Stellar Day Magazine, March Issue, 2017 by Stellar Day Magazine

STELLAR DAY ISSUE 19 | MARCH 2017

The

March Issue

COMING TO TERMS WITH GRIEF If you're dealing with any kind of loss, it's ok to embrace where you're at.

EMBRACE THE MESS Motherhood can be messy and accepting it can be hard. Read this amazing article to encourage you in it.

SINGLENESS IS A GIFT One writer shares about embracing her time being single and how she's arrived there.

Stellar Day Magazine

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Embracing Where You Are Alphabet Soup Struggles Embrace Yourself Embracing Grief In The Thick Of It 26 And Single Why I Write Breakfast Crepes

40 25 31 32 34 37 38 40 46

Embrace Laughter Read With Me Dani's Fish Tacos Embracing The Mess Open Arms The Flower A Hug Editors Note

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Embracing Where You Are BY JESSICA WILLIAMS

I think Satan wants us as moms to wish we were doing anything other than raising our children.

As I type this, I am currently sitting on my couch with my three year old. She’s feverish, not feeling well, and only wants to be near mom. She napped late in the afternoon and she hardly ever naps anymore. So I know it was going to be a late night, and here I am at 10:00pm and she is STILL UP. I had big plans for this particular evening, as in, I was going to get SO much work done. Instead, I’ve wiped her forehead with washcloths, checked her temperature, filled her water bottle and listened to her say, “I

just wanna lay on you” more times than I can count. But it’s exactly where I am supposed to be. It has been one of the biggest disciplines of my entire life to put my career on “hold” a little bit for my children and for my family. That sounds terrible, but allow me to explain. When my husband Jason and I started our business back in 2009, I fell in love with working from home. I loved that I could balance work and mom life,

make a living, have my own dreams to chase, and do it all from my phone at the park while my kids ran circles around me. It was a dream come true and I feel incredibly blessed and thankful that I live in a time when these sort of options are available to us. But in the first four years, I fought internally with my business as it tried to run me, consume me, take over my life and bypass my children and family. Four years ago, Jason and I decided to put up some serious boundaries in our business where we could put our family first. Ways to where we could make sacrifices, but that those sacrifices would never be our children. And it changed the landscape of what we do and what motivates us. I am a better mother because of this and I wake up every morning remembering how much I love my career, but how it comes SECOND every single time, all day long. God has honored our

choices and blessed us in ways unimaginable. But it hasn’t been easy, it’s not perfect, and it’s still a struggle. I think Satan wants us as moms to wish we were doing anything other than raising our children. And I think it’s amazingly wonderful for moms to want and to have other aspirations in addition to mothering. I love that I haven’t lost myself in the process of raising kids and that they have watched me live passionately about life. They are the center of my world but aren’t the center of my attention all the time, and I really love the balance that we’ve found. But it’s far from perfect. The shiny temptations of the world still sparkle and try to distract me from where I am actually at. And where I am actually at is I am a mother, with careers, callings, passions and ministries to run and things to do. But I have heard the Lord

A picture from our time at Disneyland 2017.

time and time again remind me that I can have my career and professions now, but not full time. My kids are my focus full time and so unfortunately, that means work has to wait a lot. It means I sacrifice sleep a lot more than I’d like to admit. It means that when Bravery has a fever and wants to lay all over me because it’s the only thing that makes her feel better, that is my priority- even if my work is piling up and even if it interferes with an evening where my plans were to get a lot accomplished. I have been reminded time and time again to embrace where I am at. It’s not always glamorous, it’s not always fun, and it’s not always rewarding to be a mom. There are never, ever days that I regret being a mom for I know that it is my true heart and love. It’s something I have always wanted and I never take it for granted. But during

the sleepless nights or the days where you only eat cold food at the kitchen sink, a career in an office beckons to me. But the Lord reminds me again, this is exactly where he has me. My career will always be there, these children will not. They are a gift from him and I am to embrace this season of raising them with my entire heart. I believe the Lord has allowed me to maintain my career on the side so long as I keep my focus. What season of your life should you be embracing? We are all different and the Lord is always going to ask each of us different things. Is there something or someone in your life that you should be embracing more than you already do? Accepting wholeheartedly where you are for this season can be really powerful. Working with your full heart at the tasks right in front of you, no matter how small or mundane they might be, might be exactly the ways that the Lord is asking you to obey. For when we are faithful with a little, then we can be faithful with a lot. It’s not always easy to wait, as I often find for myself. But a big office job of my own will come someday. And in the meantime, I remember that I am not to miss where I am at. With my kids, my husband, serving our home, watching them grow, and raising them up. It’s not always easy, but it will be so worth it- and already is in many ways! “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” Proverbs 16:3

e c a r b m E

y e n r u o j e h t

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Alphabet Soup Struggles By Esther Gallagher

I wish I could say that I write about my family,

some time now. It all feels like so much that I can

finances, and health uninhibited and with no holds

barely keep it together some days and feel just

barred. But the fact of my matter is, I choose not

plain empty.

to share some stories because I don’t have

I know you know the feeling. When you’ve given so

everyone’s permission for that. So for now, I

many T’s… so many Tears, Thinking, Talking, Trying,

choose to share my struggles in this alphabetical

that you eventually run on fumes and end up

and round-about but still honest way. Parenting,

feeling Tired to the bone and barely able to make

marriage, and working– all of which I love and feel

it from point A to B. I’ve been grieving my

deeply purposed in-- have run me quite ragged for

circumstances lately and I’m just tired, friends. But

I know this… when we are tired to the point of

with me now. We all need a safe place where we

empty, we are ready to be filled up again. It might

can take solace and our wounds can heal from the

feel like a slow trickle but the ragged holes in our

wars raging inside of us, in our homes, in our own

heart are open to receive new life-giving blood.

