Grace Notes August 2026 Online Edition - final draft

August 2026

Full Color Online Edition:

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Healing Streams: Finding Hope, Help, and Healing he reality of living in a broken world: every one of us carries wounds. Some wounds are visible. Others are hidden – created by grief, trauma, anxiety, depression, strained relationships, addiction, disappointment, or painful experiences. We speak openly about physical health; conversations about mental and emotional health feel more difficult.

Yet Scripture reminds us: God cares about the whole person—body, mind, and spirit.

Throughout the Gospels, Jesus consistently ministered to hurting people. He healed physical diseases. He also brought comfort to the grieving, hope to the discouraged, peace to the anxious, and freedom to those trapped by life's burdens. The ministry of Christ demonstrated that emotional and mental well-being matter deeply to God. That’s why we are inviting our church family and our community to the Healing Streams Mental Health Weekend, August 14–16 at Arden Seventh-day Adventist Church. The seminar is presented in partnership with the “Abide Network,” a ministry dedicated to helping individuals and churches create environments where people experience healing, restoration, and growth. Beginning with a special session for Arden Church members on Friday evening, August 14, at 7:00 pm, we will open the event to the wider community on Sabbath, August 15, at 10:45 am and 2:00 pm, and a final session on Sunday morning, August 16, at 9:30am.

The event addresses depression and anxiety, providing practical tools, biblical encouragement, and hope-filled conversations about emotional health and healing. Not simply to help people cope with life's challenges, the goal is to discover pathways toward lasting healing and wholeness through Christ-centered principles and supportive relationships.

We often attempt to carry emotional pain alone. We convince ourselves: if we simply pray harder, work harder, or ignore our struggles long enough, eventually they disappear. Yet healing rarely happens in isolation. Growth often begins when we acknowledge our wounds, bring them into the light, and allow God to work through supportive relationships and healthy processes.

As Christians, we understand that ultimate healing comes from Christ. However, God frequently uses practical tools, caring relationships, wise counsel, and healthy communities

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as instruments of His grace. Just as we would seek treatment for a broken bone, emotional wounds require attention, understanding, and support.

Unfortunately, many believers learned the mistaken idea that struggling emotionally is a sign of weak faith. The Bible tells a different story. Elijah experienced deep discouragement.

David poured out his anguish in the Psalms. Jeremiah was known as the weeping prophet. Even Jesus experienced profound sorrow in Gethsemane. Faith does not mean pretending that pain does not exist. Faith means bringing our pain to God and allowing Him to walk with us through it.

We want Healing Streams to help remove the stigma that surrounds conversations about depression and anxiety. We want the Arden Church to be where people can be honest about their struggles and confident that they will find compassion rather than judgment; to be one of the safest places in the world for hurting people.

This event is especially valuable in that it’s not intended as a one-time experience. Following the weekend presentations, participants will have an opportunity to join ongoing small groups that provide encouragement, support, and practical tools for continued growth and healing.

Lasting transformation rarely happens in a single weekend.

It happens as people walk together, encourage one another, and, over time, learn to apply healthy biblical principles.

These groups will provide a safe environment for participants to continue the journey toward greater emotional and spiritual health.

Because this is a community event, think beyond yourself. Consider who in your circle of influence might benefit from attending. A friend carrying a heavy burden? A coworker struggling with anxiety? A neighbor facing grief? A family member navigating a difficult season? Many people around us hurt quietly. They might never walk into an evangelistic meeting, but they may gladly accept an invitation to a seminar offering hope, practical help, and healing. One of the most powerful ministries is simply extending a personal invitation from someone they know and trust to open the door for healing and restoration.

The prophet Isaiah describes the coming Messiah as One who will "bind up the brokenhearted." That mission continues today. He’s still in the business of bringing hope to discouraged hearts, peace to troubled minds, and healing to wounded souls.

I encourage every member of our church family to make plans now to attend Healing Streams Mental Health Weekend – and to bring someone with you. Let us pray that God will use this event not only to strengthen our church family, but also to touch the lives of many people in our community who are searching for hope.

May Arden Church continue to be a place where grace flows freely, burdens are shared, healing is found, and lives are transformed through the love of Christ.

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Missions Local: Missions International: Nzoia SDA Christian Academy,

I Don’t Need a Thing, Lord as told by Randy Calloway to Gloria Allen

Kitale, Kenya, Africa

By Henry Okiro

his is the story of the Nzoia SDA Christian Academy

by Henry Okiro, a businessman and earnest supporter of this school project.

