The Upside 03 - September, 2017

TRUTH-BOMBS ABOUT LOSING BELLY FAT

SEVENTH-DAY ANGELS

HOW FOOD MINISTRIES ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE

PINNACLE CHALLENGE STORMS OUTBACK TOWNS

The

About

A letter from the editor

Food, faith and friendship

Have you ever been hungry? I mean really, really hungry — you’ve had that gnawing feeling in your stomach, heard it grumble, maybe you’ve felt faint and unable to focus? This is something an increasing number of Australians experience regularly due to food insecurity.

It’s sad that we have a problem like this in a country that’s as blessed as ours is, but it’s the reality for many Aussies. However, there are people who are busy providing assistance in this space. You can read about what several Adventist churches

Enquiries

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The

in northern New South Wales are doing to help people in their communities on Pages 4 to 6.

These food ministries are not only feeding people, but building friendships and faith. It’s an amazing opportunity and — best of all — it’s something you can get involved in too! Read on to find out more. Adele

honoured

AS STATE FINALIST IN AGED CARE

“It just plain makes me happy,” says Fishing Point resident Marilyn Nutt of her volunteer work with dementia patients.

And it must be true, because for the past nine year, Marilyn has given hundreds of hours of her time to help with residents who are severely impaired by dementia at Adventist Senior Living’s residential aged care facility, Avondale House in Cooranbong.

Not only will she often spend the morning taking residents for walks throughout the extensive grounds, play games and join in sing-alongs, but then also turns up for volunteer duty serving in the on-site café as well.

Adventist Senior Living Volunteer Coordinator Fiona Smith says it takes a very special person to fill such a role as capably as Marilyn. “She is greatly loved by all our residents,” says Fiona, “and is very much admired and appreciated by staff for her amazing and compassionate ability to connect with residents.”

Marilyn is admired so much, in fact, that she was recently announced as a state finalist in the Aged Care & Community Services (NSW & ACT) State Awards for Excellence.

“The Finalist Award could not have gone to a better candidate,” says Fiona. “It recognises an individual who exemplifies generosity in caring for and contributing to the quality of life of older people. This is Marilyn to a tee.”

“Volunteering not only makes me happy,” says Marilyn. “It also brings me a great sense of pride and accomplishment.”

She adds that she has no particular skill set. “I just make sure I am there in that moment for each of my residents,” she says, encouraging anyone who has a few spare hours a week to give volunteering a try.

Studies have long shown that helping others does kindle happiness, and that the more we give, the happier we feel. Volunteering also connects you to your community, bringing fun and fulfilment along the way. If you would like to know more, or are interested in becoming part of the vibrant Adventist Senior Living volunteer team, please contact Fiona Smith on (02) 4977 1050, or email volunteercoordinator@adventistseniorliving. com.au for more information.

— Felicity Pittaway

BACK TO SCHOOL FOR X FACTOR GRAND FINALISTS AND CCAS ALUMNI

Students at Central Coast Adventist School (CCAS) were lucky to have a visit from musical duo Jess & Matt, plus past CCAS student Lindsey Jackson. Jess & Matt are a duo consisting of Jess Dunbar and her fiancé Matt Price.

In 2015, Jess & Matt auditioned for season seven of The X Factor Australia singing “Georgia” by Vance Joy. They made it through right to the grand final, finishing as runners-up under the mentoring of Guy Sebastian. Immediately after The X Factor 2015, Jess & Matt signed with Sony Music Australia and released their wouldhave-been winners single “Nothing Matters,” which debuted in the Australian Top 10. They have also released two albums, which have been in the top 10 charts, with their debut selftitled album earning them an ARIA No. 1 and a Gold Record.

In January 2017, Jess & Matt released “Sydney to Me” to coincide with their Australia Day concert performance at Sydney Opera House after being appointed the Ambassadors of Sydney Tourism worldwide by Destination NSW.

Jess & Matt were able to share with and inspire students by showing them some different sides of the songwriting and music industry that many don’t realise exist.

