The Upside 08 - March, 2018

MY NEW MISSION: LIVE MORE HAPPY

Bigger

ADVENTIST RADIO FAITHFM GOES LIVE

THAN THE BOTH OF US

About

A letter from the editor

What makes you unique?

Each one of us has a talent. Some of us have more than one. There are even those lucky people who seem to be good at absolutely everything they try. But have you put much thought into how you use your talent(s) for good?

And what about using them for God?

That’s something singer-songwriter Ashlee Bennetts has done with her first EP. As our cover feature this month, Ashrae (as she’s known) shares with us how music provides an opportunity to share God with people who might not have heard of Him yet.

It’s amazing what can happen when you’re able to fully embrace what you’re good at and use it to make a difference in the world around you. That’s something that Dr Darren Morton is also doing with his special skills — you can read more about that with the launch of his book Live More Happy on page 10 of this issue.

So what are you doing this month to share your skills with the world? Share it with us at www.facebook.com/NNSWAdventists!

Adele Nash

At Avondale College of Higher Education, we aim to provide students with not only a credible and professional study opportunity, but an experience that will positively shape the way they choose to view themselves and the way they fit in the world.

A holistic, personal approach in the education experience might just be the best answer for individuals seeking to thrive in a spiritual environment that nurtures their potential, as well as being able to “experience life.”

When students are able to parallel their professional study efforts with fun — as well as spiritual opportunities — on offer, they can graduate with a great sense of achievement that they were able to shape and grow themselves into both the career-minded individuals they set out for, as well as confident, spiritual leaders. Experiences like meeting and being in conversation with people from all around Australia, living in dorms, being involved in leadership opportunities, and going on mission trips to Vanuatu and East Timor build our students up for success. And, of course it allows them to tally a wad of laughs and memories with real uni friends along the way that become part of dinner-table conversation for the next 20 years.

But what does the holistic approach really mean for graduates? And if the end goal is a piece of paper, why travel from far and wide to get an education at Avondale? I need more than this page to completely answer this, but let me touch the surface. Continue reading, then go ahead and apply to see for yourself!

There are more than enough institutions across Australia that will provide you classes day in and day out, as well as a piece of paper at the end of the journey to say you’ve ticked the right boxes.

But then there are the lecturers and peers — like those you’ll come into contact with at Avondale — who inspire and encourage individuals to strive for and excel in what they set their minds to after study. As a Seventh-day Adventist institution, we have been proudly educating students from all around Australia since 1897 to go on and become some of our future world leaders.

I think of Dr Lachlan Rogers who started his journey at Avondale, and is now recognised for completing world-first research on diamond colour centres, and who also completed postdoctoral studies in Germany on quantum optics. Or Jacob Windle, who won 2016 Teacher of the Year and was invited to attend the 2017 NASA Space Camp in Alabama, USA, and become one of their Australian representatives. Jacob started out on Avondale’s pathway diploma of General Studies and ended up graduating from a Bachelor of Education (Primary).

These defining moments of inspiration, spiritual development and friendship along the journey of education are what propel our graduates into some amazing successes. The personal and catered experiences are what set us apart from the rest, and are what might just be the encouragement needed to fly the coop. If you’re considering study, don’t be afraid to step out from far and wide to reach your potential.

— Paris Lawrence

bigger than the both Ashrae

Singer/songwriter Ashlee Bennetts — also known as Ashrae — hails from the east coast of Australia and is impressing the country with her first debut single, Bigger Than the Both of Us. While the EP is a fine melting of soul-pop and jazz, what stands out is the messages carried through the songs. At the young age of 20, Ashrae is playing with the art of storytelling to spread relatable messages of love and hope through her music.

Music isn’t in her blood, but 10 hours after releasing her single, Ashrae was climbing up the iTunes charts above big-hit stars such as Bon Jovi and Adele. She made it to number 20 on the album charts and number two on the R&B soul charts — an impressive feat for something she posted to share with friends and family.

Every once in a while, you come across a new voice that gives you goosebumps. Ashrae’s music balances funk and soul, and draws attention to her impressive vocal range. While you could liken her at times to an amalgam of artists (Alicia Keys,

Destiny’s Child, Adele, Melissa Otto), she produces something that is new and unique in and of herself.

