STELLAR DAY ISSUE 27 | NOVEMBER 2017
The
November Issue
PUMPKIN CAKE Who doesn't want a slice of amazing, homemade, pumpkin cake?
I CHOOSE HAPPY
Through the ups and downs of life, choosing happiness is the first step to a content heart.
EVERY DAY HAPPINESS
Finding joy in every single moment of every day!
Happiness
Photo by Annie Spratt
Stellar Day Magazine
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?edisnI s'tahW
09 06 08
03 06 08 09
Happiness Is A Choice Mere Happiness, Unending Joy A Breath Of Fresh Air I Choose Happy
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Pray For Joy Pumpkin Cake Dancing In The Rain Every Day Happiness Editors Note
ut 6 Facts Abo Happiness &
HAPPINESS IS A CHOICE
Health
By Jessica Williams
Read the full article on GoodNet.Org by clicking HERE.
Need some extra motivation to get happier? Check out the ways science has proven that happiness is good for your health. 1. Happiness protects your heart. 2. Happiness strengthens your immune system. 3. Happiness combats stress. 4. Happy people have fewer aches and pains. 5. Happiness combats disease and disability. 6. Happiness lengthens our lives.
Happiness is in the eye of the beholder. That's not how the actual saying goes, but I personally think it still applies. Happiness can be, what we make of it, how we see our lives, and the choices we make inside of them. I have struggled in and out of seasons with feeling "happy". There are days where I felt deeply grateful, but I wouldn't say that I felt happy. Days where I knew that I had much to be thankful for, amazing kids, a great home, an awesome life, but still didn't FEEL happy. Happiness isn't a feeling. It's a choice, and one that many of us need to remember daily.
There is always room for wanting more, discontent, and viewing how green the grass is on the other side. All of these things chip away at our ever present life, that is great just the way it is. But when we choose not to make happiness a choice, then it's easy to long for the neighbors grass and for your own lawn to grow dim in the sight of your eyes. Happiness is what you make of it. It's seeing what you do have, and choosing to be content no matter what. It's not longing for what lies ahead and being thankful for today. It's being in the moment, even when your kids are driving you bonkers. It's realizing that while being a stay at home mom IS hard, STELLAR DAY MAGAZINE | 03
it IS what you desired so deeply before you gave birth to your children. I believe that when you give yourself to Jesus, HE is what brings the ultimate happiness in our lives no matter what our circumstances are. When we have Him, we realize that none of this truly matters, none of it is going to last forever and the gratitude and thankfulness that fills our circumstances far surpasses what we do or don't have. We can go through seasons of deep sorrow and still find the solid ground to stand on of contentment, gratitude and all of that leads to and allows us to be happy. Happiness isn't an emotion. It's being willing to push past that emotion and to allow the truth to speak for itself in our lives. Yes, we might not have the biggest house, the greatest car, or even the most money in the bank. But we have each other. We have our health. We have all the moments that make up our days of laughter, joy, and mundane awesomeness to remind us that we have much to be grateful for. When you start to slip and feel like true happiness is far off, not attainable, and too hard to grasp, try to remember that much of happiness is a choice. It's not a feeling. Amidst circumstances and life gone awry, we can still choose to be happy. For life, for breath, for second chances. Choose happiness today. And even if you don't feel it, commit to choosing it tomorrow, the next day, and the next until you really begin to believe it. It's not easy. I struggle with it the same as the next guy, but choosing to look for reasons to be happy at least has us all on the right track.
THE KEY TO BEING HAPPY IS KNOWING YOU HAVE THE POWER TO CHOOSE WHAT TO ACCEPT AND WHAT TO LET GO. DODINSKY
STELLAR DAY MAGAZINE | 06
Mere Happiness, Unending Joy B Y
N I C O L E
“Are you really happy, or just really comfortable?” I've been mulling over these words ever since I saw them a little while back. If you don't already know this about me, I'm a lover of words. I kind of collect little sayings and quotes and keep them until the moment is right to use them and tonight the moment feels right. Recently I’ve been taking a step back and looking at my life. It always amazes me that some of the best things in my life I never saw coming. Never planned for, never asked for. I never saw my husband coming. We went to middle school and high school and while we knew each other, I had no idea I’d be
T H O M P S O N
his wife someday. Through thick and thin, ups and downs, sorrows and joys, I’m so glad he’s mine. In this season God is showing me more and more how he is the perfect partner for me. I also never saw writing in my future. And I can just about promise you none of my teachers did either. Yet here I am, processing life through the writing I’ve been doing for the past couple years. It’s been such a joy and honor to share my heart with you all. However, if God had asked me 10 years ago where I’d be now, I wouldn’t have seen this. I wouldn’t even have asked for it. The same can be said of many other opportunities He’s given me over these last few years. He’s woven just the right people at just the right time to get me exactly where He wants me to be.
