SCW April 2017 Edition

Paying It Forward

The Answered Prayers Project Travel:

Places to “enrich your soul”

...Our next chapter in life

Adoption

A magazine designed to influence the modern day woman from a Christian perspective. It is written to encourage, strengthen, bring resolve, and draw courage to her walk in life. Creating a fierce community of women while tackling real life issues.

Founder and President: Francis Fernandez Graphic Designer: Fina Florez

Contact SCW: Strong Courageous Women @scwlife @scwlife www.SCWLife.com

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m o r f r e T t e L Editor e h t

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his is my favorite time of the year, the sight of chocolate pastel colored eggs everywhere, delicious marshmallow peeps in every dessert, and the beautiful tulips in bloom. Our theme this issue is based on part of Isaiah 35:2 which says, it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy. I felt the Lord impressing in my heart that April was our month to bloom right where He has planted us. At times during this process of slow continuous growth I’ve wondered about this word. I then remember the promise spoken in this chapter of Isaiah and I continue to walk forth into the calling He has set before me. One of the wonderful things that has begun to bloom for SCW is that we now have a publishing, promotion, and publicity arm. We not only launched NOW SC Press but also our own series of books. It was such a God story brought to life thru prayer, inspiration, and the power of unity.

In February, we announced a new phase to the company out of which NOW SC Press sprung forth, it is a full-service publishing company. We take great integrity in not only publishing your book but also providing the promotion and publicity your book deserves. “Our mission is to magnify the voice of purpose and exalt Him in all our ways”.

By the end of the month, we launched the first book in our series, What Matters Most- My Calendar is in Crayon written by three God led professional single working moms. Shirley Jump, a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, mother of two adult children, and God seeking woman. Liza Marie Garcia, an executive, mother of two sweet girls, who believes Jesus is the Head of her household. Abby Brundage, host of the Big Big House morning show on Spirit FM, mother of two adventurous boys and devote lover of God. This book will leave you inspired, determined, and filled to the core. “If you’re checking the “divorced” box you never used to give a second glance to, or juggling a shared custody schedule that was never supposed to be on your calendar, remember the labels the world gives you are not nearly as important as the one God did”.

The month of March was nothing short of an audacious journey while alternating my time between writing the next book in our series, What Matters Most – Fish in the Dryer and putting this issue of SCW together. This next book in our series is compiled with many of the situations and stories I’ve experienced through the years while raising our four sons. Prompting you to recognize that, “Whatever we instill in their hearts will become the truth by which they live by”. You can find either of these books at our shop at www.scwlife.com.

In this issue, we hope you’ll find Spring Awakening with our new beauty contributor who will share some magnificent tips thru some of the up and coming beauty trends. Our featured non-profit The Answered Prayers project shares with us their mission and the various opportunities where you can help support them. Finally, our travel contributor will take us on a God Break to Panama a sure destination where you’ll find rest in Him. On behalf of myself, the lovely women of NOW SC Press, we pray this issue of SCW causes you to BLOOM in all areas of your life!

Connect with me @SCWLife on Instagram and Twitter and share in what area you plan on blooming into this season. I’ll be praying for you!■ April 2017 Issue

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Contributors MICHELLE ATHENS MARRIAGE

A writer who is eternally grateful for the “perfect for her” husband God has blessed her with.

Find her @michelleathens.com

Shandra Valenzuela Fitness

A premiere personal trainer in South Tampa, author of Fit After 40.

Find her @shandravfitness.com

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Chelsea Drinkard Being Single

A millennial with an Entrepreneurial spirit leading Christian Business Women’s Connection.

Find her @officespacebrokers.com

Vivi Bruzuela Beauty

Founder of Pink Orchid Makeup blog.

Passionate about Beauty, Fashion, Product Reviews, Trends, & Inner Beauty.

Find her @pinkorchidmakeup.com

Kadi Hedrick- Tubbs Answered Prayers Project She enjoys writing and helping businesses with their marketing and PR. She believes everyone has a story to tell. Find her @mom2momfamilyfun.blogspot.com

Rachel Ward fashion

She has been in fashion for 20+ years.

She is the owner of Gemara Gems and Rachel Ward shirt line to empower and inspire women. Find her @Gemara’s Gems & Rachels Gemara on Facebook.

Contributors liza marie garcia Business

An Equity Partner in the Publishing and Promotion House of NOW SC Press and author of “My Calendar is Written in Crayon.”

Find her @lizamariegarcia.com

Maria Lauricella Travel

She turned her love for travel and philanthropy into a unique business model, providing sustainable revenue for non-profits worldwide.

Find her @humanitydelsol.org

Abby Brundage what matters most of all Abby is the host of The Big Big House Morning Show. She loves music, hearing listeners’ stories and sharing her life with them.

Find her @abbyspirit.com

Shirley Jump Writing Tips

When she’s not writing books, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Shirley Jump competes in triathlons.

Find her @shirleyjump.com

Christal Giardina Home

She is driven by her passion, creativity and desire to help people which led her to found CKG & Associates, an event management and marketing company.

Find her @ckgassociates.com

Martha Brangenberg Books

A host on the iWork4Him radio program.Her desire is to help listeners incorporate Christ in their workplace.

Find her @iWork4Him.com

Linda Bull Culinary

Linda is passionate about cooking. A Chicago native has now lived in Florida for eight years. She loves to travel and see all the beauty God has created.

Find her @sassygirlssalsa.com April 2017 Issue

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Contents 18

Life 8 The Seed We Need

by Michelle Athens

10 Message in the Leaves

by Melanie Diaz

12 3 Lies I Thought Were Keeping Me Safe

by Chelsea Drinkard

14 The Answered Prayers Project

by Kadi Hendricks Tubbs

Well-Being 18 Step Into Your Best Self

42

by Shadra Valenzuela

20 Spring Awakening & Beauty Trends

32

by Vivi Brizuela

22 The Best Style: Blooming with Confidence

by Rachel Ward

Leisure 23 Help Your Business Survive for Many Years

by Liza Marie Garcia

26 How Divorce Impacted My Identity

by Abby Brundage

38 Our featured location Safety Harbor Resort and Spa 1-888-BEST SPA www.safetyharborspa.com

28 Telling the Stories of Your Life

by Shirley Jump

30 Books to Read this Spring

by Martha Brangenberg

32 Make it God’s Break, not Spring Break

by Maria Lauricella

38 Make Your Home Bloom Abundantly

by Chrystal Giardina

42 The Perfect Spring Dish: Risotto

by Linda Bull

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Now SC Press

a publishing, promotion & publicity company

We would like to bring your dreams of writing a book to life. By helping you find your voice and share your message with the world.