With such talent, the rally of new fans should come as no surprise. Behind the catchy songs is a young girl eager to share with the world what is running through every crevice of her heart. Over the five tracks on the EP, the depth of her voice is mirrored by the depth of her lyrics. She’s not just talking boyfriends and bad decisions. Instead, she’s rising to the challenge and expanding her songwriting beyond expected topics. She’s digging deeper into the things that consume us as humans. Not only the stresses of life, but the joys and the things to be hopeful for too: friendship, seasons of life, new beginnings.

In an industry that bombard listeners with mixed messages about relationships, sexuality and beauty, Ashrae is looking at life from a different angle — one that is very inclusive of her creator. But her target audience isn’t the churched — it’s everybody.

As she dives deeper into the music scene, Ashrae is trying to wedge herself between two groups — a difficult thing to do in an industry that tries to categorise you as either secular or Christian.

Since the launch of her EP, Ashrae has been swept off her feet with opportunities to perform around Sydney, the Central Coast and Newcastle. Throughout her life, music was nothing more than a hobby. Then one day she said to God, “Whatever you want to do with this, go to town. I’m happy to go where you go.”

If it’s any indication of what’s to come, the attention Bigger than the Both of Us has received is sure to keep Ashrae parading in the music scene. But the idea of fame isn’t something she places importance on. What is important is presenting the message that God is trying to share through her.

“If I’m leaning on my understanding of what success is and what fame is, I would get lost and caught up in it. Humanity would kick in and I would end up doing it for me . . . This is a gift I’ve been given and I don’t want to use it for myself.”

As a performer, Ashrae’s goal is to be as authentic she can be — not for her own applaud, but to glorify her King and straighten out some of the mixed messages people have about Christianity.

(continued over page)

of us

“God wants me to talk about him, especially to the people who don’t know him”

“God wants me to talk about him, especially to the people who don’t know him,” she says. “If there were a few people who stood up to say, this is not what we were called to be, we’d start to see a lot of change.”

While piecing together her EP, Ashrae recorded songs that would speak to anyone, irrespective of what path of life they are on. She writes her music in a way that will allow her to share Jesus with the people who have never heard of Him, as well as give reminders to those who have.

“That’s what I have been called to do,” she says. “We’re all dealing with the same issues and we’re all chasing the same thing.”

Photo credit: Givargiz

Photo credit: Frozone Photography

Photo credit: Frozone Photography

While most of her songs are upbeat with lilting vocals and a hot jam of instruments, Ashrae tones things down a notch at the end of the EP in her song, Colours. Like a closing lullaby, Colours shows her diversity as an artist, but what’s more is that even the placement of the song tells a story. It is a moment of worship, an anthem of praise. “Christianity and the whole story of Jesus is about that fresh start,” Ash says. “Jesus coming to earth was a fresh start. Salvation is a fresh start. I wanted to portray that at the end of my EP. To show that no matter what you go through, no matter how you feel, a fresh start is always available.”

After the release of her EP, Ash put her studies on the back burner to live out the

desires that were placed in her heart as a child. The past few months, she has been on one big musical journey and is more encouraged than ever to continue spreading messages of love and hope to her audience.

An album is definitely in the cards for the future. But for now, Ash is enjoying a season of writing and honing her sound (don’t worry, she swears the jazz isn’t going anywhere). She’s pulling apart lyrics, finding ways to explore messages in a more current context and going with the sway of everything that knocks on her door in between. Bigger than the Both of Us is a glimpse into the world of a young musician only growing in depth and talent.

— Zanita Fletcher

GOES LIVE

Faith FM’s Breakfast Show went live for the first time on Wednesday, 14 February. The first live broadcast was hosted by Pastor Lyle Southwell and Nic Coutet, Director of The Breakfast Show. For the past few years, The Breakfast Show team has pre-recorded their shows in the purpose-built studio at the offices of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Northern New South Wales. However, the reach and impact of the show has grown to the point where it made sense to go live.

Faith FM team members from the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Australia and in NNSW worked hard to make live broadcasting possible; researching and testing thoroughly, and making sure the technology could handle it. A trial run was conducted online on Tuesday, 13 February which was successful.

Michael Engelbrecht, who manages Faith FM for the Australian Union Conference, says, “For the past three months, it’s been a team effort to prepare for going live. This is a first for the Faith FM network. We have gone live in the Newcastle, Central Coast and Geelong regions, and have plans to expand across the country in coming months.”