Likewise, he’s pruned away things that weren’t going where He wanted to take me. At least once, God had to pry my hands open to get me to let go of what I thought I needed. Then He gently led me to the place He had prepared for me. As it turns out, that place was better than what I had been clinging to- trying to breathe new life into it after it’d already been dead. Thankfully, He doesn’t give up and all my strength was no match for His. On the flip side, the same can be said of the most crushing, devastating, and disappointing experiences. I didn’t plan for them or even see them coming and I didn’t ask for them either. Yet those heartbreaks and disappointments were the fertile ground that God planted seeds for the things to come. Now, I can see how necessary those experiences were to grow me, stretch me, and develop my character. Had it not been for those difficult times, I never would have produced the fruit needed for the present. You see, I couldn’t get here, now, unless I had been there, then. All the pain was for a reason and a purpose. Sometimes we get to see that purpose on this side of heaven and other times we might not understand until later. In God’s infinite wisdom, He knows which is best. So dear reader, I want to ask, are you really happy or just really comfortable? I’ve found that I can be happy in comfort. The thing is though, happy doesn’t go very far. It’s nice and pretty and feels good… until it runs out. Then I’m left empty again. But joy, comes from a deeper well that never runs out. Unfortunately, we often settle for the happiness in comfort over the joy that comes from a life not just lived, but really experienced. It's easier to live on the surface, but it lacks depth and will eventually leave us unfulfilled. If we want joy we have to be willing to go to those deeper places. To open our hearts to risk and embrace all of life’s emotions, even the ones most difficult to face. We can’t selectively numb certain feelings. Instead, when we don’t allow ourselves to experience some emotions, like grief or rejection, it doesn’t just turn those emotions off it numbs our whole heart. We can only experience joy and the fullness of life when we allow ourselves to experience all of life’s emotions. We can’t have mountain tops without valley lows. Aren’t the mountain top views always worth it?
STELLAR DAY MAGAZINE | 08
A BREATH OF FRESH AIR
THERE IS ALWAYS GOOD IN THE WORLD. LET'S BE THE GOOD."
BY CHRISTINE CRAM There has been so much happening lately in our country, in the world. Between hurricanes, fires, deaths, and shootings, it is hard to wrap our minds around happy thoughts and the good things that we see. Sometimes, I feel guilty for sharing about awesome, joyful things that are going on in my life. Then I think, I know there will be horrible things in this world. We are told
that as believers, this is not our home. We are just renting right now if you think about it. Our hope is found in Christ; therefore, we can mourn with those that mourn, but also laugh with those who laugh. Just today, both my kids were playing together…nicely. I know…it’s a rare thing. As they were laughing together, I just kept thinking this is what I want to savor and remember. The great and fun moments. I won’t forget the tantrums and the talking back, but what I want to store away in my memories of my kids is that we loved being with each other; we had fun and were silly together. There is always going to be something that happens, or someone will say something to you that makes you feel down, or upset. Try and think of the good. There is always good in the world. Let’s be the good. Let’s be the people others come to; to get a breath of fresh air. We all need those people.
I CHOOSE HAPPY “Your circumstances suit you. You look happy!”
It’s what we all want. To live and to thrive, to pursue happiness. It’s in our bones because as we are happy, we can give freely. Isn’t it amazing the way we cheer up with simplicity? Happiness doesn’t need to cost much. It can be as easy as a new book, a cup of hot coffee, or an evening with wine. It can be as full as a cross country move,
simplifying your life, or gaining a new friend. Happy is beautiful. It’s charming, and it’s sweet. I believe we’re supposed to be happy; not depressed. It’s good to pursue the boundaries and the delights in life that bring about a state of glee for us. Happiness is often a state of self-care, announcing to the world that you value what happens in and around you. A sister to joy, it brightens the room, makes people smile, and warms the hearts of those who encounter it.