Six years ago the small Nzoia SDA Church in Kitale, Kenya felt the need to start a school that would provide an Adventist school program for their children since there were no other Christ-based schools nearby, only secular schools. The resulting 135-student school struggles to stay open every school year. The local church collects a special offering each year to keep the doors open, but only the help of individuals of goodwill has allowed it to continue.

Nzoia Christian Academy in western Kenya operates under the umbrella of Nzoia SDA Church, a conference church in the western Kenya Union Conference. Currently, this is a self-sponsored school, operating by permission of the conference education department. When the current facilities are replaced with appropriate facilities, the church will apply for conference ownership.

It is anticipated and desired to have a structure capable of providing another two grades for a full elementary program. Graduating 8th grade students would then be allowed and prepared to apply for attendance at the conference secondary academy.

The future plans for the school include: to purchase a piece of land that has recently become available adjacent to the current church property to expand the school footprint to accommodate further expansion, eight classrooms to accommodate the fast growing number of learners desiring a Christian education, one additional room to accommodate a 9th grade, if desired and/or a computer lab and/ or a science lab, a multi-purpose hall with kitchen to provide lunches for impoverished students, a climatecontrolled library for reference and study, a playground and equipment for active exercise, an administrative office and an equipped teacher workroom for production of student materials.

This is one example of the hundreds of churches overseas struggling to meet the educational needs of the ever expanding membership in those local churches.

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hen I first saw the man he looked cold. I had a bag lunch for him, two sandwiches, dessert, fruit, water, and some goodies. He received it gladly. But he still looked cold. This was my introduction to assisting Pen Braister-Sturgis with the Arden Homeless Ministry. A weekly labor of love for her; my first Friday afternoon adventure. It was a shock!

As best as I could, I managed a warm greeting, projecting from the love and attention lavished on me by family, work associates, new church friends, pastors, and my fellow volunteers. I wasn't sure what to say beyond "Hi," but after common courtesies, I learned that he truly was cold, both day and night. And I had only warmth to share from my heart.

Next Friday I came prepared.

Eagerly he accepted the blanket I’d purchased for him. A God-send from his point of view; a God-send from my point of view. I was the hands and heart of God on an Asheville street in the middle of homelessness. What a blessing to be on His errands!

When I met Max Hammonds at fellowship dinner and shared my desire to be involved with church outreach, he steered me toward our Homeless Ministry. He knew I'd find purpose, a reason to rise and shine and interact with fellow volunteers. There I'd make friends to talk things over with, process emotions and anxieties, try out ideas and observations. He also sensed that I'd be a patient listener who could hear hard tales and reflect God's love graciously.

In addition to meeting needy people who live on the street, in shelters, under bridges, on sidewalks and dumpster diving, I've loaded and unloaded donations of food, bedding, sleeping bags, winter clothing, and underwear. I've grocery shopped with ladies who prepare 150 sandwiches weekly, wrapped homemade banana bread slices, stocked trays of prepared platters and even toys into our ministry van. Especially gratifying is the opportunity to meet homeless children who gleefully run toward us with wide-open arms when they spot our van.

Friday evening I turn in, ready for Sabbath rest, realizing that I don't need anything, grateful for reaching hearts that are unknowingly hungering and thirsting for righteousness, on their way toward peace and blessedness yet to be found among our Saviour's charms.

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The Weekly Vacation

by Max Hammonds

et’s take a vacation.” “I need a vacation.” “I can’t “L take a vacation!” However, it is expressed, the idea of a vacation – a break from the day-after-day grind of life – reveals that everyone wants just a little respite, just a little change of pace for a short time. Some vacations last a week, some for three or even four weeks, but the desire is always the same: “I need a break.”

Why? What do we hope to accomplish in those hours away from “work?”

Although the amount of time away may differ and the ways in which vacations are planned may be markedly dissimilar, the sought for result is almost always the same. “I just want a little peace and quiet.” Meaning? An escape from the machinery racket in the workshop, the noises on top of noises of the marketplace, the constant buzz of conversations from the cubicles, the forever silent shouting of thoughts in the head vying for attention. A little quiet from all these sounds – and a little peace where the brain can not be anxious or racing or having to juggle schedules, priorities, instructions., dangers, competition – friendly or otherwise.

Just a little peace.

Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to recalibrate the brain, re-orient the thinking from what’s important, to what’s critical – the relationships with those we love? Wouldn’t it be nice – even if the vacation is a busy one – to have a different focus for a little while from the hurry-scurry world to something else? To just rest.