He adds, “The reason we’re doing this is because Faith FM has proven to be very effective in connecting listeners with local churches, and we think being live will make it even more effective with the personal connection with listeners. They will be able to call in and directly participate in the program.”

Of going live, Pastor Southwell says, “It’s higher pressure and more fun! You get a greater sense of accomplishment from reaching your goals and targets too, because you don’t have an option to make mistakes. It’s exciting — incredibly exciting — to be speaking live to so much of Australia and we get to talk about Jesus every day!”

A growing number of people have been connected with Seventh-day Adventist Churches through the ministry of Faith FM. You can tune in around Australia on 87.6, 87.8 and 88 FM, or listen online at https://faithfm.com.au.

— Adele Nash

Photo credit: Frozone Photography

BRASS BAND IN TUNE WITH LOCAL CHURCHES

Avondale Brass Band is a group of experienced, talented brass players who visit a number of smaller Adventist churches throughout the year to bring enhancement to the worship service for those congregations.

Recently, the Avondale Brass Band visited the Polish Adventist Church in Wallsend, Newcastle.

The church members were delighted with the selection of hymns and the harmonies of the spiritual pieces that were performed as features during the worship services. During the fellowship meal following the program, an enthusiastic invitation was extended for a return visit by the band.

In 2017, Avondale Brass Band visited nine of the churches in the surrounding area, including a performance for a Conference Regional for combined churches in the North West of northern New South Wales.

For some 25 years continuously, Avondale Advent Brass has support the Anzac March and the Remembrance Service on 11/11 — a much-appreciated and outstanding community contribution. They have also been involved in local community fairs and events.

Avondale Brass Band’s mission includes the opportunity to extend music ministry in worship and outreach to the community. New brass playing members are welcome of any age! Email zactap67@gmail.com if you would like to join.

ORGAN SCHOOL OPENS DOORS TO

Did you know that Avondale Memorial Adventist Church in Cooranbong now has the largest group of young organists in Australia?

Suzuki Organ teaching has been established in Australia for nearly 10 years, with more than 50 students in New South Wales and Victoria. It was first established by David Clark at Avondale Memorial Church, Cooranbong, and was based on the model founded in Sweden by Gunilla Ronnberg, Suzuki Organ and Piano teacher trainer.

David says, “Young kids love the organ — the variety of sounds from very soft to very loud — and they love to have fun with the largest instrument in the world! Pipe and digital organs range from a single keyboard to seven keyboards, plus a keyboard you play with your feet. What an exciting and interesting ‘toy’ for little kids.”

And now days, the earliest a child can start to learn the organ is four years of age.

“The Memorial Organ School reaches out to the wider community in various ways,” David says. “Students come from all faiths, so we can witness and share our talents with each other, playing in various churches and cathedrals every year: the Uniting Church, Anglican, Catholic and Adventist churches in NSW, interstate and overseas.”

He adds, “Annual concerts raise money for those in need, including the local women’s refuge and overseas projects, as well as scholarships for local students.”

The prestigious Sydney Organ Competition was originally held on a Saturday every year, but when their committee discovered how many young Seventh-day Adventist organists there were, they changed the day to Monday so many of the students could participate — and they win awards annually!

— Dr David Clark/The Upside

— Dr David Faull

Photos (left) courtesy of David Clark (all with permission) (Top to bottom) 1. Emily Thompson was awarded second prize at the Sydney Organ Competition held last October. She is seen here in front of the pipe organ at Shore Grammar School, Sydney, where the competition was held 2. At the annual Community Carols and organ concert last November, two of our organists played a Vivaldi concerto for two cellos. Many of the organ students play a second instrument. 3. Stephen Aveling-Rowe is seen here at the new Avondale Memorial Church organ. He was given a master class by visiting Dutch organist, Martin van Heerde. 4. One of our youngest students, Johann Thompson (8) playing at the Christmas concert while Jared Robinson looks on.

It was with much celebration that six Avondale School students were baptised at Shingle Splitters Point on Saturday afternoon, 25 November 2017. Jesus was so excited to see Liam and Nikysha Bennett, Tyson and Chloe Hibbard, Byron Richards and Jeremy Howse baptised in His presence on that beautiful day.