Lindsey Jackson graduated from CCAS in 2004 and studied Music as an elective for his HSC. He went on to study audio engineering at SAE College in Sydney. Following a number of roles within the IT industry, Lindsey decided to combine his passion for music with his IT skills.

Lindsey is one of Australia’s top music producers and songwriters, and has a wealth of experience recording and co-writing across multiple genres. One of Lindsey’s more recent projects has been co-writing vocalist Jessica Mauboy’s latest single, Fallin’. Lindsey is currently working as a freelance producer. He is signed with Native Tongue Publishing and has written songs for both local and international artists including Tori Kelly (Hollow), Jessica Mauboy (Fallin’), Bertie Blackman, Caitlyn Shadbolt and The McClymonts. He has also been involved in the production of music for television shows, such as Secret Daughter, and television ads including Jetstar and Tourism NSW.

— Brenton Luchow

SEVENTH-DAY ANGELS: HOW FOOD MINISTRIES ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Looking behind the scenes of many ordinary Australian families will reveal a startling statistic: one in six are experiencing food insecurity. This describes individuals who have at least once experienced a lack of food for themselves or their family, without the means of purchasing more. Although this may come as a surprise to many people, this number is steadily increasing. Fortunately, there are many organisations across north New South Wales that are addressing issue in a way you can be involved with.

who feed the hungry” (Foodbank.org). It works by receiving surplus food from grocery stores, manufacturers and farmers in Australia that is for some reason defected, but still edible, and distributes this produce to various community groups. The food may be nearly out-of-date, labelled incorrectly, superficially damaged or simply excess produce. While these are all technical issues, the food is still very usable and would otherwise be dumped in landfill. After ordering and receiving palettes of produce from Foodbank, it is then up to each project to distribute the food in the most meaningful way to their communities.

Food pantries play a vital role in helping many families, students, retirees and everyday Australians through their week. They may require assistance due to homelessness, but often it is because of a lack of funds, whether they are regular (such as rent) or unexpected (a medical bill). Whatever the case, Foodbank provides supplies for more than 600,000 Australians every month, and many churches and their communities are getting on board.

How does it work?

Foodbank is a “non-denominational, non-profit organisation, which acts as a pantry to the charities and community groups

The food is generally given to those in need of assistance at a reduced price. There are several ways different food banks do this…

What are other people doing?

There are more than 20 Seventh-day Adventist Church groups across northern NSW who have started up their own food ministries, each with an approach tailored to the needs of their communities.

Macksville Adventist Church is providing pensioners and health-care cardholders with affordable groceries in an

“One in six [families] are experiencing food insecurity”

interesting way. The “Food Hub” they run uses a point system for payments. Instead of dollars and cents, customers can choose their items and purchase them at different point values. For example, a box of Vita Brits would cost two points instead of about $5.00, meaning that the items are sold at roughly a third of their normal price. However, just like in a regular shop, the Food Hub often has its own sales and these are advertised on its Facebook page. In this way, Pastor Paul Richardson says the Food Hub aims to come “as close as possible to an everyday shopping experience.”

But it doesn’t end at points. The customers are given a ticket, a shopping basket and are met by greeters, served by a cashier and offered help with their purchases by ushers. There is also a hostess to provide free hot drinks, particularly in the cooler months. In this sense, the food is not a hand out, but part of a fair exchange. It helps provide a dignified experience, ensuring that those receiving the food feel valued and equal. Pastor Richardson says, “We’re trying to move away from being a charity to allow people the freedom, the choice that they like.”

You can read more about Macksville’s experience on Page 6.

In Bonnells Bay, the local food pantry also does more than just provide something to eat; it offers a space for making friends and giving back. People are able to assist in unloading the food palettes from the truck in preparation for set up. Sau Finau, who himself knows how it feels to be on the receiving end, understands the importance of providing a well-rounded experience. “Once they come and help out we get them to put a vest on, and when they’ve got a vest on, guess what? You’re one of us.”

A number of people who volunteer with the Bonnells Bay food pantry Sau and his team run originally came to receive assistance. They loved what was happening and now share their time with others in need. Sau says the focus is on transforming people’s lives by providing help with dignity; making sure the “community is better because you’re there.”