Have you heard about the weekly vacation? The what!?

Yeah. A vacation every week. In fact we are commanded to take this vacation every week. Really? By whom? By God. Yes, God knows that we need a vacation one day in every week. He even set an example for us to follow. At the end of the Creation Week, God set an example by “resting.” Did He stop functioning altogether? Of course not. If He did, the universe would implode. Just as a mother does not stop feeding her family on vacation or a father does not stop driving safely on vacation, God does not stop functioning. But He paused at the end of the six days of creating to focus on another action of even more

critical importance, a covenant relationship with those He created and loved dearly.

He made this day a “Sabbath” – a day of rest – by this new and different focus. He made this day to be a “blessing” (an action to benefit others), setting it apart from the other six days. During creation week, God made situations in which humans could “work” – tending, training, and managing God’s handiwork. But Sabbath was the opportunity for humans to focus differently – on their treasured covenant relationships with Him and with each other. The Sabbath day was “set apart” for a special, sacred purpose, a change of pace, and a little rest, peace and quiet.

After the Fall into Sin (separation from God) of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, this special weekly vacation day became even more important. Life outside the garden, outside the nurturing, intimate relation with God became focused on survival, struggle, and laborintensive work – more self-focused. Now the need was desperate for a weekly vacation day to remember the most critical relationship of all – the covenant relationship with God. The need was even greater to refocus, re-calibrate, and re-orient human thinking to that which is critical for ultimate survival.

Because of Sin (the human attempt to function alone, separate from God), the covenant relationship was broken. Therefore, the Lord of the Sabbath came to earth and participated in the human condition.

Like the sacrificial lamb in the sanctuary, He became the Redeemer. His mission was to purchase back, to redeem – from the enemy – all mankind. And because He is Lord of the Sabbath, His Sabbath becomes the sign of His redemption and salvation work – redemption from “Egypt”, from Sin, from estrangement – and a return to the covenant relationship.

The weekly vacation day is intended to change our focus from worldly pursuits, struggles, and successes (focused on us) to a focus on our relationship with God. God focuses on His grace relationship with us, creating us, redeeming us, sanctifying us, desiring a relationship with us. We focus on our faith relationship with Him, surrendering and committing – by faith – to what He has promised and is able to do – for us, in us, and through us (righteousness – by faith).

Every week on Sabbath, we catch a break. We take a vacation day and “rest” in Jesus.

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Start the Day with Prayer In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly. Psalm 5:3 NIV Start each day with prayer. Thank God for another day of life.

Make a personal commitment to live with God. Be open to hearing His voice throughout the day. Ask for His protection for us and others. What difference do you notice when you start the day with prayer and when you don’t? ______________________________________________________________________________ Praying at the start of the day reminds us to show His character to others by how we live. We were created to have a relationship with God. Spending time with Him is what He desires very much. How does praying affect the growth of our character? ____________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Thinking of the challenges that await us, we pray for strength and wisdom to get through them. Starting the day with prayer helps clear the anxiety we may experience. Philippians 4:6 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Prayers exchange our worries for peace. We are reminded of our morning prayer as we call on the strength we prayed for. We listen for God to give us directions, finding peace in His presence. Describe a time when you asked God for help and strength facing a challenge. _____________________

Write the Names of People on Your Prayer List

_______________________________________________

1____________________

today over. _____________________________________

2 ______________________

_______________________________________________

3 ______________________

When you wake up tomorrow, pray to focus your mind and

4 ______________________

Share what you would pray for if you were about to start

strengthen your relationship with God. Let’s pray. Father God, we love You and thank You that we

5 ______________________

can come directly to You in prayer. What an honor to know

6 ______________________

You want to hear from us and care about us. We pray to be

7 ______________________

diligent in praying every morning, surrendering our worries

8 ______________________

to You as well as our will. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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The redeemed are in heaven and the wicked are all dead. Therefore, Satan is confined to the earth with no one to tempt. And I get the ending about the Holy City coming to earth, the wicked resurrected to be incited

by Satan to attack, the judgment being presented, and sin being eradicated.” She paused for breath. “But what are the redeemed doing for a thousand years . . . exactly?”

Pawpaw nodded his head. “Alright, there is the The Millennium and the End of Sin honest question. Who wants to respond?”