Are you ready to share your story?

Contact us 888-5069-NOW

nowscpress.com

“Our mission is to magnify the voice of purpose and exhault Him in all our ways�

Marriage

The Seed We Need

By Michelle Athens

1 Corinthians 4-7 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

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oving someone in this way sounds wonderful but, I must admit, also seems impossible. Think of your spouse. Have you ever acted like an impatient, prideful, rude, selfish, angry score keeper? It’s okay, there’s no judgment here. In my first years of marriage, I might have been all these terrible things to my husband in one day! If I’m being completely honest, I’m sure I’ve managed to jam it all into a single ten-minute interaction!

But that was before God. Before God, there were big expectations with little grace.

Anger came quick and forgiveness came slow. We’d placed the role of filling empty voids, mending wounded hearts, and soothing insecurities on each other. In other words, we were trying to be God to one another. It was exhausting. It was frustrating. And it was futile. Only God can minister to our needs in any lasting way. It’s exactly why He needs to be at the center of our marriages.

God Keeps Our Marriage Motivations in Check Marriage isn’t just about being in love or having companionship. It’s a vehicle that provides constant opportunities to glorify God. It’s a spiritual adventure that can stretch and strengthen your faith in amazing ways. Those marital conflicts?

They’re a chance to build spiritual muscle. When your motivation is fueled by your desire to please God, not your spouse, grace comes easy. You may not feel like your spouse is deserving of your effort at the moment, but God is. Do it for Him. God Is Your Faithful Intercessor In the beginning, when my husband drove me to my wits end, I’d go to God in prayer. I’d complain and plead for God to

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Photo by: Studio 33 Photography

change things about him. Of course I’d make sure to point out exactly why I was perfect and he wasn’t. In turn, the Holy Spirit would shine a light on my own behavior, gently convicting me to do the changing. And you know, that’s all right. I realized God was doing the same thing with my husband’s whining prayers about me.

God Gives You and Your Spouse a Spiritual Connection It’s imperative to keep up your spiritual growth individually, but also as a couple. Pray and study the word with one another.

Your spiritual connection comes from experiencing God together, then sharing what you’ve learned. There’s so much more to a Christian marriage than those emotional and physical connections that brought you together. That spiritual connection is what will keep you together.

God is the seed that blossoms a good marriage into a great one. A marriage that always protects, always trusts, always hopes and always perseveres. Keep God central so you and your spouse will become the beautiful blooms on His strong vine. Don’t wait until it’s too late in the season. Start planting today.■

Marriage

Big expectations with little grace.�

Photo by: Studio 33 Photography April 2017 Issue

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Motherhood

Message

in the Leaves

By Melanie Diaz

Give Your Heart: Adopt.�

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adopt m e

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Motherhood

e started our adoption journey in 2016, really listening to our hearts and what we felt the Lord was calling us to do. In early November, we made the first leap of faith by having a meeting with the adoption agency and completing the application. We sent a letter to our closest friends and family, giving them the beginning of our story.

unfailing love that we continue to grow in our relationship with Him; He is a lamp to our feet guiding our lives, providing endurance and strength to leap in blind faith for this next chapter in our lives.

In Christ, Luis, Melanie, Miya and Maylie Philippians 4:13, I can do all things through Christ who strengths me.

Dear Friends and Family It is with great excitement and joy that we sit and type this letter sharing what we hope to be our next chapter in life. This year, God placed adoption in our family’s heart. I’ve been thinking about adoption for a while but wasn’t sure about Luis. My prayer to the Lord was to make it abundantly clear to Luis. I remember specifically praying, “Lord, Luis only sees black and white and not gray, but you know this, so if this is your will, make it perfectly clear.: Over the last several months God has made it clear, not only to Luis, but also to me. He has spoken to us in dreams, other people’s dreams, in books, through the radio, and friends. This past Friday November 4th we decided to schedule an appointment with an adoption agency. That morning Luis took the girls to school and attended the monthly All Pro Dads meeting. During the meeting, Luis texted me to say November was National Adoption Month (neither one of us knew that).

Ironically, All Pro Dads was discussing adoption the same day we we planned to meet with the adoption agency. WOW! We can tell you many more stories that worked to align our hearts and sprits for what we truly believe is our family’s journey. I ask that you please keep our family in your prayers, specifically for guidance, for the finances to align, but especially for the child that the Lord has already started to prepare for our home. We feel led to adopt internationally, in China, and specifically for a boy.

The entire adoption process is long and can take a few years. Luis and I have been through a lot and yet we are so grateful for our friends and family, but most importantly for God’s grace and forgiveness. It is due to God’s grace, forgiveness and

During the Christmas break, our family continued to meditate on our decision and pray for continued affirmation, I guess because we needed more. I remember talking to myself and saying, “wow, okay, we are going to do this.”

On New Year’s Day, I felt like raking the leaves.

It was a beautiful day, so our girls and I went outside and raked leaves. I found a hair tie with something attached to it and placed it on my wrist without thinking and continued raking leaves. Once we finished, I took the hair tie off my wrist and realized it had a broken rubber bracelet attached to it. I was about to throw it away when I read the words on the bracelet: Give Your Heart: Adopt. My eyes began to fill up with tears. I called for the girls and my husband. None of them had ever seen this hair tie before. We stood in our yard with an overwhelming feeling of joy and excitement. How AWESOME is our God? How AWESOME is he to send a message amongst the leaves confirming our family’s calling to adopt?

When you are obedient, God works fast! We are aggressively working to collect and complete the mountains of paperwork. Although it is an unsettling feeling to know we have a son in an orphanage across the world, we have faith that he is being loved and cared for. He will not be an orphan for long, because we are coming for him. When God speaks, listen. When you are afraid, do not be weary but pray and talk to God continuously, dwelling in his presence. He listens, he answers prayers and He will give you the peace that surpasses all understanding—sometimes even with a message hidden in the leaves.

John 14:28 “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” ■ April 2017 Issue

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Being Single

Lies

I Thought Were Keeping Me Safe

By Chelsea Drinkard

Photo by: Studio 33 Photography

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Being Single

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Vulnerability is a sign of weakness.”

his is for you, the woman who swore you would never let a man hurt you. Whose friends would always come running to you when they were dumped by those “idiot” guys. The woman who always seems to have be waiting for him to screw up one way or who wonders, “What’s his angle?” The woman who avoids revealing her feelings to a man and who will not allow a man to make her feel inferior.

Maybe you formed these beliefs because you saw women in your life emotionally, verbally or sexually abused. Or maybe you even were taken advantage of in some way. Or maybe none of that happened, but at some point you learned to keep men at a distance.