“Most people don’t even know others are struggling with food,” says Sau. “Hunger and poverty here in Australia is a silent issue.” To help with this, the team put together packages targeted at a family of four that would last a week. This includes staples like rice, pasta, bread and condiments, as well as little treats.

The Seventh-day Adventist Church in northern NSW have purchased a refrigerated truck that the food pantry team in Bonnells Bay use, and it has proved to be invaluable, as it broadens the range of food items the team can offer to those who come to their food pantry each week. They’ve also teamed up to work with the local Salvation Army Church to provide food bank assistance to locals. This was an answer to prayer for both groups. Having been working with the food pantry for nearly three years, Sau says, “I think I’ll be doing it for the rest

of my life.”

In the town of Scone, Stanley Nelson works with a team who have a food pantry shop in the main street. “It started off in front of our house with a few tables,” Stanley says of the food pantry. “But it’s grown since then. We offer a service for the community that wasn’t available before that.”

He moved to Scone to establish an Adventist Church there in late 2015 and started the food pantry in April 2016. “A lot of volunteers from the community got involved!” says Stanley. “We offer bags with about 16 or 17 items in them for about $6.00.

There are no limits on who can come in, and we have a lot of free stuff, like vegetables and bread. What’s in the bag varies, but we try to put things in that are wholesome.”

But what happens to the leftovers — for example, when there are weeks when the food pantries aren’t flat out or not all of the goods are taken? When there’s a surplus of items, the teams typically find others to share it with. For example, in Macksville, they pass things on to Saint Vincent De Paul Society (better known as St Vinnies) or the Salvation Army (AKA the Salvos). In this way, the work of building connections extends beyond just those who visit food pantries. It’s an opportunity to grow community, however that manifests itself.

Is your church interested in starting a food pantry? Keep reading!

— Sharna Kosmeier

“...the focus is transforming people’s lives by providing help with dignity”

“Hunger and poverty here in Australia is a silent issue”

How can I get involved?

• Apply to David Haupt, the Director of Serving Humanity for the Seventh-day Adventist Church in northern NSW, for charitable number — you can contact him via DavidHaupt@adventist.org.au

• Register with Foodbank — you can find out more about them at foodbank.org.au/about-us/what-isfoodbank/

• Register for training sessions

• Take it back to your churches and communities

• See how God leads!

David also recommends getting hold of a book called Ministry of Healing by Ellen White. The chapter about working with the poor is something that David says will “revolutionise” your approach. Ministry of Healing can be purchased online or from various book stores, including Better Books and Food in Cooranbong (check them out at adventistbookcentre.com.au).

What else can be done?

Of course, hunger is not the only issue affecting Australians, and simply providing food for them won’t make it go away, nor will it help address larger underlying/

root problems — problems such as homelessness, mental health issues, lack of budgeting skills and lack of employment.

But food ministries can provide a link. David Haupt, Director of Serving Humanity for the Seventh-day Adventist Church in northern NSW, has a vision for these programs to flow into other areas of assistance. “We want to run a training program for those engaged in food pantry ministry to take the next step of assessing the needs of people and how to appropriately respond — finding the real root causes of why they are in need.”

He adds, “If we only feed people, we’re creating a dependency. By addressing the cause, we go beyond feeding them to showing we truly care. Our training will provide the resources and look at what agencies we can collaborate with to have the best outcomes.”

Macksville reaches out

Every Thursday morning, the Macksville Seventh-day Adventist Church foyer and hall are buzzing to the sounds of happy voices as Pensioners and Health Card holders come to our Food Hub. The New South Wales Government has set up a Food Bank for supermarkets to donate their after “best before” — but not “use by” — date items or change of packaging items.

We are able to order these at cheap prices and stock our Food Hub. The Hub is run on a point system. We are also fortunate to have an arrangement through our local Woolworths for their unwanted fruit, vegetables and day-old bread, which are free. Our aim is to make the shopping experience with us not only beneficial financially, but a happy one. We provide seating

in our foyer before we open, assist the elderly or mothers with their shopping baskets, help them find items and carry their bags to the car. We often receive comments like, “This is the best thing that has happened to Macksville!” We already have had clients attend church and are seeing much goodwill extended toward us.