Matthew rose to his knees. “I think it’s important that bby stood and addressed the four others gathered ‘I saw thrones and they sat on them and judgment was before the fireplace. “On this last night together, I given to them’ is the same as the scene in Daniel 7:9 want to thank you all for including me this year in your and 10 where thrones are set up and books are opened. annual family outing.”

It’s just like Rev. 20:12 where the record books are Pawpaw (a.k.a. Albert Groot) spoke from the wooden opened.” rocker. “The last weekend before school begins. It’s been “Why is that important, Matt?” a family tradition for years. It only seemed right, to “They are both judgment scenes based on include you, Abby, now we know you’ll be joining us as a documentation in the heavenly record books. The permanent member.” Matthew sitting on the oval rug redeemed are involved in a judgment,” Matthew said. (younger grandson), Natalie on the sofa (Pawpaw’s “Okay, thank you.” Pawpaw vigorously nodded his daughter), and Pawpaw applauded while Mark (fiancé, head in agreement. older grandson) blushed and Abby curtsied to the audience. Abby interjected, “But the decision about who are the Mark, seated near his mother, held a pausing hand in the redeemed and who are not was already made prior to air. “We still have a year to go before any wedding bells. Jesus’ coming, yes?”

Who knows? She may find someone more desirable while “This is interesting.” Pawpaw smiled and stayed in teaching in Atlanta.” This brought “boo’s” from Matthew his role as moderator. “Response, anyone?” and head-shaking from Abby while Pawpaw chuckled aloud. “Yes, my precious Abby.” Natalie turned and took When the family quieted and Abby retreated to sit hold of Abby’s hand. “Jesus says in Rev. 22 . . . is it between Mark and his mother, Pawpaw began the verse 12?” she asked of her father, and Pawpaw evening’s worship study. “On our last night, I chose a nodded. “Jesus says that He is bringing His reward “Time of the End” Bible with Him. So, yes, the decision has selection – Revelation 20. If already been made.” it seems odd, remember that “Then, what’s to judge?” Abby asked. this chapter describes the Mark touched her on the shoulder and end of sin forever in God’s she turned to him. “Peter and Jude universe, something we speak of this judgment. But Paul is have all anticipated. So, most clear when he says in 1 Cor. 6:23 Matthew, please begin by that ‘the saints – will judge the world reading verse one, and each and angels.’ ” When Abby furrowed her of us will read the next verse brow, he went on. “It’s not a judgment in turn.” Matthew began to determine the outcome, but a and each read in their turn – judgment to ask God, ‘Why did you to the end of the chapter. make this choice?’ or to say, ‘Explain Abby leaned over and whispered to Mark, “I don’t this situation again, please.’ understand the middle part.”

“There will be so much the redeemed won’t Pawpaw raised his gaze from his Bible. “What is it you understand. They’ll need an explanation so that no don’t understand, Abby?” questions will ever come up later about whether God “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to interrupt.” was completely just and merciful.”

Pawpaw gently waved his hand. “No, no. Don’t be “In heaven, we don’t want to face the sin problem – embarrassed.” He smiled. “It’s okay. Tell us what you the question of God’s fairness and wisdom and correct don’t understand. Let’s see if the rest of us grasp it.” decisions – ever again,” Mark added.

Abby looked to Mark for reassurance, who said, Abby was thoughtful for a long time. And everyone “Nobody understands everything . . . not even Pawpaw.” was quiet. Finally, she said, “I can see that a lot of Matthew laughed aloud while the others joined in, explanation might be necessary.” including Pawpaw.

Pawpaw nodded. “That’s why it takes a thousand “Okay,” Abby began, “I get about Satan being chained. years. So much to explain. So many thoughts and opinions to be undone.”

28 Fundamentals: #27

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yet their voice goes out to the whole world, every night they tell what they know about him. . . .”

David likes that idea, and begins to hum. Words and music form in his mind; this will make a good harp tune!

Little does the young shepherd know that in the coming years, his song will be written in a scroll and repeated as scripture by generations to come:

A Psalm to the Heavens parks from the campfire crackle up toward the night S sky.

“Where do they go?” wonders a young shepherd, watching the fire and listening to the sounds of his sheep as they move about in the darkness, shadows just beyond the fire. “What do you think,” he says fancifully to the nearest ewe and her lamb, “do the sparks leap up and stick to the night sky, adding brightness to the stars?”

David ben Jesse thinks about other shepherds who looked up at the stars. Abraham, to whom God promised many descendants and the very land which David now roamed.