I have done that. For years, I thought I was protecting myself from heartbreak. And in the process, I told myself three lies: • I can protect myself from getting hurt.

• Vulnerability is a sign of weakness.

• I can avoid rejection.

Without even realizing it, I applied this same tactic to relationships with friends and family. It was not until recently that the brick wall of protection I had built over the years became exposed. I had sworn I would never allow a man to hurt me by building this fortress around myself—which did the opposite of protecting me.

I can protect myself from getting hurt This first lie is one of control. We think we are able to prevent hurt, but hurt and pain is a part of life. We actually hurt ourselves by believing that we can protect ourselves from getting our hearts broken. The only true protection we have is the love of our Father. The Bible says, “Love covers a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8). Our Father will never hurt or forsake us. In our relationships with men, at some point we will have our heart broken, but we can take comfort in knowing our Father’s love is there to mend any earthly hurt we will experience.

Vulnerability is a sign of weakness Why do we think vulnerability is a weakness? For me, it was my pride. I did not want to feel inferior to a man and so I worked hard to not be vulnerable. Spiritually, we can’t receive the full facet of our Father’s love and grace if we do not surrender and surrender our hearts to Him. We have to trust Him, and open our hearts to Him to find the life He has planned for us. If we do not start there, how can we experience the many aspects of dating, courtship and marriage. If we believe this lie—that being vulnerable only makes you weak—then our intimate relationships with our Heavenly Father, friends, family and dating will all be

negatively impacted. When we aren’t open, we also aren’t open to receive the love we deserve.

I can avoid rejection Oh man, I have tried to avoid rejection so many times. Have you? It’s one of those sneaky, undercover beliefs—if we can hide our feelings, then we can control whether or not we are rejected. I thought I could control whether or not I would be rejected.

Over the years, I subconsciously kept myself away from being in a position where I could ever be denied. If anything, I would avert the situation or reject the cute guy I met at church first. But that didn’t protect me—there were still occasions where it didn’t work out or someone didn’t want to be a part of my life.

To feed into these lies, we can hide behind excuses like “I am focusing on my career” or “I don’t feel led to date.” but deep down the truth is, we might rather not date at all then be found in a position to be rejected like you’ve seen others rejected. The truth is, we can’t control every situation but we can “trust in the Lord always, lean not on our own understanding but in all our ways acknowledge Him and He will direct our path,” like it says in Proverbs 3:5-6.

Trusting in God and in His plan, gives us the strength to open up to other people and to take risks. While we cannot protect ourselves from all the potential messiness and pain that comes from human relationships, we can choose to forgive the people in our life when we do experience disappointment, anguish or heartache. Forgiveness is key to allowing us to let go of the lies we created in our heads. I had to forgive in order to be free from my belief system, and thus find the relationships that God put in my path. When we choose to be so fully persuaded in our identity as a daughter of the King, the hurt and rejection will not define us or determine our value.

We can’t bloom into who God has called us to be if we are fighting for control and holding on to unforgiveness. “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” (2 Corinthians 3:17).

We are called to let go, falling deep into our Father’s love. God’s love radiates through our hearts, transforming us to become a light to others. “The joy of the Lord is our strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10). This joy makes us alive and attracts others to us.

Will you choose to open your heart to be fully loved and accepted by your Father, so that you are free to love unconditionally and be loved by others? If you do, and you let go of the lies your fearful heart is telling you, you can find the happiness He has in store for you.

Do you have a similar experience? I would love to hear your story on social media with the hashtag #SCWSingle.■ April 2017 Issue

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Featured Article

Answered Prayers THE

Project

By Kadi Hendricks Tubbs 14 SCWLife.com

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n the heart of the Warehouse Arts District in St. Petersburg, there’s a nonprofit ministry called the Answered Prayers Project (APP),. Since 2008, hundreds of lives have been changed by coming into the studio to do just what Jesus did—share a meal, share their stories and work together to help others. At the studio they work in clay. What started out as making only crosses has grown to include all kinds of clay pieces. “It’s not about the piece you make, but about the peace that happens when you make it,” said Elizabeth Bunbury, founder of APP. What started out as a fiftieth birthday party for Bunbury, has now turned into a “pay it forward” ministry. “It’s the ripple effect. We all want to give back and volunteering at APP lets people do just that, while enjoying the company of others. It’s all about relationships,” Bunbury said.

Bunbury had been through quite a bit personally in her life after experiencing the death of a husband, and then marrying her second husband, who battled alcoholism and anger issues. That relationship eventually ended in divorce just before her 50th birthday. During those times in her life when things looked the darkest, Elizabeth said she received strength and encouragement from other women. “It’s been quite a journey. I tell women who come to the studio, they are not alone. Each piece of art is unique in its own way, just like we are.”

The mission of APP is to build opportunities for women and families to grow in relationships through faith, hope and clay.

“We believe it all starts with a relationship with Jesus, then with others, and last with yourself,” Bunbury added.

APP raises money through donations, grants and events in the studio and across the country. “The Art with Heart Events are designed for people who want to give back to their community. Each one of us wants to help with our time, talent and treasure. Why not do it while sharing a meal with friends and playing in clay?” Bunbury said. There are three opportunities during the month to experience this ministry. The first Tuesday of the month is for women only, the third Tuesday is for men, women and teens, and the fourth Friday is a lunch open to all.

APP also offers a Mom and Me Event that is held quarterly, giving mothers and fathers a chance to have fun with their children. They also offer studio time for groups or organizations, with the funds raised supporting APP’s outreach into the community.

Once a month APP opens the studio for an Art with Heart Event for children in foster care. There are usually around eighteen children ages five to seventeen. “We start with circle time, choosing one virtue from the fruits of the spirit to talk about. We have prayer requests and prayer and then family style dinner, teaching the children how to relax and sit at the table and the importance of conversation. We have quite a few volunteers, which allows one-on-one time with the children,“ Bunbury said. “They

Featured Article love the clay. Their pieces usually turn into lumps of clay with words stamped into them. We have decided to call their pieces “fostering rocks,” because fostering rocks,” she added. Each child also chooses a finished piece to take home with them. The “fostering rocks” will be sold in effort to raise more money for the outreach.

The clay pieces have been registered online from all 50 states and 29 countries around the world. All the pieces have started in St. Petersburg, though they may have been painted and glazed in other places, as APP is introduced all over the world, changing lives through faith in God’s love and hope.