— Kerry Howard

“...assessing the needs of people and how to appropriately respond”

MACQUARIE COLLEGE STUDENTS HAVE FUN LEARNING ABOUT GOD

“Shining God’s Light” was the theme for Macquarie College’s FLAG Week, where the Junior School students have Fun Learning About God (FLAG). Guest speaker Jake Whittaker

— better known as Fisherman Jake — was joined on-stage by Edward Thompson as Eddy the Pelican; Heather Wooton as Lifeguard Heather; and Pastor Brad Rea, Chaplain at Macquarie College, as Baitshop Brad.

Fisherman Jake spoke about how kids can shine God’s light by:

• Trusting God

• Being kind and generous

• Sharing Jesus with others

• Accepting Jesus

• Feeding God’s sheep

The Bible teaching element of the week focused on 2 Samuel 22:29, which states that the Lord lights up our darkness.

Some of the fun activities during the week included awesome worship music provided by the school’s Chapel Band, special performances by a vocal ensemble under the direction of Mrs Mitchell, frozen fish-shaped ice-cubes and drinks on the oval at lunchtime, fun with a giant helium-filled fish in the classrooms, and visits by Fisherman Jake, Eddy the Pelican, Lifeguard Heather and Baitshop Brad to each class. The week concluded with the final FLAG Week service at 11.00am on a Saturday morning, followed by a free lunch for more than 500 people, which was generously provided by the members of the Wallsend Adventist Church.

Pastor Rea says, “I was very happy to see so many students make commitments each day to follow Jesus as their God and Saviour, and experience the joy of worshipping Him.”

— Pastor Brad Rea

“‘Come, follow me,’ Jesus said, ‘and I will send you out to fish for people.’ At once they left their nets and followed Him.” — Matthew 4:19-20

storms Pinnacle Challenge

Service To Others Really Matters — otherwise known as STORM Co — has been operating for a couple of decades around Australia. STORM Co involves groups of young people going out to towns and communities, and helping them in whatever way they can while also running things like Kids’ Clubs. It’s mostly done in the school holidays and has become something that’s strongly embedded in the culture of youth ministry in the Adventist Church in northern New South Wales.

In the June/July school holidays, five STORM Co teams went out around northern NSW. A team from Central Coast Adventist School and The Haven Church went to Brewarrina; a group from Avondale School went to Cobar — they’ve visited the town for more than 20 years; Avondale Memorial Church’s group visited Lightning Ridge; a team from Lismore Church went to Toomelah for a one-day event while they prepare for a full-scale STORM Co next year; and Wallsend Church’s youth went to Dorrigo.

There were also a couple of overseas STORM Co trips, with students from Macquarie College in Newcastle and Tweed Valley Adventist College from the far-north coast visiting Vanuatu.

Pastor Michael Chapman, who is the Associate Director of Youth Ministries for the Adventist Church in northern NSW, says, “STORM Co teams all ran Kids’ Clubs in the mornings and undertook various community service activities in the afternoons, helping people in a whole manner of ways. The Pinnacle Challenge came to visit the teams too!”

The Pinnacle Challenge is an elaborate high-ropes style obstacle/climbing course set up on a trailer for ease of transport, and is often taken out to complement the STORM Co team work that’s being done. Pastor Chapman and a team of young volunteers took the trailer out to visit the townships. Pinnacle Challenge events are always free and have a great response from the community.

“People really look forward to having the Pinnacle Challenge visit,” says Pastor Chapman. “In Toomelah, it was particularly exciting because the day we arrived to operate it, the Australian Army was in town. They had been there for a number of weeks, doing repairs to the village. Because the town is a remote one, they had worked on building a new multi-purpose centre and roads. They also ran a special NAIDOC Week event in association with the NRL, which included coaching classes for kids and a huge feast. We ran the Pinnacle Challenge as part of that. The Army guys thought it was great and loved what we were doing!”