Jacob, who saw ziggurat-like stairs leading to the heavens, and the star-like angels going up and down into the very house of God.. Moses, who, as he traversed Sinai and Midian for forty years with his fatherin-law’s sheep, told and retold the story of creation, of the making of a great light to rule the day and lesser lights to rule the night.

“What was it like,” wonders this shepherd, hundreds of years later, “for Moses to set ink to papyrus or parchment, and make the very first scroll telling the story of God’s interaction with the human family?”

David thinks back to a Shabbat when Samuel was visiting Bethlehem. There was the old prophet unrolling a scroll, and reading first, as a kind of confirmation, the same words that each descendent of Israel speaks by heart every morning and evening: "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one…"

“Yes,” thinks David, “Moses declared God’s glory when he wrote the five scrolls telling of creation through the Exodus. We declare God’s glory when we speak aloud the words of scripture every day. And out here it comes full circle. As I look up to the stars, the same ones in the stories of my ancestors, the heavens themselves declare the glory of God, the very sky itself proclaims the handiwork of the Creator. They cannot speak, and

“The heavens are telling the glory of God, and the firmament proclaims the work of his hands.

Day to day they pour forth speech, and night to night they tell knowledge.

There is no speech and there are no words; their sound is inaudible.

Yet in all the world their line goes out, and their words to the end of the world.

In them he has pitched a tent for the sun, and it is like a bridegroom who comes out of his bridal chamber.

It is glad like a strong man to run its course.

Its rising is from one end of the heavens and its circuit to the other end of them; and nothing is hidden from its heat.

The law of Yahweh is perfect, reviving life.

The testimony of Yahweh is firm, making wise the simple.

The precepts of Yahweh are right, making the heart rejoice.

The command of Yahweh is pure, enlightening the eyes.

The fear of Yahweh is pure, enduring forever.

The judgments of Yahweh are true and righteous altogether, more desirable than gold, even much fine gold; and sweeter than honey, even honey in the comb.

Moreover, your servant is warned by them; in keeping them is great reward.

Who can perceive his errors?

Acquit me from hidden faults.

Also, keep back your servant from arrogant sins; let them not rule over me.

Then I shall be blameless, and I shall be innocent of great transgression.

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your presence, O Yahweh, my rock and my redeemer.” Psalm 19 A note from Chris: Many of you know my interest in Abraham Lincoln. Come find me at church and tell me if you know or discover the Lincoln connection with this psalm!

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, MD, MPH

I’ve Got a Sore on My Leg ello, Mrs. Volt.” The receptionist smiled in recognition to Becky.

“I brought my mother today to see Dr. Poston.” Becky indicated her mother, Mrs. Ruth Werner, who was leaning on her walker.

The receptionist waved to Mrs. Werner. “Yes, we have her on the schedule. Please have a seat. The nurse will call you shortly.”

Fifteen minutes later, Becky was seated in Examination Room #3. Her mother was perched on the exam table, a gauze bandage wrap just above her left ankle.

Dr. Poston entered the room and washed his hands.

“Good afternoon, Becky. Mrs. Werner, how good to see you again.” Sitting on his roll-around stool, he positioned himself in front of Mrs. Werner, unwrapping the bandage.

Looking up at her, he said, “So, how is the small ulcer on your leg doing?”

Ruth thought a moment, then looked at her daughter. “It still itches, and my leg feels heavy all the time, actually both legs, like I have heavy weights around my ankles.”

Dr. Poston put on examination gloves and gently touched the skin around the pencil erasersized hole in the skin just above her ankle. “The swelling seems to have gone down. And the redness is gone. Beth, how often do you change the dressing?” He looked at Beth after he spoke.

“The wound care people said to change it only once every two or three days. It’s just to keep it covered, now that the infection has cleared up.”

Dr. Poston smiled at her. “Good for you. Doing just as they said. It does look better.” Then he looked up at Mrs. Werner. “And you, young lady, I see that you don’t have your compression stockings on. Do you wear them?”

Mrs. Werner looked at her daughter again – for an escape.

“Well, sometimes. They’re so difficult to get on. And they are not very comfortable – or especially pretty.”

Dr. Poston looked at Beth, who rolled her eyes upward.

Then he looked back to her mother and smiled. “True.

“H

They’re not the latest fashion. But they are necessary.” He rolled his stool back a bit and looked up at her. “Well, I got a good report from the ultrasound people. They say that your leg veins, especially the deep ones, are free of clots.

So, the big danger is not there.