country, and across our oceans. When I think of

The hands that don’t have anything left to give to

the brokenness of my little world and our world at

anyone or anything, are simply open to be held.

large, I feel deep sadness but but I’m reminded

Our heavy, fatigued, limp-like-noodle bodies are

that if I invite Him, he will pick me up like the snot-

ready to be carried.

nosed, teary-eyed, mad/sad baby that I feel like and cradle me in His protection, until I come back

When I can’t understand the depth of my woes or

to life ready to fight on and persevere through my

the ‘how did we get here?’ question running

circumstances. He doesn’t promise us kid-in-the-

through my mind, the only thing I can do is rejoice

candy store, unicorn, and rainbow-filled days but

in the One who is bigger than all of this. When I

He does promise that He will never leave nor

need a break-through lest I break down, I can rest

forsake us through the darkness and pain-- and

in His embrace. It’s there that I cling to hope, that I

that’s what I hold onto. Everything good comes

cry the ugliest tears, where I can wearily wave my

from above; so I slowly, painstakingly, lethargically

white flag and I can say I give up-- only because

continue to crawl upward and onward to find the

I’m giving in to Him. I recharge in His peace for

Good with a capital G, ready to b scooped up into

a little while. He knows that I won’t rest there for

His sheltering refuge. After receiving the greatest

long – that I’ll retreat into my head or heartache a

R&R, a spiritual spa day of sorts, I am refueled and

little while later-- but that I’ll be back, again and

ready to get back to the hard stuff. I’ll still go

again.

through all those T’s but will be filled with the holy energy to get from point A to B and all the way to

You see my friends, we are all refugees. I’m not getting political here, I promise, so please stay

Z, and back again.

Embrace Yourself BY HAYLEY ERIN Fact: I am a hopeless romantic. My mother and I talk about love and dating all the time. Usually it begins and ends with me asking for advice or some piece of knowledge that will help me in the future. However, one time several years ago she told me something that I’ve kept tucked inside my heart ever since:

best friend/soul mate to partner with in life’s adventures, but I’ve also found that I can be patient. Don’t get me wrong, it took tons and tons of practice and growing up to get me where I am today. Which, honestly isn’t very far, because I’m only 22. Let’s face it, I will be growing and learning for as long as I live.

Fact: I have never dated before. Ever. In my entire existence. (Well, besides this one time in 8th grade, but I didn’t know the kid was serious…It was middle school.)

I wasn’t always relaxed about wanting to find someone to fall in love with, though. Once graduating high school I’ve had so many friends start serious relationships and get engaged and married. Part of me felt as if something was wrong with me, since I had never experienced any of that. I had always been the girl who watched from the sidelines as other friends were flirted with, and asked out to homecoming or prom. Why couldn’t a guy find me pretty too or pay attention to me instead of the awesome girls I hung out with?

Would I like to date? Absolutely! Do I want to remain single for the rest of my life? Nope. No I don’t. I don’t dream about being single. I would love to find a

It took me a while to figure this one out. I truly believe that God was protecting me from some heartache. Because, let me say it again: I am a hopeless romantic. I

“Be content with every single stage in your life. The singleness, the friendship phase, the dating part, being engaged, your marriage, your children…Every season is a gift. Don’t spoil it by wishing away your life.”

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love LOVE! I love talking about love. I love singing about love. I love watching movies and TV series about romantic stories. Don’t even get me started on reading about love. I don’t have nearly enough page space for that. So, as you can imagine, I probably would have given my heart to just about every young man that had given me the slightest attention – if he met my standards. I’m not completely thoughtless about guys I find attractive. One of my older brothers and I were lounging around one night, as he was home visiting a few years ago. He was around 24 years old then and I had asked him for advice about dating…again. At the time I had watched two close friends get married and felt as though I was “lagging behind” in the men department of my life. I remember him saying that he felt as though he was too young to be dating, sometimes. I’d almost choked on my water. “Seriously?” I asked incredulously. “You’re 24!” He just smiled at me, knowingly. That had me thinking about how old I was. If my brother felt too young, then I being almost 4 years his junior was even more so. This sudden realization was like a healing balm to my anxiety of never finding someone to fall in love with! Since

I was so young, I could stop freaking out over growing old alone with 27 cats living in a secluded cabin deep in a creepy forest somewhere. Definitely irrational, but a true concern all the same. The most recent lesson I’ve learned is that I don’t need to be afraid. A year ago I talked to a good family friend about concerns I had surrounding being single forever. He looked me straight in the eyes and asked me, “Hayley, do you desire to live a life of singleness?” Taking a moment to think my answer through, I shook my head slowly. “No. I desire to fall in love and have a husband someday.” He smiled. “Then I don’t think you have the gift of singleness in store for you. Don’t worry.” The gift of singleness. My mother’s words flew right back to the front of my memory. “Be content with every stage…each one is a gift.” I had been dreaming of falling in love my whole life and was so caught up in my own fantasies that I wasn’t focusing on the gift that I had currently been given. Singleness. If I know deep in my heart that I desire to have a love relationship with a husband and believe that I will truly experience that someday, why am I wishing away the short

"Be content with every single stage in your life. The singleness, the friendship phase, the dating part, being engaged, your marriage, your children…Every season is a gift. Don’t spoil it by wishing away your life."