These students had the opportunity to enjoy many different Bible studies prior to giving their lives to Jesus. Avondale School chaplains and teachers, Avondale College theology students, local church pastors and a grandparent each led Bible studies with these very keen students over a twoyear period prior to the students making their own personal commitment to Jesus.

Having Avondale School Chaplains Brian Reed and Pastor Mel Lemke, as well as Pastor Steve Magaitis, in the water praying with and also baptising some of these students helped make this occasion very special. The day was extra special with Grandpa Urquart baptising his grandchildren, Liam and Nikysha. Anthony Hibbard, a teacher at Avondale School, was also very excited to baptise his own daughter Chloe. Later, when asked about his baptism, Tyson recounted, “Those few moments where our group was together out there in the water praying and then collectively giving our lives to Jesus, was very, very special. It was the highlight for me.”

A Rose

AVONDALE SCHOOL More baptisms at

Byron Richards, the first person in his family to be baptised, wrote this for his Avondale School Religious Studies teacher: “For most of my life in other schools, I believe that I have been a follower of Jesus, but not one of His disciples. During Years 3 to 6, I only half-believed that Jesus was actually real. During this time, I knew as well as everyone else who Jesus was and what He did for us, but I didn’t really care or understand it. But now I am beginning to grasp the enormity of what Jesus did for us on that cross. Now I believe in Him fully and I am striving to become one of his disciples.”

In the words of one of the parents, “I am sure the angles lost their voices on Sabbath celebrating for so many reasons! Truly a blessed day.”

We ask that as you finish reading this article that you take the time to pray for all of the students at Avondale School. Please pray that the aforementioned six students will keep Jesus as their anchor. Please pray that God will continue to talk to the hearts of all of those students who are currently having Bible Studies with their chaplains, pastors, teachers and other significant persons. And lastly, please pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to prompt and urge those who have not yet personally met Jesus to take the step to find out more about Him.

— Anthony Hibbard/Colin Chuang

BY ANY OTHER NAME

Mary Rose Anderson was re-baptised by Pastor Eddie Mackie at Ourimbah Church on Saturday, 25 November.

Her first baptism occurred when she was only 13 years of age, some decades ago. Sadly, when she joined the church at that time, she felt that she was just an item in the church, rather than a person of worth.

Subsequently, no genuine attachments were forged with other members and she drifted away from the church. This time, however, through a mission run at the Woy Woy Church by Pastor Danny Milenkov last year, she found her way back to the church —

and found a community when she did. The first thing that drew her attention was the interesting flyer about Danny’s program that she received. Feeling prompted to attend, she went along to the public meetings, then back to church and then finally made a public recommitment to God through baptism.

On the special day, she was welcomed into a community by the members of Woy Woy and Ourimbah Adventist Churches. The first time ‘round, the Lord would have found Rose’s scent sweet, but tainted with sadness in His heart knowing that she would wander. The second time round the Lord must find she smells even sweeter.

— Tony Hernandez

Young people commit to Jesus IN MURWILLUMBAH

During November last year, Murwillumbah Adventist Church celebrated the baptisms of six young people. On 11 November, Annabella Hankin was baptised by Courtney Tyler, one of the Chaplains at Tweed Valley Adventist College, who she has studied with. In the afternoon, Nalani Cherry and Megan Southon were baptised by church pastor Ashley Smith.

Two weeks later, Chad Penman and Caleb Smith were baptised by Ashley, with Carlo Chacon being baptised by his grandfather, Pastor Ray Jerrard, at the beautiful Hart’s Hole, Crystal Creek.

Ashley said, “A decision to follow Jesus at any stage of life is always a special event, but to see it done with such sincerity and childlike faith is truly a wonderful thing. The decisions that these young people have made has influenced the decisions of their peers and consequently grown the Kingdom! I strongly want to encourage both ministers and church

CARER TAKES CLIENT TO THE CRICKET

Neville Tosen is a lifetime cricket fan. These days, most of his cricket comes via television. But last year and again in the early days of this year, he has attended One Day Internationals at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Neville is a resident of the Adventist Senior Living retirement village, Avondale Lifestyle Community in Cooranbong. He also has a government-funded Adventist Senior Living Home Care package that affords him a little extra support with his daily care and living.

His carer is Mitchell Knight. Just recently Mitchell arranged to drive Neville to the Australia versus England match. “It was a great day, except that Australia lost,” mused Neville. “Australia did better last year and won against Pakistan.”

