no-frills PJs .

like your favorite wine-stained t-shirt and yoga pants that have not seen a yoga class in God knows how long.

You, as the hostess, must NOT DO ANY CLEANING BEFOREHAND OTHER THAN, wiping down your table and kitchen counter space. No dusting, no vacuuming, no pillow fluffing. I repeat, nothing. You heard me. It’s no fun precleaning for company so challenge yourself to do this; take the stress out of

entertaining and don’t be afraid to show how your house really looks on an average evening. Counters and table space are the only exception because you will likely be serving some of that sangria and spa water and it’ll just be gross if your girlfriends are sticking to the popsicle juice that your kids dripped everywhere during breakfast (Oh, I mean, during their afternoon treat). Serve store bought and prepared or packaged stuff only. Go healthy and get your nonGMO, soy and nut free crackers or go Hostess Ding Dong style but whatever you serve, go easy or go home.

Wait? You’re already home but you get my point.

Remember, this is a non-fussy get-together intended to refresh us harried moms, so only serve stuff that doesn’t require mixing, chopping, cooking, recipe reading or using any remaining brain cells that you might be holding onto.

Sleep – in the form of naps.

Embrace them. Succumb to the couch and the cool ocean breeze, I mean ceiling fan, that is calling you right now.

Your butt groove is awaiting.

Your kids will be watching endless hours of TV anyway during these unstructured, lazy summer afternoons so why fight it? Let the electronic babysitter fill in for you for a little while and catch some

Z’s. While your babies’ brains might turn to mush from too much TV, you gotta take care of number one and replenishthat sun-dried brain of yours, right? ‘Self-care’, that’s what we call this technique these days, right?

That will be my final S-word!

In earlier generations, they would have simply called it ‘ignoring our kids’.

While I write much of this in jest, I know we will all miss our kids and the freedom that comes with summer break down-time. Enjoy each other and take care of yourselves friends – summer will be over before we know it!

What does “refresh” mean for me? It means time for

You Matter

By Danielle Nesper

myself. It means focusing on me and my time with God, my time alone, my time in the silence, or even my time blasting music in the car. I think refresh means something different for everyone because we are all different and we are all going through different things in different stages of life. Let’s just embrace all of our differences!

I haven’t decided yet if I’m an introverted extrovert or an extroverted introvert but that’s me in a nutshell! I love hanging out with people but recharging my batteries alone goes much farther for me then doing that publicly. I recognize, most of the time, what I need to recharge myself but sometimes I go a long time before taking any time for myself at all. That’s on me and it’s on no one else but me. It’s moments like that where I HAVE to

STELLAR DAY MAGAZINE | 16

stop myself, recognize it and then prioritize myself no matter what! No one else can do that for me.

Maybe that’s only five minutes one day, maybe it’s a full girls weekend another time. None of it’s wrong and it’s always changing and always evolving, depending on what life stage I’m in. I have to be in tune with myself as consistently as possible in order to be able to recognize those moments and assess what it is that I might need for ME because I matter and am worth taking a minute for!

We really need to ask ourselves what we enjoy doing right now in this season of life. Does curling up on the couch and reading a good book sound heavenly to you? Have you been itching to watch that show on Netflix that you haven’t been able to find the time for? Have you been meaning to read your Bible but other things in life get in our way?

(Guilty!) Would taking time out for that every day make a huge difference in your daily life? It’s the little things AND the big things that matter all at the same time!

It’s really hard being an adult and juggling life and taking care of, what feels like, everything. In fact sometimes its down right overwhelming but if we’re giving ourselves the freedom to get taken care of and refreshed consistently we then in turn might not feel so depleted. When we truly take care of ourselves that’s when we can properly care for others, family or not! Do what refreshes you consistently and if you don’t know what it is that refreshes you take some time to figure that out for yourself! The dishes will get done eventually and the floors will get cleaned at some point but right now you matter and you deserve it!

I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.

J E R E M I A H

3 1 : 2 5

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Stamp In The Passport

BY JENNIFER STAMPS Last month we added another stamp to our daughter’s passport! We packed up our swimsuits, hopped on a plane, and headed to Cancun for the weekend. It’s so awesome that Southwest flies to Cancun now and they have a non-stop flight from Austin every day. Winning!