Fact: Every moment of life is a gift. and sweet time God has given me to just live life as single woman? This is a time for learning and maturing, working on the relationships and friendships that I already have established in my life and discovering what I’d like to do in the world. Instead of wasting this time away, I want to enjoy it and make the most of it. I’m tired of being unhappy because I want better things or circumstances. It is time I embrace what I have been granted at the moment and turn it into a blessing. Whether you are newly engaged, have been married for 10 years or 30, have a few or more sweet children running around, never dated in your life or maybe have loved and lost – don’t take your precious life for granted. Our lives in this world are so short. Use the time you have to see the joy and the gifts around you. I know it’s hard to see when it’s rocky or crazy busy and complicated. The gifts are there if you look for them! Don’t give them away by looking for something you don’t have yet. Embrace the ones that you have already and it will be worth it so much more!

Embracing Grief By Nicole Thompson

This season hasn’t really been my favorite. It’s been sad, confusing, and about a dozen other mixed emotions. I didn’t see it coming and felt so blindsided by it. I’ve tried to make sense of it, to piece together some understanding, but it hasn’t come. It’s been hard, but God is still good.

We got pregnant last October and miscarried in early December at 10 weeks. I’ve had a miscarriage before but this time was different. I heard God so clearly tell me October was the time. Yet when we went in for a 9 week ultrasound we didn’t hear a heartbeat. As we waited for the doctor to come in and talk to us I didn’t say anything about it. I didn’t want it to be true. I knew I was far enough along for there to be a heartbeat. The doctor explained that there were some concerns with the ultrasound, no heartbeat and an abnormal yolk sac. We were scheduled for a follow up ultrasound the following week to see if there was any STELLAR DAY MAGAZINE | 12

change. I left knowing that short of God’s miraculous intervention

this pregnancy was over. Another baby we

eventually.The longer I put it off, the worse it

wouldn’t hold this side of eternity unless God

would be so I might as well deal with it now.

moved. For a week I prayed and hoped for a

After a while the anger melted away and

miracle. It was a strange place to be in, swinging

sadness set in. I don’t usually grieve publicly. It’s

back and forth between hope and grief. I knew

not intentional. I’m not trying to hide it. I’m just

God could heal my baby. I wasn’t lacking in

not always comfortable sharing it. I cried a lot

faith. I also knew that many women experience

but not in front of everyone. I talked about it but

miscarriages. Sometimes God chooses to

only with close friends. Although I’m often an

intervene and other times he doesn’t. So there I

open book I’m protective of my grieving heart. I

swung between hope and grief.

don’t isolate but I do withdraw to a certain degree. Really allowing ourselves to process loss

There was no heartbeat at our next ultrasound. It

can be overwhelming; at least it is for me. For a

wasn’t what I wanted. I was mad. God you told

while I didn’t want to talk to people outside of

me October! Remember?! Why would you do that

my safe, close friends. I didn’t want to talk about

and not fix this? I don’t like this, I don’t want this

it all the time but I didn’t want to fake it and

but fine, God. FINE. If this pregnancy is over then

carrying on with small talk either. So I withdrew

let’s just get on with life. I had been really sick

from those situations, it was just too much for

while pregnant so I focused on the fact that at

me. I’m sure some people didn’t understand that.

least soon I would feel better and life would

It didn’t look like the grief we see on TV and in

return to normal. Except it didn’t happen like

movies. I knew I was doing what I needed to and

that. I still felt awful for another month and to

that’s what mattered most.

spare you the details I’ll just say things took a lot longer than I had hoped. I felt like I was

I learned a lot about myself through our first

experiencing the longest miscarriage in history. It

miscarriage. Some people wanted to tell me how

felt unfair and mean to drag things out like that.

I should grieve and who I should share it with.

Why God? Why won’t you just let me get past this

What I’ve learned is that there isn’t one way we

already? What I didn’t see then is that God was

all have to grieve. We have to find what’s best

making me process our loss. He wasn’t being

and healthy for us to process loss. It’s okay if

mean or malicious, he saw what I didn’t. I wasn’t

other people don’t like it or even understand it.

dealing with it. In his wisdom he knew that wasn’t

What matters most is that we are processing our

good for me. This grief would catch up with me

loss in a healthy way with those we trust. This

Hope

time around it took a counselor to tell me all of that. This time around I knew myself better. The

’

"What I ve learned

’

only problem this time was that I knew how hard it was. I didn’t want to go back there. I didn’t want to deal with all of those feelings. I

is that there isn t one

wanted to take the short cut, but there isn’t one. For a while I was impatient with myself. I felt like I should be over it by now or that I shouldn’t be triggered by certain things. It took me a while but I finally came to embrace grieving. I don’t have many more answers now than I did then but I’m at a place that I don’t need them. I am still grieving and sadness still hits me at times but I also have peace in the midst of it. That is my hope for you. Whatever loss you are experiencing I hope that you’ll

way we all have to grieve. We have to

’

find what s best and healthy for us to

allow yourself to feel it. Embrace grief. Beginnings are hard, the middle is messy, but in the end hope and peace are found again.

process loss."

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"REJOICE IN THE LORD ALWAYS, AGAIN I WILL SAY REJOICE. LET YOUR REASONABLENESS BE KNOWN TO EVERYONE. THE LORD IS AT HAND, DO NOT BE ANXIOUS ABOUT ANYTHING, BUT IN EVERYTHING BY PRAYER AND SUPPLICATION WITH THANKSGIVING LET YOUR REQUESTS BE MADE KNOWN TO GOD. AND THE PEACE OF GOD, WHICH SURPASSES ALL UNDERSTANDING WILL GUARD YOUR HEARTS AND YOUR MINDS IN CHRIST JESUS." PHILIPPIANS 4:4-7

In The Thick Of It

BY CHRISTINE CRAM Do you ever feel like you are going to be stuck in the season you’re in? I felt like that when I was single. I thought I was going to be single forever and I would never get married and have kids, which was what I’d always dreamed about. I did eventually get married, and that season of singleness seemed to be so fast, even though while I was single, it literally felt like eternity. Isn’t that so funny how life can seem so fast, yet take forever at the same time?