By Sarah Humphrey
“The foolish man seeks happiness in the distance, the wise grows it under his feet.” James Oppenheim STELLAR DAY MAGAZINE | 09
What makes you happy? Where can you make adjustments in your life to bring you into beauty? Find the happiness in everything. Build it into your life with the positive side of things. Proclaim the goodness of the God, who made you and delights in you! You deserve joy, and you deserve delight. He loves you. Simply put: be generous with your being! Give from a cheerful spirit, and bring refreshment to those who can use a hug. And… P.S. Don’t feel guilty about it! Happy is practical. A few changes here or there can be made in everyone. We each have a choice, and we each have provision. He always cares for His children. Create the life you desire, and give that sweetness away. The more you receive, the more you can pass along.
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STELLAR DAY MAGAZINE | 12
Pray For Joy BY SARAH COSTA
I just love the sound of my daughter’s laughter! It’s a sound I think we should figure out how to bottle up because the amount of pure joy that is expressed is simply life-giving. Yes, we have it on video, but there is just something about hearing it first hand and feeling that joy along with her that gets my heart every time. Sometimes, I wonder if that is how God feels when we find our joy in Him? Our laughter and happiness singing perfectly with his perfect happiness. Lately, I’ve been learning
having a conversation with him, and
about God being joyful. I’ve never taken the
experiencing His presence more than just
time to stop and think about Him having
asking for relief or assistance. In the past, I’ve
complete joy in and of Himself. And what
asked God for strength to continue through
makes it even more impactful for me is to
difficult situations, I’ve asked for answers
realize that He created you and I so that we
regarding the issues I face, I’ve asked for
could share in His perfect joy!!!
deliverance from these struggles. But never once did I ask to experience God’s joy!
It seems like everywhere I look, I see people battling anxiety and depression. Maybe
After starting “Prayer” by Tim Keller, I started
because I’ve struggled with it some myself, but
putting into practice the things I was reading,
I see so many unhappy, oppressed, and
and for the first time in my life, I’ve
worrisome attitudes and behaviors all around
experienced so much joy in prayer! So much
me. And because I’ve just started meditating
happiness and complete satisfaction that at
on God’s joyfulness, it struck me how my
times I find myself laughing with God out loud.
prayer life has never been a very joy filled one
It sounds a little ridiculous as I type it out on a
and makes me wonder how many of us
computer, but that’s the truth! Our God gives
struggling with these issues have approached
us Himself and in Him we find complete and
prayer like I have?
satisfying JOY: the kind of joy that I want to bottle up in my daughter’s laugh. It’s
There are many different types of prayer, but
infectious, full and overwhelming. Could we
lately, I’ve been focused on meeting with God,
expect anything less from our loving Father?
pumpkin cake By Rachel Schroeder
CAKE 4 eggs 1 2/3 c sugar 1 c canola or sunflower oil 15 oz pure pumpkin (or 2 cups mashed fresh pumpkin) 2 cups flour 2 tsp baking soda 1 tsp baking powder 2 tsp ground cinnamon 1 tsp salt
DIRECTIONS Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 35 minutes Ready In: 45 minutes Spray 9x13 pan with cooking spray, then line with parchment paper. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in medium bowl. In a large bowl, combine eggs, sugar, oil, and pumpkin. Add the dry ingredients, mix till just combined. Pour into prepared pan, smooth the top, and bake till toothpick comes out clean, about 35 minutes. Cool completely, then frost.
Life's too short to say 'no' to cake!
FROSTING 2 tbsp softened butter 6 oz softened cream cheese I tbsp sour cream 1 tsp vanilla Few tbsp half and half About ½ lb powdered sugar Cinnamon for sprinkling
DIRECTIONS Mix together butter, cream cheese, sour cream, and vanilla; then add half and half and powdered sugar to desired consistency. Pour/smooth onto cooled cake. Sprinkle with a bit of cinnamon. Enjoy!