If you visit the website to read the history of the clay pieces, these are just a couple of the stories you will see there: “I have been slow in registering this butterfly. I went to the APP Studio late last year with a friend. It was a wonderful experience. I still grieve the loss of my husband and a son, but sharing with Elizabeth makes the world so much more livable.

I thank her and her staff for this support,” written by Juanita from Auburndale, FL, cross #16.6995.

“I’m a cancer survivor. It was very hard to bear at first, but God gave me wisdom and courage to carry on and I’m very thankful and blessed!” written by Blossom from Miami, FL cross #16.4931.

Each of the crosses all have a mustard seed glued on the back of them, an addition based on a Bible verse. “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed you can say to this mountain, ‘move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matthew 17:20).■ Elizabeth Bunbury-Founder

If you are interested in making a donation, volunteering or booking an event at APP, call 727.420.3240 or go to their website at www.answeredprayersproject.org elizabeth@answeredprayerscross.org April 2017 Issue

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Fitness

It is time to get out there and take action.”

Step Into

Your Best Self

By Shandra Valenzuela

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tepping into your potential greatness, whether it is in business, with your family or with your health is scary. One of the biggest obstacles we have to overcome is within ourselves. It’s that voice in our heads and our limiting beliefs as to what is possible.

One of my clients recently sent me a message saying: “I’ve spent the past 40 years thinking that looking hot is for other people and not possible for me.

Exactly.

Can you stand in front of a mirror and say out loud “I am beautiful?” For most people, that is an uncomfortable thing to do. For some, it sounds boastful or conceited. Some of us, when we look in the mirror, can’t say the words because we only see the negative. Instead of the beautiful smile and great legs we were blessed with, we see the not-so-perfect arms or stretch marks.

Our limiting beliefs manifest in excuses such as time, physical limitations, or money. And so we don’t do anything, and it repeats the cycle over and over again.

We make time for the things that are important to us. The things that are our priority. Your body needs to be one of those priorities—it is the only place you have to live and it’s important that you take care

Fitness of it. Physical exercise is great, not only for your body, but also for your brain. It relieves stress, produces endorphins, and gives you a sense of accomplishment.

Even though I am a personal trainer, I still have to work at making time to train. People assume that because I work at a gym, I have time to work out. Sometimes that is not the case. I stay so busy training everyone else that it is difficult to get my own workouts in. And often the last thing I want to do is spend more time in the gym! But I know I will feel so much better when I do. I will be a better mom, a better friend, and a better example to those around me—including my kids!

I have a friend who is one of six children in the family. She is a fit and healthy mom. All of her siblings and her parents are overweight and have health issues. They all have the same genetics.

Why is she the only one that is different? Because she chooses to be. She sees the health issues—knee replacements, diabetes, breathing problems—and she has decided she doesn’t want to live like that. So she exercises regularly and watches what she eats.

She had to unlearn some habits that she grew up with and make important changes, but they were worth it.

You can get to where you want to be. But first you have to take responsibility for where you are! Your daily choices create your reality. Nobody forces you to eat that ice cream or chips.

Nobody physically bars you from the gym or from walking around the block. Those are choices that you make.

If you drive through Starbucks every day, if you go out to lunch and dinner a couple times a week, if you get your nails done or buy that pair of shoes “just because,” then you have the discretionary funds for some sort of training--one-on-one, group, or even virtual.

Making these kinds of changes is difficult and scary. Whether it is your fear of free weights, fear of looking foolish, or fear of a box jump.

“Action conquers fear.” – Peter Nivio Zarlenga So now it is time to get out there and take action. Get outside, get to the gym, grab a friend for a walk instead of texting them. Or if you don’t have the time for a gym, the money for a personal trainer, but are ready to get started you can do the basic home workout below: Total Body Ladder Workout: A regular ladder is where you go up and down, right? So, a ladder workout is where you increase your repetitions (reps) and then decrease them. If you are just starting out with your fitness goals then a ladder is great because you can just go to the top the first few times and then, as your fitness level increases, you can add reps or can come back down.

This is a workout you can do anywhere—at home, in the gym, or in your hotel room.

Start with 5 reps of everything in the circuit, then take a 30 second to 60 second break. Repeat the circuit with 10 reps of everything. Take a 30-60 second break and repeat with 15 reps of everything. Continue up to 20 reps then come back down the ladder for 15, 10 and 5 again.

• Fast Squats • Push Ups • Bicycle Abs • Jumping Jacks That’s it!

Option Two: 5-Minute Burnout If you are ready to push just a little more then it’s time for a burnout. Just 5 minutes of interval cardio and you are done.

Chose 2 of the suggested cardio options below and alternate them. Do 20 seconds as intensely as you can with good form, then take a 10-second break before doing the other exercise for 20 seconds with a 10-second break. Repeat for a total of 5 minutes.

Suggested cardio: High Knees, Jumping Jacks, Skaters, Burpees, Switch Jumps, Fast Squats or Squat Jumps. My favorite is Jumping Jacks and Burpees!■ April 2017 Issue

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Beauty

spring awakening & beauty trends Spring Awakens Inspiration.�

By Vivi Brizuela

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Beauty

pring is such a beautiful season in all terms and aspects. Many call it the “awakening” season. Vegetation blooms, the weather starts to warm up, and the beautiful creations of God start to pick up amazing color and life. When it comes to beauty and fashion, it is not a coincidence that spring awakens the inspiration to wear some of the most beautiful colors and patterns.

This spring 2017 is all about fresh colors, glitter, gloss, and textures. Below are some of the most popular makeup trends to consider, especially if you have never tried them before.

Among my favorite ones is the Bold Colored Lips. Personally, I love Bold Lips all year round, but this season you might see this one around more than usual. Bold lips are super versatile! They are the perfect finishing touch to a sophisticated and elaborate makeup look. In the contrary, if you are in a hurry or don’t feel like wearing too much makeup, all you need is a little mascara and a bold lip! They instantly add that perfect put-together look in those cases. If you have never tried bold lips before start with a shade that is at least 2 tones darker than your lip color, and build the color intensity from there.

Glitter makeup is for New Year’s right!?

Well, you might be surprised but this spring season is also about glittery lids and lips!

Not so usual for spring, but this is another trend that I personally love and will enjoy very much. Especially since I love all sorts of glittery and sparkly goodies.

Weather is clothing, accessories, decor, or makeup, glitter is so beautiful and pleasing to the eyes, and it reminds me to keep shining for Jesus.

Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:16

Glossy Lips, and Lids!