Just the other day, I was in the midst of potty training our two and a half year old, nursing my five month old, and trying to keep up with the house, oh and make dinner at some point. Dude, I was starting to lose it. Right then the Lord gently reminded me that these moments, the moments when my babies are little will not last forever. My kisses won’t always magically make owies better. My hugs or just a soothing touch won’t always bring calmness. I have to chill and savor these moments

because they truly are fleeting. Can I just be real with you guys for a second? There are times when I selfishly do not want to savor these moments. Having two small children is no joke. My life is non-stop and they are not even in school yet, and truly we don’t really do too much right now. I catch myself wanting them to be bigger, to be more independent so I can get a break. Anyone else ever feel that way? Then I run into someone that has older children and they reminisce about when they’re kids were the age mine are at and they always say how much they miss the younger age and not to blink because they truly grow so fast. It always comes back to perspective. I have decided I want to do a better job in my heart of embracing these moments that I have while my kids are little. Embracing where the Lord has me and what He has called me to do right now.

“Rejoice in the Lord always, again I will say rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand, do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”. Philippians 4:4-7 The Lord is the only one that can give peace and understanding. There is so much comfort in that passage. Such encouragement for a time that can be hard to embrace. I want to be able to rejoice in this time and not stress. I hope this encourages you to rejoice where you are at and truly embrace where the Lord has you. Whether that’s at home with your babies, kicking booty at your job, wherever you are called. Embrace it girl. You’re not alone.

"THE LORD IS THE ONLY ONE THAT CAN GIVE PEACE AND UNDERSTANDING. THERE IS SO MUCH COMFORT IN THAT PASSAGE. SUCH ENCOURAGEMENT FOR A TIME THAT CAN BE HARD TO EMBRACE."

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And Single By Rachel Deitrich

To all the women who pray and wait with no answer in sight. To those who have been lonely and heartbroken because they are ready. There is so much love to give but no one to give it away to. If you are in a season where you find yourself struggling with singleness I want to share my story with you and encourage you stop feeling defeated and to embrace your singleness instead. Easier said than done, but yes, one of the best things you can do is learn to embrace and make the most out of every moment of your precious journey of singleness. Many of us women have dreamed of finding love since we were young and the older we get, the harder we search and put ourselves out there. As women, we want perfect. The perfect guy, perfect marriage, perfect kids, and perfect home to go with it. We fantasize about it and can even make it an idol. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s where I found myself awhile ago. I was dreaming of finding the one and living in perfect happiness. While it is ok to dream, allowing those dreams to become idols is not. I started to realize that I had turned the idea of dating and marriage into idolatry and thought about it constantly. I believe many of us doÂ

without being aware of it because of how singleness and marriage are presented to us. Our entertainment and social media are always pressuring us to be in a relationship and if you aren’t in one, you just don’t seem to measure up to everyone else. Because this message is portrayed upon us, so many of us women look down upon being single as a major failure. This is exactly how I felt for so long because I was so influenced by the world. Seeing many of my friends in relationships that turned into marriages, I began comparing myself to those friends which lowered my self esteem again and again. Because they had found “the one” and I couldn’t, I had the mindset that I was not good enough, attractive enough, smart enough, etc., and that I was failing at life because I could not find love like everyone else. I was extremely insecure and had this mindset for years. I look back and have now realized that our insecurities often push us to act upon our emotions and to run to something that has a false identity all because we want to be accepted and loved. This is why so many women turn to men who do not value them and treat them the way they should be treated. Because our insecurities leave us feeling lost, shameful, and afraid, we tend to run to anyone who we can find acceptance in, even if we are well aware that it is a false acceptance that is temporary and will allow our hearts to become broken over and over again in the process.

Because I was longing to feel accepted and loved by someone, I turned to so many of the wrong guys even though I knew that it was not the right choice. I felt like such a failure from my singleness until recently when I chose to take the time to completely surrender it to God. In doing so, He took those insecure thoughts I had of myself out of my heart and replaced them with the word “embrace.” He told me to put my feelings of loneliness aside and to fully embrace the present rather than constantly dream of the future and search so hard for perfection. He told me to make the best out of being single, something I had never even thought about because I was too consumed in worshipping the idea of being in the perfect relationship. So now as I’m 26 and single, I have not only accepted it, but am loving it! Once I was able to let go of thinking I needed to be in a relationship, I began to see my singleness as a significant opportunity for growth and preparation in so many areas of life. Instead of waiting around for the right guy to come along, I began to take action and see this as my time to invest in myself. I started becoming whole by pursuing more of God, healing from brokenness that was caused by past relationships, and discovering more of my purpose and what I am truly called to do. I am embracing the now by currently educating myself on identity, relationships, marriage and finances, taking part in a mentorship program,

"I BEGAN TO SEE MY SINGLENESS AS A SIGNIFICANT OPPORTUNITY FOR GROWTH AND PREPARATION IN SO MANY AREAS OF LIFE."

paying off my student loan debt, starting my own business, investing into friendships, discovering more of my true passions, and continuing to pursue the Lord. I am choosing to be single for the time being, because who knows, the right relationship could happen faster than I know and once that right guy does come along, I will be saying goodbye to singleness forever. So why not make the absolute best of it while I’m here and prepare myself for when that time comes? God has me single right now anyway because He wants me to learn and take part in things that are meant to happen before entering a serious relationship. Letting go was difficult at first, but now it is even more freeing than I ever imagined. I am meant to be single for now and have learned to be content and thankful for it. Honestly, I can’t even believe I am writing this.