Most of our vacations are go, go, go. We want to see this and that, go here, go there. We often need a vacation after our vacation. This one was different. We didn’t have any plans - nothing. It was awesome. We stayed at the Kristal Cancun resort. It’s all inclusive, but we didn’t do the all inclusive part (since we do like to explore, we wanted to walk around and eat offsite). The resort has several beautiful pools, beach cabanas, and walk up beach access.

It was perfect.

We spent the morning at the beach and afternoon at the pool. Our daughter was cool with the sand, but didn’t love the ocean so much. So we just took turns swimming in the ocean and building sand castles with her.

And while we were there, I got to test out my brand new underwater film camera. Yes. Underwater FILM camera.

Did you know such a thing existed? Me neither!

The only thing I would have changed would be to have an extra night. We only stayed two nights, but one more would have been perfect. Any longer, for us, would have been too long - unless we planned day trips.

We came back to the States refreshed and ready to take on the world! It’s amazing what a little unplugging will do for the soul!

STELLAR DAY MAGAZINE | 21

J E N N I F E R

S T A M P S

It’s amazing what a little unplugging will do for the soul!

STELLAR DAY MAGAZINE | 23

GO TAKE A HIKE

BY COURTNEY BAREMAN

Like so many people, I love to explore beautiful places… like the beach. Something just takes over when I am there- my shoulders go down, stress leaves my body, and I can’t stop smiling (even through the constant sunscreen applications and toy retrieval). The wind, the sand, the waves: I love it all.

Another special place for myself and our family is Zion National Park, located in southern Utah. (For the record, Utah is one of the most secretly gorgeous states, it is seriously underrated). Our first trip there was over 10 years ago, shortly after we accepted a job in Las Vegas and knew we were going to be moving out west. We took a short trip to visit the park in the midst of the craziness that comes with transition and cross country moving logistics.

For a girl who grew up in the Midwest, Zion could not be more magical. And especially during that first trip, it was breathtaking. And it was like a haven, a safe resting place for us during a time of so much chaos and change. We found refuge in the jutting rocks and along the well-worn paths. Almost

instantly, I knew this would be one of “our spots,” a place that would be special to us for a long time to come.

A few weeks ago, for the first time, we brought all three of our kids to visit Zion. We drove up from Las Vegas as have done many times before, reminiscing and taking in the beauty with fresh eyes. Driving into Springdale, the town that borders the park, is one of my favorite sights. It is like a mix between being on the set of a movie and arriving on another planet, beautiful and foreign all at the same time.

Zion is popular, but not overly so. The park was busy, but not it wasn’t crazy or unenjoyable. And Springdale still felt slower and sweet, relatively unchanged - it and comfortable. We could easily navigate and explore as a family. It is quirky, cute and a lot of fun- with lots of personality and a gorgeous backdrop. Walking through town feels surreal in the best possible way. We stayed at our favorite hotel and we got pizza from our favorite restaurant. It was glorious. We shopped in outdoor supply shops and played on the playground of the

elementary school in town. Taking in the endless the beauty the whole time.

The next morning decided to head into the park to try hiking with our crew. We tried a relatively simple hike that led to a river for the kids to play in. The two mile round trip was not the highlight for any of the kids, but they loved the river, so we deemed it a success. Then we continued playing at the lodge, complete with a picnic lunch and ice cream for dessert under the trees. Perfect.

For me, there are few things better than being with the people I love in a place that makes me come alive. This trip was not super relaxing; I didn’t expect it to be. Traveling with three young I try to be realistic. But it was life giving.

The pool was a bigger hit than the trails for the kids, but that is ok- in fact, we expected that. We want to share the beauty and meaningfulness of this special place. I felt refreshed and energized being there. Watching the sunrise and sunset throughout the park. Slowing down. Eating meals unrushed. Having no set or strict agenda.