Some love them, some dislike them but glossy lids and lips are making a super strong comeback this spring/summer. Weather you like the feeling of a glossy product texture or not, the good news is that newer product formulas available nowadays feel lighter and less sticky. If you were not totally sure about trying the bold colored lips trend, glossy lips are sure a much more natural approach. Although, darker glossy colors are also part of this new trend if you prefer more pigmentation and color intensity. Another trend within the glossy lips/lids category is actually metallic/ chrome glossy finish. This new formula/finish combination looks equally beautiful either in pictures or in person.

Regardless of all the “trends” mentioned, remember that your own style is the one that will always shine thought. You are loved more than you will ever know, by someone who died to know you! Reference> Romans 5:8 and your value goes above than of rubies and pearls! Reference > Proverbs 31:10 Take advantage of this season to bloom where you are planted and let God guide you through the perfect path He specifically created for you. and also, remember…

Confidence and self-love are the key ingredients needed to make any look stunning!

Bloom and Shine bright lovelies!■ April 2017 Issue

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Fashion

The Best Style:

Blooming with Confidence

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By Rachel Ward

hen we hear the word “bloom,” the first thing that comes to mind is a flower. However, bloom is also defined as “a healthy glow in a person’s complexion.” Even the synonyms of bloom inspire that meaning—radiance, luster, sheen, and glow. When a flower blooms it is cultivating beauty. When we bloom as women, we are cultivating beauty. In Henry Cloud’s book, Necessary Endings, he wrote about “pruning.” In the gardening world, pruning relates to trimming the mediocre and dead branches or flowers, but in the real world it means making the necessary changes in our lives in order to bloom and thrive. We need to cut back (prune) our past, un-forgiveness, failures, resentment, hate and the like in order to bloom. We all need to continually prune in order to bloom into beautiful flowers. And with blooming comes confidence.

Since this article is in the fashion section, you may be asking, what exactly our fashion style has to do with blooming? Simple—the best style anyone can have is confidence. Have you ever felt insecure, less than, unworthy? Have you been unable to see who you are in Jesus because someone else told you who they think you are, and you start to believe those lies? I have. I’ve been there. I’ve been broken and torn down at the hands of others, causing me guilt, shame, confusion, sadness and loneliness. When I couldn’t handle the pain anymore, I took a good look at myself and remembered who I am in Jesus. That is what matters most. Then I was able to “prune” those dead branches (those people who brought me down) and bloom. I was able to “get my groove back,” so to speak, and I became a confident woman, something I hadn’t been in years. I became myself again because I had been buried and unable to bloom for so long. I love fashion and have been in the industry for 20+ years now but I have learned that no matter what I wear, confidence never goes out of style.

When you get dressed in the morning, whether you put on a suit or active wear, do you look in the mirror and love yourself? Do you look in the mirror and remember you “are fearfully and wonderfully made?” (Psalm 139:14). Do you stand tall, with your head held high? Do you think positively, optimistically, and with conviction? Do you know how much God truly loves you? If not, write affirmations on Post-It notes and stick them on your mirror so every morning you can remind yourself how awesome you are!

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Photo by: Studio 33 Photography

Oscar de la Renta once said, “A woman makes an outfit her own with accessories.” Accessories can be the final touch to any outfit, and a way to show your confidence and personal style. You can looked pulled together in a less than exciting outfit (my staple is jeans and a tank top) by just adding some fun accessories. Our style says a lot about our personality and our self-image. What does your style say about you?

Do you look pulled together or more like a hot mess?

Regardless, wear what you want to wear with pride and fierceness! For me, I feel most comfortable in skinny jeans, rolled up with some cute booties and a tank top.

Then I add on accessories like “arm candy” (lots of layered bracelets for those who don’t know the term), a necklace (dainty layers are in right now) and a pair of hoop earrings. Voila! I’m good to go. Accessories can add to any outfit, and thus, add to your confidence.

One thing we all have in common as women is we love compliments. If we are confident in ourselves and our style, people will notice and compliment us, which can make our day! Ladies, it’s time to bloom.

Start pruning those areas of your life that are bringing you down so you can bloom into that beautiful flower God created you to be. Wear your confidence every day, everywhere.■

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Photo by: Studio 33 Photography

Help Your Business Survive for Many Years

By Liza Marie Garcia

True key to my business’s success was our leadership team.”

Business

ou’ve seen the signs, the shuttered offices, the empty office parks. Every day, dozens of companies go out of business.

Why do businesses go under at such an alarming rate? Forbes says only 2 out of 10 businesses survive longer than five years.

When I was twenty-seven, I started one of the first telecommunications companies. I was leaping into rough waters, but I was determined not to become one of the failures in Forbes’ statistics. I was fortunate. My business grew and expanded for sixteen years.

People often asked what I attributed this longevity to. My immediate response was that we remained very nimble and flexible. We improved and adapted as we grew and at every turn we remained focused on keeping in step with our client. I cited all these reasons about staying ahead of the curve, thinking outside the box, taking big chances, and never realized that the true key to my business’s success was our leadership team.

Now I am a principal in a new business and I would say our business is successful because of our leadership. We have an incredible team at the helm of this company, and they are all enthusiastic, smart and dedicated. That spirit is priceless, and infuses the entire company. I can’t stress enough how important a good leadership team is to a business’s success. In fact if you Google the top five reasons businesses fail, one of those reasons is improper leadership of the company.

Some of you might have worked for companies that collapsed due to the personal failures of the management and ownership. You might even have seen the coming negative impact of decisions made by the leadership long before the complete failure of the company. There is no question, a company’s direction starts at the top.

Prior to becoming a business owner, I had opportunity after opportunity as a young engineer to experience varying corporate cultures. I would work with our clients in their environment as we prepared them for their technology upgrades. I had the advantage in those “old school” days when video conferencing didn’t exist to really experience our client’s management and thus I was able to experience firsthand their culture, their values. The lesson I drew from those years was that all companies have implied values—values that come from their management and work their way through the rest of the company.

In my new company, there are clear values established. We review those to be sure we stay on track with whatever business challenge enters our path. Our ultimate leadership comes from Jesus. His word, His will and His guidance run our company. Some people might think you should separate business from God, but I disagree.

If we believe that our lives should be led by Him, then why wouldn’t we believe our businesses should be led by Him as well? If we pray that our decisions be blessed, then why can’t we expect our decisions in business to also be developed by Him as part of His plan for us? The partners in my business agree, and look at the entire company through that lens.