STELLAR DAY MAGAZINE | 15
DANCING IN THE RAIN BY MARIA DEMINIO
The Greek philosopher,
relationships, and my
to catch part of another one,
Socrates, in his quest for
possessions.
and missed out on a child’s great
happiness concluded that “The
volleyball play. Often, we relied
secret of happiness is not found
I learned the hard way that a full
on other parents to help
in seeking more, but in
schedule of activities did not
carpool. After the season ended,
developing the capacity to enjoy
bring happiness. Instead our
our family had some serious sit-
less.” He lived in 400 BC and
family was disconnected. One
down meetings. We discussed
today his theme endures as a
winter I had four children on
the differences between the best
hot topic among bloggers,
four club volleyball teams. The
activity and a good activity. We
authors, and speakers. It’s called
week nights were filled with
evaluated each child’s passions
minimalism and it promotes a
their practices. On weekends,
and strengths, their schedule,
life of simple living. This appeals
my husband and I drove in
our schedule, family finances,
to me and over the years I have
opposite directions to
and family goals. The next
adopted the concepts of simple
tournaments. We rarely saw
season the two oldest played,
living into my schedule, my
each other, left one game early
but we decided the younger
ones would wait for their turn. Our hectic schedule was replaced with time and a slower life. We learned to enjoy simple activities: family walks, old fashioned games, and eating dinner together. And that winter we found happiness in simplicity. Another area of life I am trying to simplify is my relationships. Sometimes, they are messy with high expectations, differences of opinions, and poor communication. I am working to replace the drama and conflict in my relationships with acceptance and encouragement. It isn’t easy because often I am quick to judge, quick to speak, and slow to listen. Last fall my youngest daughter went to college to play Division 1 lacrosse for a PAC-12 university. Our family was proud of her accomplishment, but when the first semester ended, she shared with me that her heart was not in the sport. We had many discussions about her goals, passions, and future. Those discussions were good opportunities for me to practice listening, not only to her words but to her heart. I gave up my dream of my daughter being a top-level athlete and the seventh
member of our family to graduate from the same university. By accepting and encouraging her, we came up with Plan B- her dream. She transferred to a smaller college in the mountains of northern Arizona and taught snowboarding. She recently returned from spending the summer in New Zealand at a snowboard instructor training. I am learning from her how to simplify my relationships by listening, accepting, and encouraging those people in my community. In our culture, it is easy to tie happiness to material possessions. Minimalism has helped me break that tie. When the trap of materialism tempts me, I work on recognizing the line between “needs” and “wants.” By evaluating my purchases and possessions, I am learning to simplify my belongings. It took a while, but I sorted and purged each room in my home including the garage. Then my husband and I downsized our house. Our new home is easier to clean, decorate, and maintain. Contentment with what I have replaces a desire to accumulate material possessions. Socrates words over 2,000 years ago continues to encourage me to “develop the capacity to enjoy less.”
It is a challenge to live a simpler life, but when I am intentional about my schedule, my relationships, and my possessions the rewards are great. There is more time for the important things: rocking my new granddaughter Emma, listening to a hurting friend, helping someone in need, watching the sunset, and even dancing in the rain. Learn to like what does not cost much. Learn to like reading, conversation, and music. Learn to like plain food, plain service, plain cooking. Learn to like people, even those who may be very different from you. Learn to shelter your family with love, comfort, and peace. Learn to keep your wants simple. Refuse to be owned and anchored by things and opinions of others. Learn to like the sunrise and the sunset, the beating of rain on the roof and windows, and the gentle fall of snow in winter. Learn to hold heaven near and dear. Learn to love God, for He surely loves you. ~ Anonymous
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AROUND THE CORNER: see what's happening in the local PHX scene
EAT. DRINK. LOCAL. 1. Joe's Farm Grill // 3000 E. Ray Rd. // American (Traditional) 2. Hava Java Coffee // 3166 E. Camelback Rd. // Coffee & Tea 3. Federal Pizza // 5210 N. Central Ave // Italian 4. The Baked Bear // 7366 E. Shea Blvd // Ice Cream & Yogurt
Coming Soon! DON'T MISS THE LUMISPA! January 2018
Everyday Happiness BY REBECCA IVIE ANDERSON Most of us don’t jump out of bed with an
and day out looking to get to that next
When we get so consumed by what’s
overwhelming sense of happiness. We
thing we think might bring us
coming next, we may not realize what we
often hit the ground running and face a
contentment – the perfect job, the perfect
have right now. This is where true
day that’s usually filled with a sink of
man, the perfect kids, the perfect house,
happiness can be found. We can see it in
dishes, a mountain of laundry, and a busy
the perfect outfit. The truth is, we can
those quiet moments throughout the day
calendar. The alarm screams at us that
obtain these goals in our search for
such as the simple pleasure of a morning
it’s time to get started, and we struggle
happiness, and it might come for a
coffee or a quick encouraging chat with a
out of bed. I’m getting exhausted just
fleeting moment. Yet the happy feelings
friend. The smiles of the dear ones
thinking about it! The idea of finding
fade away and we move on to the next
around us and a loving gesture should fill
happiness in a plethora of activities and a
goal or desire. While there is nothing
up our happiness reserves. Taking for
never-ending to do list is overwhelming.