“I normally get around the village on my walker and it wouldn’t be possible for me to enjoy a ‘live’ game on my own. But thanks to Mitchell I had a great day,” said Neville. “And I noticed that he enjoyed the cricket too.”

Neville started playing cricket in his homeland, South Africa, when he was seven. The doctor had told him to go and play cricket with a tennis ball to relieve his asthma. A spade handle was the wicket in the backyard of their home. “I got pretty good at getting people ‘out,’” he said, “even though there was not the usual three wickets.”

leaders to take seriously the decisions that your young people are making, for who are we to question the working of the Holy Spirit? ‘Let the little children come to me and do not forbid them.’”

We are very proud of our young people, and pray that God will bless them and use them for Him.

— Melinda Southon

“Cricket is in my blood,” he noted, with obvious enthusiasm for the game.

“As a boy, I had a beautiful Doberman that used to retrieve the ball. I hope to meet Rags in heaven and maybe we can have another game of cricket,” he said with a chuckle. “Meantime, I would like to see the Proteas (South Africa’s cricket team) beat the Aussies when they play soon. I hope my carer will take me to that game!”

— Calvyn Townend

Neville Tosen enjoys lunch at the Sydney Cricket Ground under the watchful eye of Mitchell Knight, his Adventist Senior Living Home Care support.

The launch of a book about emotional wellbeing is part of an Avondale academic’s “audacious” plan to lift the lives of 10 million people.

Live More Happy “represents what I want to do with my life,” said Dr Darren Morton, Lead Researcher in the Lifestyle Research Centre and Course Convenor of Postgraduate Courses in Lifestyle Medicine at Avondale College of Higher Education, “to share information that can help you live a fuller, better, more abundant life.” This passion has helped shape Dr Morton’s personal mission, which he shared publicly for the first time during the launch in Avondale Libraries on Thursday, 8 February. “I believe everyone — I don’t care how young you are, I don’t care how old you are — everyone needs to know what is contained in this book.”

As a teaser, Dr Morton referred briefly to a few strategies — all backed by scientific evidence — for lifting your mood and your life. How you feel affects how you heal, motion creates emotion, food feeds your mood, giving is living. He pitches content in the book in a positive way. “I never tell people what they’re doing wrong. I simply say, ‘This is what the science says you can do to feel better.’ Why wouldn’t you want to know that?” His challenge: “Test it, see if it works.”

Dr Morton’s interest in emotional wellbeing began about 15 years ago, five years before the publication of Live More Happy’s predecessor, Seven Secrets for Feeling Fantastic. “I always felt impressed, a deep prodding, to go back and do that book better,” said Morton,

who is now also a founding fellow of the Australasian Society of Lifestyle Medicine. “To build in the science.”

Over the past decade, neuroscience, positive psychology and lifestyle medicine have exploded as areas of research and healthcare. Live More Happy incorporates this new information. While the book maintains Seven Secrets’ easy-to-read and accessible style, it includes more than 200 references.

Dr Morton’s mate, Dr Jason Hinze, the Secondary Course Convenor in the Discipline of Education at Avondale, changed tack, sharing testimonies about Dr Morton’s character from former students. “He’s constantly on the run setting,” wrote one. “I’m not even sure he knows how to walk.” Another described Dr Morton as having “zest for life.” “He inspires you, motivates you, encourages you, and simplifies and unpacks the most complex topics into everyday language. . . . Without Darren I wouldn’t be a teacher. I am forever grateful.” One asked Dr Morton to be the best man at his wedding. “The impact of just how far reaching his impact has been will be something that will continue to live on through the legacy of the teachers he has taught and the downto-earth wisdom written in the pages of his books. This is because how he lives out his life is consistent with what he professes to be true.”

“Isn’t this a book launch?” asked Dr Hinze. “We’re not launching Darren Morton on the world are we, or are we? . . . . I guess that’s the beauty of this book.” Dr Hinze also referred to Dr Morton’s mission to lift 10 million lives.

“That sounds like a pretty big goal, but for all of us who know Darren and the God he serves, there’s no doubt in my mind.”