I am so thankful to have found this place. These places do not have be far away- across the world or the country, it could just as easily be a few miles away. As you are exploring and adventuring pay attention, not only to your surroundings, but to what is going on inside of you. It is important to understand how you are feeling and why you are feeling that way. For many people, being in nature is a big deal, it helps them relax and gain perspective. Realizing life is much more than the stresses that come from life at work or home. It allows for silence, often desperately needed and space to think and feel. To remember we are small. So much smaller than we would like to admit and acknowledge and that the world is so big and beautiful, made by a Creator more powerful than we like to give credit to. Remembering our smallness, as we are reminded of God’s overwhelming greatness, all the while surrounded by incomparable beauty.

PRISONER OF HOPE

BY CASSIDY RICH

When I was 14 I had my life planned out: I was going to get married at 19, not go to college, have lots of babies with my wonderful husband, and live happily ever after. What happened to that dream? I grew up and realized that life rarely goes according to plan. I am currently 22, have never had a boyfriend, and am not getting married any time in the foreseeable future. My life has gone totally different from what I planned when I was a teenager. I went to college, graduated, moved to the other side of the country, and began my career in Washington, D.C. I have never wanted a highpowered career. That’s what makes living in D.C. so difficult.

It’s like all the other ladies around me want this fantastic career and have all these plans, but I’m just here like: “Well, my original plan didn’t work out so I’m floundering around in life not knowing where I’m going or what to do.” I often feel like I have to pretend that I have these super awesome career aspirations so that way I don’t look like I’m in the wrong place. I’l l tell

you what I want: I want to know that I’m not wasting my life. I want to know that the work I do matters, has purpose, is helpful, is needed, and has tangible results. I want to know that when I make mistakes I’l l be forgiven. I want to know that when I fail, I don’t have to beat myself up. I want to know that there is hope – hope for when I have reached my wits end and have nothing left to give.

How often I forget that the Lord is my hope. How often I disregard all that He has given me. How refreshing it is to come out of my selfishness and realize that all of my “I wants” are the result of taking my focus off of the Lord.

It’s not that having the desire to make a difference or know that what I do possesses meaning is bad, it’s when I make that my primary focus that it becomes wrong. Refresh yourself in God’s word and let it be your source of hope. Instead of being a prisoner of your perfectly laid plans, be a prisoner of hope as mentioned in Zechariah 9:12. Our plans are going to change, not pan out how we expect them to, and

we will wonder what on earth God is doing when we cannot see the light at the end of the tunnel.

While it is not at all easy to let go of your plans and give your life fully over to the Lord, it is ultimately refreshing to remember that it is not up to us. God has the bird’s eye view of our lives. We need not worry about which direction to go, which path to take, and what comes next because He has it all mapped out already. All we need to do is trust in Him. What I am saying is super easy to let loose from my lips. It is a whole other thing to actually follow through on trusting the Lord when I feel like He is not listening to my prayers. If you feel the same, I recommend reading Proverbs because of the pure words of wisdom found in its pages. Refreshment may not come right away, but pray for your burden to be lifted and remember to remain a prisoner of hope, not in the grip of the worldly thing that has you captive.

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STELLAR DAY MAGAZINE | 28

Refresh

this little place, it won't be ours for very much

By Rachel Schroeder

up and moving again - we've done it quite a few

This word this month: REFRESH.

sadness is the knowledge that living in a different

longer. I have been a little sad to think of packing times in our life together so far. Â Along with a little space will be refreshing and good for us. One thing

I've been looking for it. I've watched my friends  and

about moving that I love is the chance to get rid of

family get out of the heat of the valley, and come

or give away things we don't need. I love to feel

back refreshed. I've been a little jealous of the

lighter; less tied to stuff.

beach and mountain getaways. I have wished for a getaway of my own. At the same time I have found

I also love the chance to move in to a new area, to

a retreat in my own home. My husband said

make another little home. We have put our stamp

something recently about making our all the time

on this place and I hope we leave it better than we

reality something we enjoy, rather than just getting

found it. (And don't forget that security deposit, am

through till a once a year vacation. He's all about

I right?)

investing in the life we have all year; taking care of our home so that we look forward to it every day. I

I hope that our home is a source of peace; that

love the thought of that. I hope I can be more

people leave it feeling refreshed. I hope that when

faithful to honor the vision he has for us here. I love

my family and friends come over, that they feel

the thought of loving our all the time life.

peace and love surrounding them here. Â So many of the reasons I love this home are because it feels

We are renters at the moment, so as much as I love

like ours.