He says of the Pinnacle team, “They were really good and loved doing it. The communities loved it as well, as did the kids. It’s always a hit — while we do the same thing every time we go out, it’s always a big deal for these small communities to have something like this come to visit them. Having an opportunity to participate for free doesn’t

“The Army guys thought it was great and loved what we were doing!”

“...groups of young people going out to towns and communities, and helping them in whatever way they can”

outback towns

“The Pinnacle Challenge is an elaborate high-ropes style obstacle/climbing course”

come along often. We see the Pinnacle Challenge as adding to what the local STORM Co teams do, and our work is an extension of theirs. It’s all part of a much bigger picture — helping people, no matter where they’re at.”

— Adele Nash

BLAZING A TRAIL WITH KEMPSEY ADVENTIST SCHOOL’S YOUNG EXPLORERS

Kempsey Adventist School’s Year 6 STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) group The Trailblazers recently won the Young ICT Explorers Competition at the University of NSW (UNSW). Competing against nearly 30 other New South Wales independent and public schools in early August, they managed to edge out their competitors with their innovative and exciting project.

Bodhi, Brayden, Nicholas, Adam, Amelia and Vasilis wowed judges with their Trailblazer project, and each received a cash prize for their efforts and a trophy that will be the first of what we hope is many STEM trophies to be placed in the school’s exciting new STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics) building, which is due to open in the next few months.

The students created a real-world solution to a problem that troubles Rural Fire Service (RFS) fighters across the state.

Using a drone fitted with an ultrasonic sensor, GPS module and camera, they proved that they could inspect fire trails and ensure they are clear of obstacles, such as fallen trees. The ultrasonic sensor is programmed to register distance and report those results, essentially giving the drone depth perception.

“The children can set the drone on a flight path and when it identifies an object that’s not supposed to be on the trail, it takes a photo and captures its GPS location so that field crews can be scheduled to clear the obstacle,” Primary Deputy Principal Vanessa Baywood recently told the ABC.

“The RFS are really excited about the technology — they want us to take it further.”

The students also collaborated with the R&D team at the Commonwealth Bank, as well as the University of Technology (UTS) in Sydney, to further explore the concept of using an EEG (electroencephalography) machine, which maps the electrical activity of the brain, to enable the efficient analysis of a large volume of data and shortlist the pictures that require closer examination.

In December, the students will present their Trail Blazer project at the national finals.

— Leanne Deanshaw

HANDCRAFTED GUITAR SHOWCASED AT SYDNEY OLYMPIC PARK

Joshua Ibbott, who completed his HSC at Central Coast Adventist School in 2016, was selected to showcase the guitar he hand-crafted for his major HSC Industrial Technology project at a recent showcase at Sydney Olympic Park.

Joshua was one of a handful of students selected from NSW secondary schools to exhibit his work at the showcase, hosted by The Institute of Industrial Arts Technology Education (IIATE) at Sydney Showground from 23 to 25 June. The event was an opportunity for IIATE to showcase more than 30 pieces from a

wide range of schools — including Blue Hills College, which was featured in the August issue of The Upside

The Institute of Industrial Arts Technology Education is a professional association founded in 1966 that represents more than 300 secondary schools across the state of New South Wales and promotes, recognises and encourages the development of Industrial Technology, Engineering Studies, Design and Technology and Graphics Technology.

— Brenton Luchow

Photo by Randall Ibbott

MEET OUR

Ministry Team

Pastor Bethany Chapman is the Director of Women’s Ministries for the Seventh-day Adventist Church in northern New South Wales. She is married to Pastor Michael Chapman, and they have three daughters — Charlotte, Zoe and Letty.

What got you into ministry?

God! Since I was 16 years old, I felt a strong conviction that I needed to dedicate my life to His Kingdom. I spent a great deal of time fighting it, but He has closed doors and opened windows, and continually called me back to a life of service. As a young woman, I prayed a radical prayer that I was going to say yes to everything I was asked to do for God, but I wasn’t going to put my hand up or ask to do anything. In that year, I went from never having stood on my own up the front of church to preaching, praying, singing solos and leading out in Bible studies! There have been some things I tried I didn’t like, but it was through giving things a go that I discovered my spiritual gifts. My heart always feels full when I lean into what God is asking me to do for His Kingdom.