“But it doesn’t really mean that your veins are fine. We talked before about the valves in your veins. They work like little elevators. Every time you flex your leg muscles, the blood in your veins is pushed up to the next valve level.

With every leg flexion, the blood moves up to the next level and the next level.” He pointed out each level on her leg as he spoke.

“But your valves are not working as they should. Your elevator is not working properly, and the blood is staying in your legs, not moving up. This makes your legs swell, makes them feel heavy – as you’ve noticed. When your legs swell, especially in the skin, it decreases the arterial blood flow to your skin. Your skin doesn’t get the oxygen and nutrients it needs – and your skin begins to break down.

He cocked his head. “Are you going to wear those fashionable pressure stockings?”

“Do I have to?” she asked in a small voice.

“No. But your legs will turn the color of a coconut, and the other leg will get an ulcer – just like this one. And it won’t heal – just like this one. And if it gets infected or if it gets a clot . . .”

Ruth Werner began to tear up, making a small, dark pathway through the circle of rouge on her right cheek. Dr. Poston stood up and held her head on his chest for just a moment, then patted her on the shoulder.

He retrieved a tissue from the counter and offered it while holding eye contact with her.

“We won’t talk about harder things just yet. But you need to be a good girl and do what’s best for you. You let me know if anyone says anything ugly about your beautiful stockings. And I’ll deal with them.”

He looked at Beth as he spoke. “And keep your legs up for half an hour at least 4 times a day – whenever you sit down to rest – but not over the sharp edge of chairs.”

Beth nodded her head. “She’s pretty good about that.”

Dr. Poston nodded, speaking as if to himself. “No diabetes. No high blood pressure,” then turned sharply.

“You didn’t take up smoking, did you?”

Mrs. Werner laughed. “No, sir. I didn’t.”

“Okay. Keep walking.”

Beth nodded again.

“See you next month.”

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I first tasted this refreshing beverage in Breadmake teacher, I was captivated and mid-August 2003, when I stopped at Mesa enjoyed the hospitality he shared while Farm Organic Market in southeastern Utah. touring the farm – and his outdoor There, just east of Capitol Reef National homemade brick oven.

Park, I saw a young boy driving a tractor Gratitude demanded that I make a through a green field set against Utah’s dry purchase in appreciation, but what? I’m a desert mountains – an unexpected scene that tourist on my way to a family reunion on made me reach for my camera.

Lake Powell - no kitchen, no storage. On I was totally unprepared for the organic this unearthly hot day, I spot the sign that market in the middle of near desolation saved my day – “Honeydew Smoothie.”

(Caineville, UT). It was a slow day and Such sweet memories! Googling Randy, the farmer-entrepreneur who revealed that Randy Ramsley, now 21 years delivered fresh produce and homemade retired, made a go of it, adding goats and bread to Salt Lake City restaurants, showed fresh, award-winning cheese to his store me his gardens. As a professional inventory. Now you get to share it, too!

Place ingredients in a sturdy blender. Cover and whiz until smooth: 4 ½ heaping cups chopped ripe honeydew melon, peeled and seeded (Save a few small honeydew wedges for garnish) 1 ¾ cups milk (non-dairy preferred) 2 cups crushed ice Taste and tweak flavor as desired with a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice, sprinkle of stevia, and/or a dash of salt. Pour into individual serving glasses (makes 2-4 servings). Garnish with small melon wedges or mint sprigs. Serve immediately. Variations: Create new flavors by replacing honeydew with cantaloupe or other types of melon. For a mixed fruit drink, combine any desired fruits, such as blueberries, strawberries, peaches, pineapple, bananas, apples, etc.

How to Choose a Ripe Honeydew: Choose fruit with a pale, creamy yellow exterior, with a smooth, waxy feel. Honeydews do not ripen after picking. Pick a heavy melon which means it is juicy. A rock hard melon is underripe; if the stem end is mushy or leaves a dent when pressed, the melon is past its prime.

Tips for Making Smoothies: If fruit is frozen, you may not need as much crushed ice. Use of frozen fruit or more ice will make your smoothie less thick.

For a creamy, milkshake-like consistency, add frozen bananas.

To go tropical, add/substitute coconut milk, cream or juice.

To add protein for a hardy meal replacement, add a few tablespoons of soaked almonds, washed raw cashews, nut butters, tofu chunks or yogurt.

To add omega-3 essential fatty acids, whiz in 2-3 tablespoons of flax seeds or flax meal.