Dr Morton dedicates Live More Happy to wife Sarah, and children Olivia, Elijah and Caleb. Elijah presented the first official reading of the book, a passage about a bedtime conversation between father and the then toddler that became a game. Darren would tell Elijah, “Daddy loves you,” and Elijah would respond, “Why?” Darren would then give a different answer — “Because you are so good at climbing trees,” for example— each time. But he soon realised the inadequacy of his responses and instead replied, “Because you’re mine and there’s nothing you can do, good or bad, to change that.”

The passage ends with this: “I hold the worldview that says you belong to something greater than yourself, and this belonging makes you immeasurably valuable. Your life has meaning. For me, knowing this is an absolute game changer that lifts every aspect of my life and enables me to truly flourish. I would love for you to discover that, too.”

Live More Happy is available from Seventh-day Adventist bookstores in Australia and New Zealand, and from www.drdarrenmorton.com

— Brenton Stacey

Avondale academic’s “audatious” plan to lift the lives of 10 million people

MEET OUR

Ministry Team

Lynelle King has worked for the Adventist Education company in Northern New South Wales for the past six years. Her job involves two roles — she is a personal assistant for the operations manager (who handles work, health and safety, return to work and so on) and manages Personal Service Records. This involves keeping a database up-to-date so everyone’s details are accurate (you’ll know how important this is if you’ve been accumulating long service leave!). Lynelle is married to Simon and they have an adorable baby boy.

What do you like most about your work?

I enjoy the diversity of my roles. There is never a dull moment and I’m constantly learning something new. The Schools Company team is like a family, and it’s wonderful how everyone is willing to help out when and where they can.

What’s the most challenging thing about your work? That would be making sure all the data I enter is as correct as possible!

What are you most passionate about?

I’m passionate about people. I try to be as helpful as possible when someone phones and has an issue that needs to be dealt with, either transferring them to the right person who can help or doing it myself if I can help them. It’s not a nice feeling when someone gets the run-around, being transferred to lots of different people.

What tips do you have for people who are looking to balance a busy career and parenting?

Balance is the key word! Each person needs to find their balance. For me, I’m only in the office 2.5 days a week and home with my one-year-old son for two work days. On weekends, my family is all about being together and having quality time as a family or visiting our friends.

How important is it to go on family adventures — such as holidays — and what sort of things have you enjoyed most as a family?

Family holidays are very important. We love to go camping; we love to be in God’s nature. Both my husband and I grew

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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up camping as kids with our families, and we believe that our son should have the same pleasure of camping and experiencing the outdoors.

You have a love for helping young people, having volunteered to work with them at Summer Camps and other events around Northern New South Wales. What inspires you to do this?

Once again, it’s people. People are important and they should feel important. I’m blessed to have people invest time in me, and I feel that I can give that time on to others. I’ve always loved this quote from William J Toms: “Be careful how you live. You may be the only Bible a person ever reads.” To me, this is very true and I strive to live this.

What would you suggest people try if they want to get more involved in working with young people in their churches or communities?

I’d suggest giving them time. Spend time saying hello, spend time asking how they are, spend time attending their Sabbath school. Invite them to your house for lunch or if you are running a social event. Some people will open up straight away while others need time, but if you invest that time, it will be worth it.

What’s something unique about you that not many people would know?

Something I like to do when I have time is sew. I have sewn formal dresses, skirts, tops, cushions and so on, but mostly I love to sew costumes. I don’t have much time for sewing now with my son, but I look forward to the day when he’s old enough for me to teach him how to sew!

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HOW TO: health STAY FIT WHEN TRAVELLING

Holidays and travel are a great part of everyone’s year, as the long-anticipated wait to get away is finally realised and you’re out the door (hopefully not forgetting your toothbrush)! I’ll confess, my husband and I are holiday junkies — we get really motivated by having a trip to look forward to and getting away from the busy-ness of life when we can. Maybe it’s because we don’t have kids yet though and we’re just making the most of it ‘til then!

Travelling does pose the challenge, however, of staying active when you’re out of normal routine. In fact, I’m sure you (unlike crazy people like me who love holidays for the fitness) actually look forward to letting your hair down, and having a great excuse to relax and take it easy. And so you should!

But is it wise to completely drop the ball with your healthy eating and exercise while you’re away? Doing so can make the comeback more challenging than it needs to be. So while I’m definitely not suggesting that you workout longer and harder, and never have a treat or decadent meal while away, I’d like to share a few tips on how to continue a an active lifestyle while travelling.