How is life working as part of a ministry team with a husband who’s a pastor as well?

Crazy and not for the faint-hearted! I never thought I would marry another pastor, but I love being a part of each other’s worlds in such a special way. It’s great to see the other being used by God and when we get the chance, it’s nice to work together complementing one another’s giftedness. We have to communicate clearly about our schedules in order to juggle parenting as well — we want our children to be blessed and not burdened by our ministry!

What challenges have you faced in your work?

It’s not easy being a female in a male-dominated profession, but the lines for the ladies’ room is always shorter at minister’s meetings! There have been a few prickly people and we each have our critics who try to throw down a gauntlet in our path. Honestly, I have always been my own harshest critic and the loudest “NO” has come from within. But God restores me,

Bad news sells, and unfortunately we can’t avoid it. In the media, our communities and personal lives, we are constantly reminded of things that are going wrong. On the upside, the Bible shows us what can go right and offers hope in seemingly hopeless situations. To learn more, simply post this completed form to receive FREE “The Prophetic Code,” an ongoing series of beautifully-illustrated lessons. Topics include “The secret to Success”, “Life After Death” and many more. Experience this life changing opportunity, obligation FREE, today.

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challenges me, calls me, equips me and throws me in the deep end. He knows what I am capable of and where He wants to take me. With a resounding “YES,” He sets me back on the path He has placed before me.

What are some of the biggest blessings you’ve had?

I am always overwhelmed that I’m allowed to be a witness to lives changed for Christ. Bible studies, baptisms and personal spiritual growth have always been a delight for me in my ministry. Over the years, I’ve been blessed to come alongside people, and watch them grow and change through the work of the Holy Spirit. That’s a pretty special privilege!

When it comes to inspiring other women to be active in their churches, communities and other spaces, what do you find works best?

Being honest, real and empowering. Nobody has it all together and everybody is living busy lives these days. I don’t want service to God to be another burden in the lives of women who are already trying to juggle so much! When we’re connected with our Creator and Redeemer, service flows from a place of love and gratitude, rather than burden and resentment. I believe it’s important to create opportunities for women to connect with God as well as one another, to promote spiritual and community growth. I also believe it’s vital that women see genuine examples of everyday women who model what a life lived in service to Christ looks like.

Find out more about Women’s Ministries in northern NSW on Facebook — search for Adventist Women NNSW Conference

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Unleash Clean Living | Fit Living

— Alisha Christie www.unleashfitliving.com

SIX TRUTH-BOMBS ABOUT LOSING BELLY FAT

A common question we personal trainers get asked is, “How do I lose my muffin top?” Well, the answer isn’t as simple as you may think. Let’s clear up some myths straight away:

a) Doing lots of crunches and sit-ups aren’t the answer

b) Taking “belly-fat burner” supplements will only rob your bank account without robbing your belly of unwanted fat

c) Doing daily abdominal workouts isn’t the solution

d) Starving yourself or just eating carrots and celery isn’t sustainable for losing the muffin top either

So then, how does one lose that unwanted pooch? It’s important to know that there is no specific exercise or workout that will give you a flat tummy. To lose belly fat, you need to take a full-body fat loss approach.

So if you are truly keen to be rid of that muffin top for good, here’s six things you need to do:

Change your mindset from wanting a quick-fix shortterm solution to excess fat, and adopt a positive longterm approach to your overall health and wellbeing

Eat a “clean” diet, mostly plant-based and avoid overeating (even good things)

Engage in regular fat-burning exercise, such as high intensity interval training, strength training and gentle breathing-focused exercise

Lower your stress levels so that your body has the ability to burn fat as fuel

Be sure to get quality, undisturbed sleep most, if not all, nights

Stay consistent on your health journey, celebrate each small win and gradually improve your health practices for the long-term

ABDOMINAL STRENGTHENING EXERCISES

Keep in mind that training your abdominal muscles isn’t what will decrease belly fat. These exercises will help strengthen and build the strength of your abs. As the layer of fat decreases from the six steps above, your ab muscles will become more visible!