To add fiber and unique flavors, whiz in a package of instant oatmeal. by Gloria Allen Page 9 | www.ArdenAdventist.org

Windows in the West

by Elijah Small

n late May and early June of this year, I had the opportunity to go on a trip out west with my dad. As I am a bit of a box-checker and completionist, the original goal of the trip was to visit my final state of the lower forty-eight, Utah. Interestingly, my dad was also able to visit his forty-eighth state when we realized we could drive an extra hour to touch Idaho.

The trip consisted of seven National Parks across Utah, Colorado, and Nevada, each providing unique sights, experiences, and perspectives. Neither of us had been to most of these parks, so the trip was a great opportunity to explore a part of the country that we had not spent much time in.

Our first park, Mesa Verde, in Colorado, gave us both spectacular 360 degree views as well as a taste of history, with ancient cliff dwellings being numerous in the park. From there, we moved into Utah, visiting Arches and Canyonlands, including sweeping vistas and magnificent rock formations. Capitol Reef was next, where a flourishing river ecosystem between gargantuan rock faces provided a home for early Mormon pioneers. Bryce Canyon then welcomed us with otherworldly hoodoos, tall rock spires jutting out of the ground. Zion was our next stop, and although far overcrowded, gave us some expansive views as well as exciting hiking, including pulling a chain up a steep ridge at Angel’s Landing. Our final destination was Great Basin National Park in Nevada, a quiet and peaceful park, showcasing Alpine Lakes and epic mountain views. The trip culminated in a strenuous and exhilarating hike up Wheeler Peak, a mountain with snow fields and extreme winds, even in June. Somehow we packed all this and more into just eleven days, including travel days.

The rocky landscapes of Utah seem worlds away from our own temperate forests here in North Carolina, but it is just one of innumerable distinct biomes and ecosystems across the United States and the world. Earth is extremely unique in this way, and it seems to me that God wants us

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to explore and learn as much as we can about our planet.

In every ecosystem, God has given plants and animals the tools they need to survive and often thrive, even in a seemingly hostile desert landscape. This gives me increased faith that wherever God puts each of us on this earth, He has the power to provide our needs.

As I look back on the trip, there is one type of rock formation that unites almost every place we visited: arches. This was not just in the aptly named Arches National Park, but it seemed that every day we were seeing more arches, geological formations with openings carved into an intact frame of stone. I initially was sure that I would eventually grow bored of these structures, but this was not the case. Each arch was distinctly unique, some large, some small, some delicate, some grand, some opening into deep caverns, others overlooking expansive views of the desert or mountains. Every arch had a different flavor, and I found myself continually enjoying the view of each one.

I eventually decided that an arch is two things: a window and a bridge, the window being the carved-out section, and the bridge being the top section of the arch. The arch is never spectacular just on its own. It is a window to the view beyond it, and both the landscape and the arch are accentuated and made better by each other. The arches we saw opened onto views of canyons or mountains, and provided a frame by which to better enjoy the view. Secondly, an arch is a bridge. It connects two points of rock, and even though the bridge of an arch often seems precarious, it is rock solid and immovable.

The arch is a good metaphor for how we are called to act toward our fellow humans. We, too, should be both a window and a bridge. With God’s love in our hearts, we can be a window to view both God and humanity. When people look at us, we do not want them to only see us, but they should see through us into the love of God that we show. We are here to lift up both God and those around us, just as the presence of an arch lifts up the scenery around it. As a bridge, we are called to connect people through God’s love. We should strive to create bridges between cultures, creeds, and countries, uniting everyone through our loving words and actions.

So next time you happen to be wandering through Utah and see an arch, look at the scenery around you and try to emulate that arch, creating windows and bridges. You just might learn something about yourself, those around you, and God.

Page 10 | www.ArdenAdventist.org

Arden Seventh-day Adventist Church Is a Safe Place to Grow.

Our family focus this month features new members Tam and Beth Adams.

They joined Arden Seventh-day Adventist Church in April of this year.

Tam was born in Stayton, Oregon, living there until he was twenty-seven. He has one sister who lives in Northern Idaho where his parents live.

Beth was born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee but moved to Charlotte, North Carolina when she was sixteen years old and then to the western North Carolina area. She has one sister who is the Communications Director for the Carolina Conference.

Beth was born and raised as a Seventh-day Adventist. Tam’s mother became an Adventist when he was very young, and his father was baptized in the Adventist church when Tam was six years old. Tam was introduced to the Adventist message through his parents.