It just shows how much God has worked in my heart and replaced my desires with His. So ladies, I know that being single is not presented by our world as fun or acceptable, but it is only this way if you agree to look at it like that. Instead of focusing on a relationship that you don't have, start focusing on the time that you do have to become all that you were created to be. Choose to stop living in fantasy land and dreaming of that perfect guy and the perfect relationship that can become an idol in your life. Don’t live so far in the future that you miss out on your present. Take this time to become aware of your insecurities, heal from your brokenness, be made whole, and move forward. Grow and prepare yourself while you can and always remember that the best is yet to come!

"Embrace the glorious mess that you are." ELIZABETH GILBERT

WHY I WRITE By Cassidy Rich

I write because I struggle. I write because it’s therapeutic. I write to let others know they’re not alone. I write because people have told me that I have it all together, but in reality I don’t. I write to voice my thoughts and feelings so people know that I fight a daily battle with insecurity and fear. I’m very good at having a confident appearance and acting like I know what I’m doing with my life. Underneath it all I struggle with my weight, the fear of not being perfect or good enough, and feeling like God doesn’t hear my prayers. So often I do things in an attempt to impress people because I crave their praise and desire to be noticed. To be honest, sometimes I write articles just so people will comment: “This is great, Cassidy” or “I love this! It was so encouraging!” Receiving attention for my work makes me feel accomplished and like I can actually do something and make a difference. But ultimately I write because I need to see, hear, and believe the words I typed. STELLAR DAY MAGAZINE | 21

"DISTRACTION INVADES OUR MINDS WITH SO MUCH JUNK THAT IS SEEMS IMPOSSIBLE TO THINK CLEARLY AND BE FREE OF ALL THE NOISE." In my articles I include Bible verses and notes of wisdom I’ve been given over the years to remind myself that God is bigger and better than whatever I’m going through in that moment. I write because God teaches me as the words flow from my fingers onto the page. He speaks to me as I ponder what the next sentence should be and how I should perfectly word it. Please understand that God doesn’t talk to me in a literal voice. Instead, He uses His word to place thoughts in my head about what is true. This often happens when I’m looking up Bible verses that have to do with trusting and praising Him in all circumstances: “Dear child, why are you believing such lies about who I am? Why do you not trust My promises? Remember who you are and your place in this world. You aren’t here for your own glory. It doesn’t matter if no one ever notices you because I’m the only one that matters. Put your hope in me and I will give you the

rest and peace you so desperately desire. I know you better than you know yourself. I love you.” God embraces me and reminds me of how small I am and I realize how wrong I am when I rely on myself to get things done and neglect the One who designed my existence. I write to bring glory to God because without Him these words wouldn’t go from my brain to my fingers to my keyboard to my page. I write to remind not only myself, but also the reader (that’s you!) that God needs to be the center of our lives. Distraction invades our minds with so much junk that it seems impossible to think clearly and be free of all the noise. But God is here to carry us. I once saw a painting of a man falling on the path of life and Jesus was behind him, holding him. That’s how it is in our lives even when we aren’t stumbling. God is always with us – I write to remind us of that.

Breakfast Crepes BY JESSICA WILLIAMS

If you're looking for an easy breakfast option and you love crepes like I do, then here you go!

Last week, I decided to make crepes. I love crepes…. I. LOVE. CREPES. When I saw this recipe, (originally found on skinnytaste.com) I knew I had to try it. So, I’m sharing it here! I actually did not make the berry cream (even though it sounds heavenly), but instead just put berries in the middle of the crepes, drizzled with a little bit of maple syrup, and enjoyed it that way. I’m sure the cream makes it way better, but I just didn’t want it. I also made enough batter to keep in the fridge and we had a quick and easy breakfast a couple of mornings last week. All I had to do was turn on the griddle and throw on the batter since it was ready to go! Easy peasy. If you’re looking for an easy breakfast option and you love crepes like I do, then here you go! And check out the rest of the Skinny Taste website if you aren’t familiar. It’s the bomb dot com.

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Ingredients:

Directions:

For the Crepes (makes about 12):

1. In a medium bowl, combine all berries and sugar. Let stand at least 10-15 minutes. 2. In a blender, blend flour, milk, eggs, and oil until smooth. 3. Heat a nonstick crepe pan on medium-low flame. When hot, spray with cooking spray to coat bottom of skillet. Pour about 1/4 cup crepe mixture into pan, swirling pan slightly to make crepe thin and smooth. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes or until bottom of crepe is light golden brown. Flip; cook 30 seconds to 1 minute or until light golden brown. Repeat with remaining crepe mixture. 4. To serve, spoon whipped cream into center of each crepe. Top with berry mixture and fold each edge of crepe over filling. Sprinkle lightly with powdered sugar. Best if served warm.

1 cup flour 1 1/2 cups 1% milk 1/3 cup egg whites (or 2 large egg whites) 1 whole egg 1 tsp oil non-stick spray powdered sugar For the Berry Filling: 6 oz package blackberries 6 oz package raspberries 12 oz package strawberries, cut in quarters 2 tbsp sugar whipped topping (I like Tru Whip)

Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re welcome.