By taking our leadership from God, we are able to bring in strong management, discipline and discernment. Coupled with the right combination of people who believe the same and work together under that umbrella, I am sure our company will be another statistic—of success.■ April 2017 Issue

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Talent Tampa Bay

AT

5227 Autumn Ridge Drive Wesley Chapel FL 33545

April 8th 5-9 pm

PRESENTED BY: A Moment with The Classics FOOD TRUCKS • VENDORS • TRAIN RIDES TOP YOUTH TALENT PERFORMANCES HOT AIR BALOON Sponsored by RE/MAX

7PM

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Easter and Spring Activities begin at 5pm

Youth Talent Show SINGERS • ACTORS DANCERS • MUSICIANS

Easter Egg Hunt 5:00-5:30pm

Proceeds go to:

Sponsored by Beazer Homes

Easter Bunny Photos SPONSORED BY: LIVE

LEARN

WORK

P L AY

For more information contact: amomentwiththeclassics@gmail.com or info@avalonparkwest.com 24 SCWLife.com

105 North Bayshore Drive | Safety Harbor, Florida 34695

SafetyHarborSpa.com • 888-Best Spa (237-8772) April 2017 Issue

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• Spacious guestrooms with stunning views of Tampa Bay • Luxurious Spa, Sauna, Steam Rooms, Whirlpools • 3 Swimming Pools, State-of-the-Art Fitness Center • Sunday Brunch • Waterfront Tiki Bar & Grill • Opulent Event Space for Weddings or Meetings

What Matters Most of All

How Divorce Impacted

MyIdentity

By Abby Brundage

W

hen it comes, it hits you like a ton of bricks.

Bam. You’re a divorced single-mom. And boy, is it sneaky. It even got me with a car insurance policy. Abby Brundage, a divorced woman will be 37 on… Thanks for the reminder, State Farm! Your marriage failed, but you’re all paid up for the next six months!

You think the day you sign the divorce papers is when the identity crisis starts, but it’s not. That is just the day that the key goes into the lock that opens the door and welcomes in the parade of surprises that will make you wonder who you are now that you’re not the Mrs. you thought you’d always be.

It took me a long time to even be able to say the word “ex-husband.” Isn’t it strange how identifying someone else seems to say so much about yourself? Saying I have an ex-husband was like rolling out a banner scribbled with labels for myself. Inadequate. Disposable. Unattractive. Imperfect. While the identity I always wanted was sent into a tailspin, there was this new me being involuntarily created.

I wanted to ignore this new person, whoever she was, but I knew deep down she had potential for greatness. I didn’t want to know her because to acknowledge her would mean I was accepting this new lot in life. If I could play ostrich and not look at the single mom in the mirror maybe I could convince other people I was better than that. Better than the stereotype I thought summarized the life and appearance of the divorced mother. But while I was avoiding her, I had a glimmer of hope that she was

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somehow a better version of myself. To unveil her, I still had to navigate some waters of uncertainty.

Last Christmas, I scrolled through Pinterest for ideas to decorate my house—the house I proudly bought on my own to start over with my sons. All the merriment came to a halt when I checked out decorations for the front door. The monogram seemed to be the hot item. A simple wooden letter decorated with bows, polkadots, burlap or whatever suits your style.

I loved the idea until I started thinking about what letter I’d choose. My maiden name? It’s not my sons’. My married name?

It just doesn’t feel like mine anymore and it hurts too much to claim it. Nothing felt right. That decoration is so insignificant, yet it really spoke to who I was. What is my name now?

But just like the letter on the front door, many of the things that send us spiraling into this identity crisis are on the outside.

Truth does not stem from external matters. God says that we need to look inside to see what really matters and know who we are.

One day, I took my boys to Magic Kingdom. Our first stop was a photo opp with Mickey Mouse. This was our first family photo with Mickey—and first one post-divorce. We posed, smiling, the perfect image the photographer wanted. But as we rounded the corner into the gift shop to purchase the photo, I broke down in tears. I had imagined that first Disney family photo for years but never thought that was how it would look. A single mom holding an eight-month old and a toddler. Whose family and whose life was this?

What Matters Most of All I tried to hide my face from my boys and put on a smile. My older son, two years old at the time, looked at the photo, then up at me, beaming. “Are we going home now?”

Just as he didn’t understand that there was so much more left to see in the magical world of Disney, I realized I had been missing the point with my worry about door decorations and family photos. Home to my son was wherever we were. That identity hadn’t changed. And neither had mine.

I was still myself, still a mom, and still building a home—not the one I had imagined years before— but still a home filled with love, warmth and memories.

And more importantly, I am more than the salutation on the insurance policy, the polka-dot letter on the door or even the family photo with Mickey. I am Mom and I am able to love my children more deeply than anyone on this earth. These two gifts that God gave me have allowed me to love and be loved in a way that fills my heart on a daily basis.

If you’re checking the “divorced” box you never used to give a second glance to, or juggling a shared custody schedule that was never supposed to be on your calendar, remember the labels that the world gives you are not nearly as important as the one God did. You are His child and He entrusted those little ones to you.

Remind yourself of that on a daily basis and you’ll find that the same key that unlocked a door welcoming in the identity crisis can open the door to a new world of sweet, warm memories and unconditional love.■ April 2017 Issue

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Writing Tips

Telling the Stories of

your life

By Shirley Jump

Create A Lifetime Memory.�

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Writing Tips

E

very one of us has an interesting story to share. Maybe our upbringing was unconventional, or we spent our teen years traveling the world, or we have faced impossible odds and conquered them. You can share your story by speaking, but you can also create a lifetime memory for your children and grandchildren by writing that story down.

There’s an art to telling a story that will impact the people who read it. f you are interested in writing your own stories down, whether it’s just for family to see or to submit to an anthology or other publication, here are my tips for how to do it:

1

Find a topic you care about: This is one of the most important steps. If you don’t care about the topic, then the writing will suffer.

You need to find a topic that you care about, enough that you can create an entire essay about it. It should be something that was a big event in your life; a moment that changed you.

2

Find a topic that the reader will care about, too: Ideally, if this is a moment that has been a life-changing one for you, then it will be one the reader can learn from, too. Readers read essays because they can relate to the writer and hopefully live vicariously, either learning something new or finding a way to deal with a common problem, through the author.

Some essays are issue-based (like those in Newsweek) others are more lesson-based (like those in the God Allows U Turns anthologies) and some are simply there to provide a heartwarming moment (like the essays in the Chicken Soup series). Decide which kind your reader expects, and make sure you are writing about a topic that fits those parameters.

3

Determine the lesson you want the reader to learn: What is the life lesson you learned from that event? That, usually, is our reason for sharing a story, so that the person hearing or reading it can learn that same lesson. Determine what the lesson is before you write the essay, and be sure that every paragraph builds toward that message you want to leave at the end.

4

Construct the essay in the familiar pattern: Most essays are circular. They start with the problem, or life-changing event, then go through the history that brought the author to that event, finally returning to that moment in time and wrapping it up with the solution or life lesson.