wrong with reaching our goals, sometimes
granted that we are alive, we might miss
For a moment, I thought to myself, “What
we become tired in trying to keep up with
tiny blessings all around us. The beauty
is true happiness, and can we really find it
our accomplishments and achievements.
that we see or hear in nature should
when we are surrounded by a world that
We miss opportunities to stop and enjoy
inspire us like a song.
always wants so much from us?”
the things that mean the most for us. So, the question becomes, how do we find
“This is the day that the Lord has made,
Everyone wants a little slice of happiness.
balance between reaching goals and still
let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
We strive and work for perfection day in
enjoy the moment?
(Psalm 118:24) STELLAR DAY MAGAZINE | 22
"WHEN WE GET SO CONSUMED BY WHAT’S COMING NEXT, WE MAY NOT REALIZE WHAT WE HAVE RIGHT NOW." I want others around me to experience a love and light they have never seen; to be motivated and inspired in a world that can be so dark and negative. My light of happiness is covered when I cloud it with so many thoughts of myself or my time schedule. It’s shrouded when I think about my insecurities and shortcomings. To pause, in starting our day with a grateful heart and the right mindset, will allow us to experience moments of everyday happiness and also have joy when things get difficult. While each day can certainly be a challenge, it can also be a day full of hope and joy if we take tiny seconds to appreciate something beautiful. Tomorrow is a new day…I can’t wait to let my happy heart shine through!
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Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking. MARCUS AURELIUS
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TO THE WRITERS Love, Jess
When you take the time to write, about your pain, your hardship, your story, your wins, your losses, and everything in between, you are choosing to bless someone else through that. Think about this. You are choosing someone else's happiness, someone who you likely don't know, over your own. Over your own pride, fear, and anxiety. Over everything that screams DON'T DO IT. Over all of life that stands in the way of writing, you choose to do it anyway. I will never have accurate words to thank you for pouring out your soul for the sake of others. What you do here is big, it matters and it is important. You are seen and valued here. May your words leap into someone else's life and impact them greatly.
Thank You.
We are so happy you're here.
Jessica Williams, Editor in Chief Jennifer Stamps, Associate Editor Nicole Thompson, Publicity Sarah Humphrey, Creative Consultant
Contributing Writers In This Issue Christine Cram Esther Gallagher Jessica Williams Maria Derminio Nicole Thompson Rachel Schroeder Rebecca Anderson Sarah Costa 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
Stellar Day
Magazine
Dani Homemaker Young Living Consultant
EDITOR'S NOTE When I started Stellar Day Magazine, I was in the middle of my own personal desert. I had been hearing the Lord whispering for me to wait for what was to come, and in the meantime, I felt Him nudge me towards inspiring others right where I was at. Which seemed like the wrong time and place to be trying to encourage and inspire others. But Jesus gently reminded me, that seasons of happiness aren't the only times that we can reach down and lift others up. There is beauty in sharing right where you're at and lifting others up WITH you. And truly, something beautiful happened in my soul as I stepped into encouraging others at my lowest. It MADE me happier, even in my darkest days. Lifting others up isn't always a walk in the park. But using my story, and the stories of all of these amazing women, has brought me more joy than I ever thought physically possible. Watching the Lord design each issue, each theme and use it to touch each and every women who he ordained this for, has been beyond my wildest dreams. I could ramble for days about how it makes my soul soar. But in summary? God can use your deepest, darkest days to bring someone else hope and happiness. And through the story He's building in you, he can bring your spirit back to joy again. Don't give up. Don't think that you're wasting your kindness or encouragement on others. Our stories are meant to be used no matter what season we are in. God meets us right where we are at, and can do miracles through you no matter where you are. Jessica Williams Editor-in-chief