APRICOT, ALMOND & COCONUT BLISS BALLS

Bliss balls can sometimes have what is termed a “health halo” around them — the ingredients are all things that are good for you, so they’ve got to be a healthy choice, right? Well, they can be calorie bombs, particularly because of the nuts in them. But in moderation and as part of a balanced diet, they’re not going to do you any harm. Plus they’re a delicious portion-controlled snack you can have on the go — more than a mouthful would be a waste!

Ingredients (makes 20)

– 1 cup of chopped Turkish dried apricots

– 1 cup of desiccated coconut

– 1 cup of roasted almonds

– Juice and zest of one mid-sized orange

– 3 tablespoons of almond or cashew butter

3 tablespoons of honey

1 teaspoon of vanilla essence

– Handful of chocolate chips or cacao nibs

– A pinch of salt

– 1 block of dark cooking chocolate to coat the bliss balls

– Dried fruit and nuts to decorate

Method

1. Quickly blitz the roasted almonds in a food processor until they’re broken up into crumbs — not too fine though, as you want some texture. Remove and place the almond crumbles into a mixing bowl.

2. Place the apricots, coconut, juice and zest, honey, nut butter, vanilla essence and salt into the food processor and blitz until the mixture comes together well. You may need to scrape the sides down occasionally.

3. Remove the apricot and coconut mixture from the food processor and place it into the bowl with the almonds, adding the chocolate chips/cacao nibs. Mix thoroughly until all the ingredients are combined.

4. Line a baking tray or chopping board with some greaseproof paper before rolling scoops of the apricot, almond and coconut mixture into balls. Place them onto the tray and then refrigerate for at least an hour to make sure they’re nice and solid!

5. When you’re ready to add the chocolate coating to the bliss balls, break the chocolate into bits and melt it — either in a heat-proof bowl over a saucepan of water or in the microwave at 30 second intervals, stirring regularly.

6. Remove the bliss balls from the ‘fridge and, working quickly, dip them into the melted chocolate — it’s easiest to use a fork for this process, as it helps to make sure that you don’t burn your fingers while ensuring that there’s even chocolate coverage!

7. Place the coated bliss balls back onto the tray, top with whatever dried fruit and nuts you wish to decorate them with while the chocolate is still soft, then refrigerate them for another hour to harden the chocolate.

8. Enjoy!

book review

NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS, LIFE IS STILL BEAUTIFUL! BY ENRIQUE CHAIJ

You might be experiencing pain or sadness in your life, or may be cruising along doing the same old thing that you always have done. If you have ever thought there must be more to life or have become complacent, this book is for you. From time to time, it is good for everyone to reboot their attitude to life. Life is Still Beautifu! captures the essence of what it means to make our lives really beautiful.

Author Enrique Chaij has extensive experience as a journalist and editor, writer, speaker, radio host and director of the television program Encounter with Life. He is well-known in his native Argentina, where he has received numerous awards. As Chaij explains, we all want to be happy, but not all paths lead to this goal. In this book, he manages to keep the reader captivated with encouraging stories that not only illustrate his point, but help to make his thoughts easier to remember. Covering such topics as “Harmony in the Home,” “Interpersonal Relationships,” “Formulas for Success” and “Freedom from Bad Habits,” the author explains how to learn to be optimistic, how to develop great relationships, and to control negative emotions and addictions. With colourful illustrations, Life Is Still Beautiful! is also a beautiful book, interspersed with poetry and catch phrases that will stick in your head long after you have finished reading.

Even as someone who has a great life, there were many things in this book that I can take on board to help me live my life to its full potential. I also discovered things that help me understand what others might be going through, and how to support and encourage them in whatever they might be experiencing in their lives.

Life is more than just a read-through; you only get one chance on this earth, so why not make it as beautiful as possible — for ourselves and for others, as God designed it to be.