5

Be sure to have a strong conclusion: One of the main mistakes writers make in essay writing is skimping on the conclusion. This is where you want to leave the audience thinking. It’s important that you create a strong ending that paints a picture or drives your point home.

6

Choose precise language: Precise language makes all the difference in painting a strong picture in your writing. “I plopped into the familiar comfort of my father’s La-Z-Boy recliner” gives a far more powerful image than saying “I sat in a chair.” Describing a favorite aunt as smelling of Jergen’s Lotion paints an immediate sensory picture for the reader. The more details you can work in, through the use of precise language, the stronger the entire essay will be.

7

Take the time to do it right: Don’t try to rush through an essay. In general, you have less than a 1000 words to work with. Essays have to capture a moment in time, a life lesson and a strong image, all within the prescribed word count.

Choose each word carefully, because it needs to deliver a powerful punch. When you are revising your draft, try to keep all of the above tips in mind.

Finally, read the essay over, not just on the computer, but also in a printed version and out loud.

Those three steps will help you catch any typos, awkward phrasing and rough patches. Make doubly sure that your essay has made the point you wanted to get across, and then, if you feel it’s ready, send it on out to the publication, or if you’d rather, just save it for posterity!

Tell it to your children, and let your children tell it to their children, and their children to the next generation. (Joel 1:3)■ April 2017 Issue

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Books

Books to Read this Spring

By Martha Brangenberg

When I look in the mirror and see my reflection, it is an accurate copy of my original image. To reflect the glory of God, we must be wearing that glory. We cannot fabricate God’s glory in our reflection—it must be authentic. Bearing this image starts on the inside and comes out in the fruit of the Spirit. The thoughts and scriptures that we meditate on touch our insides and come out in our actions and behaviors. Let’s fill our lives with words that reflect the glory of God. The Bible…

Autumn Song (ISBN: 9781433553196), this ESV Journaling Bible is a combination of beautiful translation work and wide margins. For centuries, the Bible has been used to record family history of births, marriages, deaths, and other monumental events. What if your daily Bible became a place to record your spiritual history?

Writing notes, recording decisions, and even drawing a picture can all become part of your legacy that will stand the test of time and be your most treasured belonging.■

Inspiration The Awakening of HK Derryberry

by Jim Bradford (ISBN: 9780718079994). This true and stirring story shares many lessons, including obedience to the “still small voice” and the power of a friendship. The story starts one Saturday morning when HK and Jim intersect at a local restaurant, one that Jim Bradford doesn’t usually visit. A gentle nudge in his spirit caused him to move towards the young boy who had caught his attention and within minutes their lives would never be the same. After reading this book you may see the impact that one seemingly small decision can make in your life or that of another.■

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Parenting The Power of Praying for Your Adult Children by Stormie Omartian (ISBN: 9780736957960). As I found myself entering the stage of young adult children, the questions starting flowing.

Have we done everything to prepare them for adulthood? Will they make good choices? Are they prepared for the tough situations? Will they shine for Jesus in their work, neighborhood, and home? My hands found this little book of prayers and was reminded that there was still a task for this mother to complete: to spend the rest of my years praying for my children.

There are many areas of their life to pray for, so get on your knees; this book can guide you.■

New Year - New You Insecurity Detox by Trish Blackwell (ISBN: 9781501121302) Why not talk about a “detox” in the New Year? This book takes a different approach. Trish has fun using the lingo of a traditional detox to make her concepts come alive. The book focuses on a unique detoxification to get rid of 30 negative things like emotional baggage, control, self-doubt and boredom. Each detox has three subsets detoxes that focus on mind, body, and spirit. Trish is convinced that her success in these areas came when she started giving God her thoughts, reading the Bible, and keeping up her end of the conversations with God. Are you ready to start taking this detox pill? Start here, one chapter at a time.■

Books

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Travel

Make it God’s Break, not Spring Break

By Maria Lauricella

Spring Break Mentality.�

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pring is in the air…how often do we hear this phrase? It may be in the air, but are you taking the time to slow down enough to recognize, appreciate and renew? Spring is the proverbial “beginning of life.” It’s synonymous with new life and most of us Christians begin to think about many ceremonial traditions that come along with this time of year, like Lent, Good Friday and Easter. I think, however, that we should work to increase our connection with God all spring, not just during those special days.

When winter looms a little too long and we crave a getaway, we think about taking a vacation.

I’ve decided to instead take that spring break’ mentality and translate it to a God Break, During that week, I want to edify and enrich my soul. To that end, I look for a destination that feeds that part of me the best.

For me, that place is Panama.

Panama is just a few short hours away, depending on where you fly from. All the stress and maybe even extra pounds you put on during the winter seasons will all be shaken, danced, walked and swam off as soon as you see Panama’s beautiful beaches.

I’m the type of person who prefers the more intimate, cultural saturation that happens when staying in one town or city. Don’t try to cram the entire country into a one-week vacation. Instead, head straight for one of God’s beautiful creations, Bocas Del Toro.

Bocas Del Toro, also known as Bocas, is a stunning archipelago of islands. It’s where your days are filled with the soothing sounds of nature. The beaches are almost all exclusive and uncrowded. Bocas is a land of raw beauty peppered with colorful boutique shops, artist displays and dirt roads. The islands are filled with exotic fruits and fresh seafood.

If you want to stay right in the center of the amazing culture here, check out the Palma Royale www.palmaroyale.com. Right at the heart of the city sits the hotel’s tower. Palma Royale mixes just the right amount of Caribbean atmosphere with luxury accommodations. I had

Travel the privilege of staying at the penthouse during my time there, a surprisingly affordable option, especially if you decide to bring along your closest friends or a few other couples.

During your time there, be sure to visit the dozens of beaches that are located minutes away via water taxi. If you want relaxation and rejuvenation, Bocas is it! It’s the kind of place that encourages you to go off the grid! Now that is what I call a God break!

Bocas is quintessentially Caribbean. That vibe is even more evident at night when you can slip into one of the many cafés or swing in a hammock over the water as you listen to a reggae band soothe the evening with some soul music. Dancing under the stars is one of my personal favorite therapies. It helps you both remember what is important about life and forget the things that aren’t.