My mom’s amazing paintings fill our walls with beauty. My husband’s skill with plants and outdoor spaces transformed the front and back door areas. Our little patio with it's pretty green plants is refreshing to my eyes – especially during the summer when so many things dry and die out in the scorching heat.

My sweet little kitchen, with its tiny sprigs of plants on the window sills, reminds me that life continues even when I am tired. Those little sprigs remind me of the moment a few months ago when my husband brought me a perfect sprig for a cute little glass jar to put by my kitchen window. My home is a haven for me, and I hope it feels that way for whomever visits us.

That spirit of sanctuary and rest begins within our hearts, especially when our hearts are content. That peace and welcome can come with us anywhere we live. There is something transcendent about coming home to the space we've worked on together; to meeting each other at the end of a busy day and finding that our little refuge is still here for us. That feeling is the refreshment of a contented heart.

Do you look for refreshment in the big vacations? Do you see it calling to you in the more mundane?

Where does rest find you most often? Can you create some refreshing space for your everyday?

I'm so thankful to share my everyday life with someone who values the little disciplines. There's a lot to be said for that daily investment.

“Do small things with great love.” ~ Mother Theresa

Self care is so important. When you take time to replenish your spirit, it allows you to serve others from the overflow.

You cannot serve from an empty vessel.

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To The Writers Every month I pray that Stellar Day Magazine would be a blessing to YOU. That somehow, as you pour your soul out for women everywhere to relate to, that you would somehow feel refreshed and blessed in the journey.

I know how hard it is to write about exactly what it is that your soul is longing to say. To hope that it translates and then to find time to sit down and reconcile it all to paper. Then you send it off and can only hope that it reaches the right people who need to hear the message that you've carried.

I see you.

I am so grateful that you choose to do this with me, month in and month out. My prayer is that Stellar Day blesses and refreshes you as much as you are blessing others with your words and transparent hearts. There isn't anything greater than lifting others up, with women who are lifting each other up.

This work is a dream and it's a dream to do it with you.

So I thank you!

Jess xo

So Thankful.

Your presence here is refreshing!

Jessica Williams, Editor in Chief Jennifer Stamps, Associate Editor Nicole Thompson, Publicity Sarah Humphrey, Creative Consultant

Contributing Writers In This Issue Cassidy Rich Christine Cram Courtney Bareman Danielle Nesper Esther Gallagher Jennifer Stamps Jessica Williams Maria Derminio Rachel Schroeder Sarah Humphrey

Special Thanks AFC Chiropractic Dani Homemaker Honeybook Jay & Jess Photography Nine Retreat Nu Skin Sarah Costa, Beachbody Coach STAMPS & Co.

EDITORIAL OFFICES Located in sunny Scottsdale, AZ Stellar Day Magazine is published by Issuu and created in Canva. www.stellardaymagazine.com

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Dani Homemaker Young Living Consultant

EDITOR'S NOTE It's hard to feel refreshed in the summer in Phoenix. It's 155 degrees outside. August Monsoons roll in and so the humidity goes UP. And while as Phoenicians we can handle the heat, it is a DRY heat so the humidity gives us enough to complain about for weeks. It's the end of the summer and school is likely starting and I think over all, people are ready to get back into the swing of routine.

Minus the heat that we will experience well into October.

Weather aside, I hope that this summer has been refreshing for you in whatever ways that means for you. Personally, a few things within my career and with Stellar Day have clicked, and it's been a very refreshing summer to see the opportunities that are on the horizon. Vacations were also refreshing for my family and time away is never a bad thing for my little tribe. My hope is that this issue refreshes your spirit and your soul. That you will realize that refreshment doesn't have to take the form of a big vacation to be nurturing to your soul, and that even the mundane moments can be very refreshing. I hope that you truly walk away remembering that YOU MATTER. I loved Danielle's title for her piece because it was to the point and strong, and I hope you felt that.

No matter what you are struggling through, our weary souls can always use refreshment. And while I find that mainly in the source of my God, I hope and pray that you have things in your life that can continually refresh your bones.

Happy August! Now, let's go take a dip in the pool, yes?

Jessica Williams Editor-in-chief