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Embrace Laughter BY AMY SEIFFERT The human race has one really effective weapon, and that is laughter. — Mark Twain I went through a phase where I had a daily dose of Jimmy Fallon. My friends and I would text a skit or a game or something hilarious he was doing to each other and I would laugh uncontrollably in the middle of the day. It was beautiful. And I remember making a little vow in my heart: Every day. I HAVE to laugh every day. It's like air to my lungs. Don't go to bed without having laughed. But just like my annual daily-flossing vow each January, I have abandoned it. Good thing it's not too late to laugh (or floss) today. My favorite people are hilarious. I remember being at work and things got outrageous; I was laughing so hard I was sliding down against the wall and peeing just a little bit (the gift of giving birth just KEEPS on giving). And my husband uses humor as a sword to cut through tension, to point out the absurd, and to keep us playful - to keep us friends. He has embraced the benefits of humor for our family of five. What a gift it is to lighten up and let go. In our hurried and overloaded lives, can we commit to embracing laughter? Embracing the release, the joy, the absurdity? Can we stop, hunt down the humor in a possibly disastrous situation, and change the

outcome? Change our attitude and then the atmosphere in our homes? Can we trust that God has much more laughter for us out there than we want to let in? Embracing laughter in life at blunders, messes, and mixed-up details has meant freedom and a lighter load for me. But I was not always this way. And, let's be real, some days it's still hard to laugh. But let’s look at three reasons why embracing laughter is a rich gift:

1. Laughter Frees Us From the Prison of Perfection These days my 37-year-old motherhood is looking different than my 27-year-oldmotherhood. I am wearing badges of laughter

Embracing laughter in life at blunders, messes, and mixed-up details has meant freedom and a lighter load for me. and grace instead of beat-myself-up bruises. I am free to say: "Whoops!" And I am ok with: "HA!" as a first response to what otherwise would have been a “catastrophic" mistake just a few years back.

2. Laughter Lightens Our Load When I am taking myself and my reputation so seriously, I have no room for laughter. And that load is heavy to bear. It's a lot of work to keep it all together; I am tired of beating myself up about a forgotten lunch or misplaced keys. It's

It's become way more fun to say: "Whoops! Ha!" than to tell myself how dumb I am. Some of us need to lighten our loads and laugh where we can. Which is a lot more than we think.

3. Laughter Frees Up Others Around Us If I am not trying to be perfect in your presence, then you are also free to be you. And we can all be lighter. We don't have to be so serious. We can exchange our real selves, our real truths, and real grace. We can stop putting burdens of perfection onto ourselves and also others. We can decide that there is more to life than perfect. There is freedom. There is ease. There is joy. Love. Peace. Hope. Restoration. Kindness. Goodness. Faithfulness. Yes, of course, we must work hard, be responsible, have self-control, take care of ourselves and our work. But somehow

I had forgotten that grace is a powerful tool when it comes to failure as we go about our day. And grace and laughter - they are soul sisters. So here's some questions I am keeping in front of me: When I make a mistake or a misstep, can I laugh at myself? Is there room for grace here? What do I need to own and take care of and apologize for and what do I need to let go and laugh at? Why can't I laugh here? What am I protecting?

May we be people who laugh easily and without shame; without shame about what our laugh sounds or looks like - who cares! We are laughing! May we be freed up to laugh loudly and often. May our humor be at our

own expense and not others - full of grace and silliness and joy. May we tell those who bring levity and humor to our lives that we are so very thankful for them. They are the healers and joy-bringers and they need to know it. God, thank you for laughter that leaves us crying. For the times when we are carefree and full of joy and silliness. Thank you that you loved to laugh and enjoy good wine and food and friends and you gave us a way to bond with others in a positive, contagious way. Thank you for those who make us laugh the most. Who embrace laughter fully. For those who are a blast to laugh with. You love to give gifts and this is all part of it. Thank you for the spirituality of laughter.

"So I recommend having fun, because there is nothing better for people in this world than to eat, drink, and be merry. That way they will experience some happiness along with all the hard work God gives them under the sun." Ecclesiastes 8: 15 "She is clothed in strength and dignity and laughs at the days to come." Proverbs 31:25

Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go of who we think we're supposed to be and embracing who we are. BRENE BROWN

Who wants to read with me?! I am always collecting books to read. I LOVE to read. I don’t have nearly as much time to read as I would like, but reading and writing are both passions of mine. I have stacks and stacks of books to get through, physical books AND digital books. I think reading is empowering and that there is something remarkable that happens inside your brain when you pick up a book. EVERYONE asks me how on earth I have time to read, and I get it. Life is insanely busy and it would seem like there is never enough time to pick up a book let alone finish it. And I don’t always finish the books I start however, I try. And trying is better than not because at least it means I’m reading. I’m gearing up to host the Stellar Day Book Club again this summer! This time, I plan to do things a little bit differently. I will be selecting 3 books for June, July, and August. When I announce a book, we will all read it for the month. At the end of the month, I will do a podcast OR a video podcast about the book and you can hear my thoughts on the book and send in any thoughts of your own. I will provide a digital downloadable questionnaire that you can use as a group with friends in your own book club or that you can do on your own.

d a e R h t i W BY JESSICA WILLIAMS

e M

Super simple, low key, laid back, and FUN. Summer reading is where it’s at. I try to make sure I’m reading all year long, but keeping a book club going on top of everything else around here is a big commitment. So please, join me this year 2017 for just the summer. If it goes well and we all love it, maybe we’ll extend it in years to come. Suggestions of books to read? Are YOU an author of a book you’d like for us to include? Contact us and let us know! We’d love to consider all suggestions. Stellar Day Book Club you guys! Who’s with me?!

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Dani's Fish Tacos BY DANIELLE NESPER It’s starting to get warm here in Arizona. It’s March.

ove having signature dishes happen on accident!