Try these suggestions:

1. Incorporate a walk into your daily plans with the family.

2. Do a short cardio interval workout each morning or evening. Ten to 15 minutes will do just fine. Bodyweight exercises like squats, pushups, plank, jumping jacks (for example) are do-able anywhere.

3. Use your hotel room to create an exercise circuit. For example, use a chair or bed end for triceps dips (just make sure it’s sturdy). Use the stairs for stair runs. If there is a balcony railing, use it for inclined push-ups. Sit on the end of the bed for in-out knees and swimmer legs. Complete 30 seconds per exercise, with 15-20 seconds rest in between.

4. Take a resistance band or two when you travel. These are usually small and lightweight, and can allow you to do more resistance exercises while away.

5. Most hotels have a small fitness room. Make the most of it and create a circuit with whatever equipment they have (i.e. treadmill, bike, free weights).

No matter what kind of exercise you decide to do, I strongly encourage you to plan and visualise before you go away what you aim to accomplish. Pick a goal, such as I will commit to a 30-minute walk every second day or I will commit to a 15-minute cardio interval workout every morning before the day’s activities

Giving yourself this small commitment will make the transition back into normal routine a lot easier. Keep it realistic, and make sure that more than anything, you enjoy yourself and come home feeling relaxed and rejuvenated without compromising on your health and fitness.

1

Lunges (alternating)

PEAR, CHOCOLATE AND CHIA POTS

2

Push Ups

3

Squats (goblet)

4

Step Ups

Hotel Room Exercises

Triceps dips with chair

Stair runs

Push-ups on chair

In-out knees on bed

Swimmer legs on bed

Resistance Band Exercises

Bicep curls with band

Shoulder press with band

Triceps extensions with band

Seated row with band

Leg press with band

Ingredients (serves six to eight)

– 1 large tin of pears, drained and one cup of juice reserved

– 1 tsp vanilla essence

150g high-quality dark chocolate

70mL coconut cream

6 or 8 tbsp blackberry jam (depending on how many pots you make)

– 300g berries — raspberries, strawberries or whatever you like — mashed, with a little sweetener of your choice if you choose

– 3 tbsp chia seeds

Method

1. Combine the chia seeds and pear juice in a large cup, stirring them regularly to make sure the seeds don’t clump together. They will grow in size as they absorb the juice, taking on a pudding-like consistency. Set this aside as you work on preparing the rest of the layers.

2. Chop the pears into small chunks and put them into a blender with 1 tsp of vanilla essence. Blitz them until they’re completely smooth.

3. Divide the puree between the small cups or bowls you’re going to serve the desert in.

4. Top this layer with a tablespoon of blackberry jam.

5. Place the chocolate and coconut cream into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it in 30-second bursts, stirring thoroughly until the chocolate and coconut cream is combined. It should have a nice ganache texture — if it’s too thick, add a little more coconut cream to thin it. Allow to cool.

6. Once the ganache has cooled, divide it between the cups/bowls, layering it carefully on top of the pear puree.

7. Divide the mashed berries between the cups/bowls, layering them carefully too.

8. Top this with the chia seed pudding you created first up.

9. Once the pear, chocolate and chia pots are assembled, cover them and chill them until they’re needed.

Share your photos with us on the North New South Wales Conference Facebook page — facebook.com/NNSWconference

— Recipe by Adele Nash

book review HERE

WE STAND

BY MICHA EL W. CAMPBELL AND NIKOLAUS SATELMAJER

As human beings, we have an inordinate fascination with big round numbers, meaning that anniversaries are sometimes accorded more significance that they would otherwise merit. As such, the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther’s “95 Theses” nailed to the door of the Wittenberg Church on 31 October, 1517, was more important as an opportunity for re-examination and reflection than for the big number itself.

Here We Stand is a stand-out example of this opportunity taken, with a specific focus on the Reformation’s continuing significance for Seventh-day Adventists, who “see themselves as heirs of the Protestant Reformation” (page 13).

As the editors point out in their introduction, Ellen White devoted more space to Martin Luther than any other post-biblical leader in the history of Christianity summarised in The Great Controversy — this theme is expanded in the chapter exploring “Ellen White’s Portrait of Martin Luther.”