Regardless of your style and budget, everyone needs a refresh button around this time of year. My hope for you is that on this spring break you’ll do more than clean out your closets and dust the cupboards. Even if it’s just a two-day getaway, with a tent or a beach house rental, or maybe even a stay at Palma Royale in Bocas Del Toro, Panama, remember what spring is all about. Slow down, breathe deep, and watch the world around you renew its life during this celebratory time of year. Take time for reflection, maybe do a personal inventory, and most of all, focus on all that God has done, continues to do, and will do for us. Remember what Jesus did for us during this time of year. Regardless of where you take your “God Break,” do it in a place that allows you to strip away the ordinary stresses and routines, even if only for a moment. You can go anywhere—to your backyard or to a foreign country—and find God in that place. After all, He is everywhere!■

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Palma Royale, Panama

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Palma Royale, Panama

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Home

Make Your Home

Bloom Abundantly

Photo by: Studio 33 Photography

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Home

S

By Chrystal Giardina

pring is in the air and to celebrate, we want to make our home bloom abundantly. Let’s rejoice in the gift of hospitality and the beauty of the color around us with pastels and natural tones. This month, we’re going to create a simple tablescape that will bloom with blessings when you have company visit, as well as carry over into other rooms of your home, to make your entire home really blossom.

Start with Fresh Flowers Flowers are one of God’s many amazing creations. I love having fresh flowers in my home and especially in my table setting designs. Flowers are such a great symbolism of life as they grow and bloom. Not to mention the scent of fresh flowers adds a clean and natural aroma to the home. This spring, we want to create an airy and light floral touch to the home and tablescape.

When shopping, look for pastels, collecting a variety of light colors such as pinks, purples, yellows, blues, as well as some white and greens. Choose whatever stands out to you most, but a common spring floral arrangement can be a mixture of carnations, roses, hydrangeas, baby’s breath and tulips. Pick up a couple of different bouquets to mix and match. You can even pick flowers right from your own garden.

Bloom with Blessing.”

Be Bold and Balanced with Glass Jars Choose a variety of glass jars around the house that come in many shapes, sizes and color. These can be mason jars, glass bottles, cylinders, vases, wine bottles, etc. Be intentional and bold, picking different shapes sizes and color. Asymmetrical designs can seem like they have the balance of a symmetrical design because you are using unique pieces that are not all the same.

Choose enough jars to mimic the size of a table runner for your dining room table. Remember to find some extras because you will use them for other areas around your house.

Tip: If you choose a jar or bottle with a label on it such as a wine bottle, to remove the label, simply soak with warm water and dish soap for a few minutes in the sink. When time is up begin to peel the label off. It should peel off nicely.

Become Your Own Florist Now it’s time to create the bouquets for your tablescape. Fill up all the jars and bottles with warm water. Not hot, not cold, but warm water.

Warm water tip: Did you know that warm water helps flowers open up quicker? Often, you’ll see bouquets open up and bloom more fully the next day. You can speed up that process by adding warm water initially.

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Flowers are one of God’s many amazing creations.”

When filling your jars with water, make sure you add enough water so all the flowers’ stems will be submersed. However, since we are doing a variety of sizes and colors, the water will be at different levels of height within each jar. Remember, we’re going for a simple, natural, airy creation, not perfection.

The water doesn’t need to be at the same measured height in each container.

Next, cut your flower stems to meet the right height for each container. You will be cutting them to different lengths because you have different-sized jars. Try to keep the overall height of your flowers low so that you can see your guests across the table. Your centerpieces are supposed to be enjoyable, not a distraction.

Mix and match the flowers within the bottles. Try to create your bouquets with odd numbers of stems: 1,3,5 quantities.

Even though the number is odd, the flowers will appear balanced.

Line up your jars on your table is if you are staging an imaginary table runner. Then adjust accordingly to fit what you envisioned.

The containers do not have to be in a perfect straight line. Feel free to leave room for votive candles or for serving dishes.

Add an Inviting Touch At each place setting, cut a flower to leave on the napkin or charger. It’s a simple but special statement to have a flower waiting just for you. Try and use different flowers at each guest seat, so they are as unique as your guests.

Spread the extra flowers around your house. Don’t limit your tablescape theme to your dining room table. Add some flowers to the kitchen island, breakfast nook, guest bathroom, accent tables, end tables, and outdoor patio. Think of where your company will go when they are spending time at your home and bless them with a delightful bouquet that will greet them in each space. Each bouquet will be sure to bring smiles to your guests’ faces.

It shall blossom abundantly and rejoice, even with joy and singing. They shall see the glory of the Lord, the excellence of our God. (Isaiah 35:2-4).■

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Photo by: Studio 33 Photography

Photo by: Studio 33 Photography

April 2017 Issue

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Culinary

The Perfect Spring Dish:

Risotto

By Linda Bull

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T

Culinary

his spring, try risotto as the perfect side dish for almost any meal. It takes a little time, but the results are worth it.

In my career, I’ve found that waiting on God’s timing can bring great results, too. I was never a professional chef, but often cooked for family and friends. My special corn, bean and fresh vegetable salsa was a regular hit, so I decided to sell it commercially as Sassy Girls Salsa.

I had worked in the medical field for thirty-five years and although I loved my job, I really wanted to own my own business.

On the side, I obtained my certified food managers certificate, rented space in a commercial kitchen called YourPro Kitchen, and acquired an FDA license. That launched Sassy Girls Salsa, which I’m now selling at farmers’ markets and in Williams-Sonoma on weekends was very difficult. When I pondered making the leap from working full-time to working in my own business, I went to church and prayed for God to give me an answer. When he did, I put in my two-week notice and became a full-time business woman. The journey has been extremely exciting and enlightening, and has blessed me with meeting numerous angels and strong, smart business women. My message to strong and courageous women everywhere: Pursue your passion! Make it happen! You can do it!

Although I can’t give out the secret Sassy Girls Salsa recipe, I wanted to share another favorite recipe of mine: Creamy Mushroom Risotto Ingredients

1 ½ cups Arborio rice 1 quart beef broth ½ cup white wine ¼ cup onion, diced 1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms (you can use more if you want) 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter 1 Tablespoon vegetable oil ¼ cup grated fresh Parmesan cheese (you can add more if you want) Directions 1. Heat beef broth in a separate pot. In a large saucepan, melt one tablespoon of the butter, then sauté mushrooms until soft.

Remove and set aside.

2. In same saucepan heat one tablespoon of butter and one tablespoon of oil. Add the onions. Sauté 2-3 minutes. Add the rice. Stir and cook until coated with oil/butter mix. Cook one more minute. Add one ladleful of the hot broth. Cook, stirring often, until broth is absorbed. Keep adding broth one ladleful at a time stirring and cooking until absorbed. Add white wine, stir and cook until absorbed. When all the liquid is absorbed and rice is soft, add reserved mushrooms, remaining butter and Parmesan cheese. Stir until melted.■ April 2017 Issue

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