We contemplate probably at least once a day if we

People will tell me that their kids and friends have

should turn our air conditioner on already. Let me

asked them to make Dani’s fish tacos. They’ll say

reiterate this… It’s March. We haven’t turned our air

“hey Dani can you make YOUR fish tacos?!” So

on yet thank God but Spring is right around the

that’s what I’m naming them. Dani’s Fish Tacos.

corner! Now as happy as I am that I’m not freezing

They’re half store bought and half homemade.

my booty off anymore I’m definitely not ready for it

There’s no shame in my game. There’s a bit of prep

to get hot here and have to turn our air conditioner

work but it’s all worth it in the end I promise you. All

on. I’m a window weather kind of girl! Because of

of this is so worth it. I buy this boxed tortilla crusted

this change in weather I start to move away from the

tilapia from Costco in the frozen section. It’s this

soups and stews and start making lighter, not as hot,

delicious seasoned breaded tilapia that I seriously

meals. I make these fish tacos for family and friends

love. Add some cilantro slaw, lime sour cream, lime

from time to time. It has unintentionally become MY

salsa and you've got yourself some delicious fish

famous fish tacos and nothing makes me happier. I l

tacos my friend! Enjoy!

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Fish Taco Ingredients:

Lime Sour Cream:

1 box tortilla crusted tilapia from Costco (or any kind

8 oz sour cream

of fish you desire)

1/2 heaping cup mayonnaise (don’t use miracle

Corn tortillas

whip, trust me)

Shredded cheese (optional)

2 Tbsp lime juice 1/8 tsp salt

Fish Taco Directions:

Zest of a lime (optional)

1. Cook tilapia in oven; follow the directions on the box. Once cooked, cut into small strips to fit into

Lime Sour Cream Directions:

your tortillas when you’re ready to build them.

1. Mix all ingredients together in a bowl.

2. Brown up the tortillas to your liking in a pan on

2. Let sit in the fridge for at least an hour to set

the stove.

back up.

Cilantro Slaw:

Lime Salsa:

8 cups cabbage; shredded (I buy pre-shredded)

2 cans Rotel diced tomatoes w/ green chiles

3/4 cup cilantro; chopped

1 4oz can jalapeños (if you want it less spicy use 1/2

4 green onions

of the can)

2 cloves garlic; minced

1/3 cup cilantro; chopped

6 Tbsp white vinegar

1 Tbsp lime juice

2 tsp sea salt

1 tsp salt

4 tsp sugar

Lime Salsa Directions: Cilantro Slaw Directions:

1. Add all these ingredients into a food processor

1. Add all the cilantro slaw ingredients together in a

and puree for a minute or so. I make it so that it’s

large bowl, mix very well until it’s all incorporated

still chunky but small chunks. You certainly can leave

and let sit in fridge for at least an hour before

it chunky or process it to be super smooth -

serving. Mix well again right before serving.

whatever tickles your fancy!

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Embracing The Mess ARTICLE & PHOTOS BY RENNAI HOEFER

It’s so easy to say no, isn’t it? As parents, we

and the joys of childhood. I watch as my son

sometimes respond to our children negatively

repeatedly turns over ten wooden peg puzzles,

without even thinking through our reasons

picking up each piece to say hi and call it by

behind it. Early on in my life as a mother, I

name before returning it to its home. He brings

caught myself doing just that with my first born,

all twenty of his dinosaurs into the bath - water

as she’d dump boxes of duplo blocks all over

and bubbles splashing away as the Mesozoic

the floor, or bring every blanket and stuffed

Era is relived. He squeezes clay between his

animal in our home out to play and “take naps”

fingers before tearing it into a hundred pea-

in our living room. I decided then, realizing my

sized pieces and mixes all the different colors

reasons for “no” were simply for my own

into one multicolored mass.

convenience—not wanting to clean up the huge mess—to say yes instead.

My daughter creates masterpieces of paint spilled over her canvases and papers, pushing it

For five years now, I’ve embraced the mess

around with her brush and hands. She grabs

from a mountain of crayons and markers all easy to see and reach as they’re scattered across our table. She fills the walls of her bedroom with her treasured stickers, not one ever lifting the paint underneath. We’ve had six-foot race car tracks across our living room, forts of blankets and throw pillows, and more frosting and sprinkles than I care to admit to. These messes aren’t just freedom in creativity and imagination, they’re learning experiences. They’re opportunities to enforce cleaning up after oneself too. I hypothesize, one day, after tiring of cleaning up messes of such grandeur; my children will desire to stay more organized (perhaps sooner than if I tried to will them into contained play from the start).

This decision has extended into other areas, as they ask to go to the park when I am too tired, snuggle when I want alone time, or do things themselves when we’re in a hurry. It’s taught me to slow down, to think through their experiences, and to live more intentionally. I choose to embrace the mess, how about you?

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OPEN ARMS

BY RACHEL SCHROEDER

I'm not really a hugger. I don't hate hugs; (certainly I need them from time to time), but for a lot of reasons (shyness and chronic nerve pain come to mind), hugging isn't really my thing. I like having my own space, and I try to be careful to give other people their own space. I'm probably too careful most of the time. Embracing ideas, people, causes, life in general though...I'm on board for that! When I love someone, I really want them to know it. I want them to feel it all the way through. I hope I live in an open hearted way. I hope my friends look forward to sharing their ideas, hopes, and dreams with me because they know I'll embrace them and encourage their pursuits. I hope when someone is hurting or afraid, that they feel safe with me, that they know my heart is for them.

"WHEN I LOVE SOMEONE, I REALLY WANT THEM TO KNOW IT."