In this way, Here We Stand offers an exploration of how Luther and Adventism can assist in the understanding of each other. A dominant commonality between Luther and Adventism that Here We Stand highlights is that of sola scriptura — the Bible alone — and what this means for the centrality of the Bible to faith, as well as how the Bible is read, used and applied to life.

The 19 scholars contributing to this book rank among the Adventist Church’s leading theologians and historians. Together, they bring depth and breadth to the tasks of reflecting on the significance of Martin Luther and the Reformation for the Adventist Church today. A book such as Here We Stand demonstrates what historical anniversaries are for in the life of the church — opportunities to learn and reflect, as well as to refocus and recommit to the faith we have received and are called to continue to renew.

Of course, this is not only a task for a 500th anniversary, even when prompted by it; it is equally worthwhile in the 501st year — thus, Here We Stand’s ongoing value and significance.

— Nathan Brown, book editor, Signs Publishing Company

Here We Stand is available from

CRAFTER

Kids MASTERCLASS

RUSTIC WIND CHIMES

Are you looking forward to enjoying some gentle Autumn breezes? A wind chime is a great way to “hear” and “see” the breeze, plus it will make a beautiful sound.

An easy way to make a wind chime is to hang different objects from a branch in a tree (if you want to hear it easily, choose a tree that is close to the house).

You’ll need to find items that won’t break, but also will make an interesting sound when they “bump” into each other in the wind.

Pick a branch that is fairly horizontal

Use string or fishing line to hang your items — tie the string or fishing line tightly around the item. Hang them so that they can easily “bump” into each other

WHAT YOU NEED:

String or fishing line

Acrylic/poster paint

Enamel/spray paint

Objects to hang

- sticks

- old cultery

- strings of beads

- shells

- little bells

CHIMES 3 4

Some ideas for objects to hang are painted sticks, old cutlery from the op shop, strings of beads or shells, little bells.

with Pastor David Stojcic

While the Bible has been familiar with the concept of self-talk for a long time — for example, Psalm 14:1 says, “The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God’” — modern psychology has only relatively recently discovered how important our self-talk is and has come up with some strategies to help us change our self-talk where necessary.

So what is self-talk? It refers to the way we speak to ourselves — our internal monologue. For example, some people may have this kind of selftalk: “I’m not good enough for this” or, “I’m so dull and boring, and this is why people find me invisible,” or “I’m not pretty enough.”

Where does this happen? It’s not necessarily a conversation that others can hear (even though it can be like that). It’s in the heart. The rest of the verse in Psalm 14 clearly indicates the link between negative self-talk and the state in which those who do it may eventually find themselves in: “They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none who does good.”

Proverbs 23:7 also tells us, “For as he thinks in his heart, so he is.” While what we think about ourselves can be expressed aloud, what goes on silently inside our mind still affects us and others too. In general, people talk to themselves at a rate of 150 to 300 words per minute. Your self-talk/ internal thinking occurs through your mind’s conscious area, and you may not be aware that your self-talk becomes instructions to your subconscious mind — the place where orders are fulfilled by your conscious mind.

Use regular acrylic/poster paint to paint the sticks. Adding a little white paint will give a brighter colour, and smoother sticks will be easier to paint.

5

Painting anything metal, like cutlery, is a little more tricky. Ask an adult to help you with some enamel paint or spray paint with undercoat. Acrylic paint will coat the metal, but will easily scratch off.

“The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”

— John 3:8

By Michelle Villis, Amelia Magazine 2018

If the 50,000 words per day going from our conscious to sub-conscious mind are the wrong kind, it can result in some poor choices and actions.

What we must understand is that our self-image and self-esteem is developed by the way we speak to ourselves. While our inner critic believes it’s protecting us from disappointments, it’s actually making things worse. Researchers have found that the thoughts of an average person consist of 80 per cent negativity and 20 per cent positivity!

What can we do to change our negative self-talk? The first step is to make a conscious decision to do something about it. The change starts with a mindset that says, “I can change my self-talk!” The second step is to replace negative self-talk with positive self-talk.

There are also spiritual benefits to positive self-talk. The Bible has told us it will either cause us to act as fools or wise men and women. But positivity has an added benefit — that of inner peace, which is no doubt a very spiritual concept. What’s the consequence of focusing on God? The Bible says in Isaiah 26:3 that He’ll keep us in “perfect peace” because we trust in Him.

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