— Sonia Knight, Resources Manager, Adventist Media Network

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CRAFTER

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Trace around the plate onto cardboard to draw a circle. In the very centre, draw a smaller circle. This will make a donut shape.

2 3

Cut out the circle and use it to trace another circle exactly the same on the cardboard.

Cut fabric strips from the old clothing or pieces of material. If you are using a t-shirt, cut the strips going around the t-shirt, so that they curl up a little on the edges.

4

Wrap a fabric strip around the cardboard donut, going through the centre each time. If you come to the end of a strip, simply start wrapping another strip.

It can be a bit sad when your favourite piece of clothing becomes so worn that it needs to be thrown out. But don’t despair, there is hope! Here’s a craft that will give new life to them! Every time you look at this fluffy pompom, you can be reminded of how Jesus gives us hope and new life.

WHAT YOU NEED:

• Old clothing or pieces of material

• Cardboard • Pencil • Plate

• Scissors • Ribbon or string (60cm)

LoveMatters

with Pastor Neil Thompson

When you can’t possibly get another strip through that centre hole, cut through the strips around the outside edge of the donut (use the space between the two donuts as a groove for your scissors to run along). Keep it all in place though!

My family owns two dogs called Spirit (a husky malamute) and Jazz (a cockier spaniel). Both are wellbehaved, cute dogs. When they sense it is walk time, they get just so excited. If you have a dog, then you will understand what I am saying. Tails start wagging the dog, they run to the front door of the house and can barely contain themselves — they are just so excited!

of excitement as part of our daily lives. It comes down to making a conscious choice — a choice to get closer to each other, even (and especially) when you don’t feel like it; to turn toward each other with thoughts and feelings of love and tenderness; to act with kindness and compassion more and more all the time.

Very carefully, place the ribbon or string in-between the two donuts, all the way around. Tie it in a knot, drawing it in as tightly as you can. Then tie another knot so it doesn’t come undone.

Remove the cardboard and fluff out your pom-pom!

By Michelle Villis, Amelia Magazine 2017

The amazing thing with the dogs is no matter when I decided to take them on a walk or for a drive in the car, they are ready to go with excitement radiating from them. Everything about the dog — from the expression on their face to their body language — demonstrates pleasure, excitement, joy and happiness. There is no pretending. The expression of emotion is real and genuine.

Now imagine your partner comes home from work. You go greet them at the door with a welcome home hug and a slow, passionate kiss. Yes, this would mean getting out of the lounge chair switching off the TV, or leaving your cooking on the stove to go to the front door and greet the love of your life with a welcome home kiss. The irony is we do this for our relatives and friends when they come to visit (well, without the slow, passionate kiss — with them it is more a quick peck on the cheek!). The expression of emotion is real

So, here’s the thing.

Imagine you could capture something of the energy, passion, love, excitement, pleasure, happiness and joy that a dog radiates when it’s about to go for a walk, and apply this emotional energy to your partner when they come home from work or after being away. Imagine you “wag” your metaphorical tail, and greet them with pleasure and excitement.

What do you think the result would be? How do you think this would change the way you relate to each other?

Now I get that we are not dogs, but I wonder what it would be like if we captured just a hint of this kind

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3 Great Date Ideas

Go for a dinner date together at a classy restaurant

Watch a sunset together while talking about your day.

Each make a bucket list of your top 10 dating ideas, then have fun doing them together!

Enjoy a fantastic tour of Ireland and Wales — including Celtic Church sites in Ireland, plus the sights of Ireland and Wales!

The tour starts in Ireland, where you will visit the Cliffs of Moher, enjoy Dublin and Belfast, explore The Giant’s Causeway and much more.

Then cross to Wales and see Caernarvon Castle, go to the top of Mount Snowdon and see many other places of interest.

An optional extra cruise for seven days will take you to four of Norway’s great spots too.

If you wish, you can then add other places in Britain or Europe to your own itinerary.

Places are filling fast! Make your reservation now by contacting Pastor Harold Harker on (02) 4385 8282 or email <harold.harker@gmail.com>.