So I am learning to embrace in my own way; to show love in ways that feel natural to me. Sometimes it is a simple text to tell someone I'm thinking of them. Sometimes it is prayer; joining with someone or praying on their behalf. Sometimes it's baking a loaf of bread or a batch of cookies; feeding the body and the soul. Sometimes it's taking a quiet moment to write a note; letting my words embrace that person. There is beauty in expressing love and support for each other in the ways that ring true for us individually. I think part of growing up is learning to recognize the relationships that are the most meaningful to you, and then having the courage to let those people know their value. Maybe your circle is wide, and this comes easily to you. Maybe, like me, you need a bit more boldness or creativity to find ways to let your people know they're your people. Maybe not everyone is a hugger, but living with open arms; that’s something for everyone.

"I HOPE MY FRIENDS LOOK FORWARD TO SHARING THEIR IDEAS, HOPES, AND DREAMS WITH ME BECAUSE THEY KNOW I'LL EMBRACE THEM AND ENCOURAGE THEIR PURSUITS."

The Flower Article & Photos By Jennifer McMorran

I’ve always had a fascination with flowers. I’m simply

Collectively, the petals weave together an

drawn to them and find myself purchasing a bouquet

overlapping pattern that protects the treasure that is

for any and no reason at all. While working on a

contained within it’s core. In so much as we as

project last month, I really began to ponder what

women, may feel weak, insecure, or easily bruised, in

was the appeal to flowers. Why are they so

any number of physical or mental forms. Our

captivating? Why do I go back to them time and time

collective self has strength beyond measure. We go

again? I came to the conclusion that flowers are very

for months with little to no sleep in order to nourish

much like a woman but not in the sensual way most

our newborn child. We will put our own issues aside

poets and artists represent. I believe that the flower

to support a friend in need, and we will cast away our

represents the strength, nourishment, and beauty

own motivations in order to see to the development

that is found within each and every woman.

of our children and our significant other. Our strength is woven together from each experience, sacrifice

The strength of the flower is unyielding. Alone, each

and victory. Flowers provide a place of nourishment.

petal is frail and extremely delicate. The petals are

The nectar from a single flower gives nourishment to

easily bruised and torn. But a single damaged petal

countless species. Birds eat their seed and drink their

does not cause the entire flower to whither and fade.

nectar, bees use pollen as food for their entire

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and in doing so pollinate plants and propagate the next generation of life. Likewise, when women open up to one another. When we share our soul we nourish one another, our significant others, and our children. It is through the authenticity of sharing what we learn and grow. We can embrace one another, cultivate strong communities, and build up the next generation of strong women and men. Flowers are uniquely beautiful. And it is through their beauty that they attract admirers. A single flower will no doubt lure a single bird or a bee...but a field full of flowers will entice an entire colony. Â Birds, bees, and other animals will build communities around them. Much is the same for us as women. We each hold our unique beauty but when we learn to love and trust in each other, to build true friendships and partnerships, our beauty grows. And as our beauty grows, we engage with others and out springs forth a new community of friends and leaders. Writers, poets, and other artists have used the flower as metaphor and muse for centuries and it is not surprising. Â And just like flowers, women captivate through our beauty, nourishment, and strength. Â We are strong; our strength is woven together from each experience, sacrifice, and victory that we have encountered throughout our years. And just like the flower, as we grow we add new petals to form an intricately woven and full blossom. I hope as I grow older, I will remember to embrace these qualities and remember that while my pedals may easily bruise, my beauty and purpose is full of strength.

A HUG BY SARAH HUMPHREY

One of the most common forms of affection is the hug.

In a hug,

It shows connection, encouragement, sorrow, joy, peace, and protection. It is the universal sign for “I care.” Humans need physical touch. It’s wired into our DNA so much that it is the first thing that happens to us after we are born. We are held. Embraced. Nurtured.

we feel love. And isn’t that so with us and God? Sometimes, we just

In a hug, we feel love. I’m a hugger by nature and will

need His hug. An embrace can change everything. It

gladly hold my arms out to those I’ve just met for the

can show us our value, that we’re heard, and that

first time. I also love the embrace of my kids after a day

slowing down for this moment matters.

away at school or when they fall asleep at night. The first thing that happens when my husband walks in the

I read once that a child needs eight hugs a day to feel

door after work is my head resting in the middle of his

secure. Eight hugs! The simplicity of physical

chest, his arms around my waist.

connection and touch can nurture many gaps. And how much more is that for an adult? When we often can be

The embrace is the best form of connection, and it is so

connected to a screen or to a phone; when we often can

much better than correction. Have you ever noticed

choose work over slowing down, running instead of

that most times when a person is angry, disengaged,

cuddling. Adults need the joy of embracing one

emotional, or inflicted that a hug will calm the wound?

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In an unconnected society, we can relearn the art of the embrace. By definition, to embrace is to hold someone in your arms or to support someone willingly or enthusiastically. How much could one day change from the simplicity of support? This week, let’s be mindful of how we can purposely engage in this practice. Let’s reach out to one another on purpose, not necessarily only those we can physically touch but also those who we can support. Is there someone who might be encouraged by a loving text or a phone call? Do you know someone who would be touched by a surprise hot cup of coffee or a sweet treat? Who can we embrace? Support? Encourage? The simplicity of a hug can change an entire day. It costs nothing, and it can mean everything. Sarah is a wife, mom, author, and entrepreneur. Her days are spent making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, her afternoons following with doodling and writing, and her evenings most always ending with an embrace. She has several books available online and in stores. You can follow her creative, simple life on Instagram @shumpdee.

Sponsorship Opportunities

We have several exciting opportunities and ways that YOU can become a Stellar Day sponsor! We are a fast growing magazine and are always looking for new businesses to feature and to partner with Stellar Day. If you'd like more information, please email Esther at Esther@stellardaymagazine.com. If you'd like to submit an article or photos for the magazine, please email Jennifer at Jennifer@stellardaymagazine.com.Â We can't wait to hear from you and for our bright future together!

The Stellar Day Team