Tam attended public schools, then attended and graduated from Walla Walla University with a degree in Religion. He served as youth pastor and head pastor for five years in churches in Florida (three years) and North Carolina (two years). Tam owned his own business for many years and now is working as a truck driver for Republic Services.

Beth graduated from Fletcher Academy and received her RN from Southern Adventist University, then worked as a nurse for ten years. Her love of music changed her career path, and she became a musician and pianist. She was just voted in to be one of the pianists for the Arden SDA Church.

Tam and Beth met when she worked as a nurse paramedic in the Charlotte area and Tam was a P.E. teacher at ACA (Adventist Christian Academy). Her cousin and other family members decided to orchestrate a blind date for them to meet. They went to the school’s ninth and tenth grade Christmas Banquet for their first date. A few months later, while Tam was Youth Pastor at the Charlotte Korean SDA church, they took students on a scheduled weekend skiing trip. Basically, Tam fell for Beth as he watched her interact with the children, teaching them how to ski. And obviously, she fell for Tam too! They have been married for 25 years and have one cat.

As a youth pastor and in youth ministry for many years, Tam’s hobby and love is Pathfinder Clubs. He has recently been voted in as the new Deputy Director of the Arden Pathfinder Club. He is also Teen Coordinator for the Carolina Conference Pathfinders, having been involved with Pathfinder Clubs for forty-five years. Beth’s hobbies include music, travel, crafts, their cat, and shopping.

Tam and Beth’s travels have included their first mission trip together when they were dating and went to Honduras. Tam enjoyed traveling on the West Coast where he grew up and did a lot of backpacking. He also went on mission trips to Bolivia, Peru, Honduras, and Mexico. Tam and Beth also went to Cancun, Mexico, for their honeymoon.

Tam has lived in Charlotte and Whiteville, North Carolina, and Florida. When deciding to move to the western North Carolina area, Beth’s nuclear and extended family could not think of not being together and moved as a family. Also, her niece is attending Fletcher Academy.

Two years ago, Tam spoke during the Pathfinder Sabbath at the Arden church. He said he fell in love with the Arden church from day one! He said the friendliness of the people and the warmth was so wonderful and Beth agreed. They both feel blessed to be at Arden.

We are so happy to welcome Tam and Beth Adams to the Arden church family!

Page 11 | www.ArdenAdventist.org

Our Purpose is, by God’s Grace, to reflect His character in our community, to demonstrate a quality of life that will attract all to be reconciled to Jesus Christ, and to encourage people to become His loving, maturing disciples.

Grace Notes Editorial Staff: Max Hammonds ..................................Editor Chris Small ...................................Columnist Jean Davey....................................Columnist Gloria Allen .................................... Reporter Pen Braister-Sturgis ........................ Reporter Sara McCord................................... Reporter Dan Reynolds ................................. Reporter Arizona McCord ..... Reporter & Proofreader Chris Small ....................... Special Graphics Jim & Carolyn Sullenberger.....Proofreaders Nolan Darnell ............ Mailing Management Shirley Wallstrom ........Circulation Manager Whitney Barron .....................Layout Design Comments, suggestions and praises are always welcome. Please email or contact the church office.

Services each Saturday morning: Sabbath School Bible Study, 9:30 a.m.

Worship Service, 10:45 a.m.

Location: 35 Airport Road, Arden, NC 28704 Located on Highway 280, (Airport Road), 1.5 miles east of I-26 exit 40, and a quarter mile west of Highway 25.

Church Office: Office Manager: Sharlene Bliven Office Secretary: Summer Cronin Telephone: (828) 684-6700 Email: office@ardenadventist.org Website: www.ardenadventist.com Office Hours: Mon., Wed., Thurs.,9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Arden Adventist Pastoral Staff: Senior Pastor: Eric Bates, D. Min. Email: ebates@carolinasda.org Associate/Youth Pastor: Rich Maskelony, M .Div. Email: rmaskelony@carolinasda.org Grace Notes is published monthly by the Arden Seventh-day Adventist Church. Subscription is free by calling or emailing the office. †Do you have questions about what Adventists believe? Would you like to become a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church? Would you like to study the Bible? You are invited to attend a Pastor’s Bible Study Class. Please call for location and time. All are always welcome. † Disclaimer—The contents of Grace Notes, such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained in this magazine of the Arden Seventh-day Adventist Church are for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider, who is knowledgeable and experienced in the use of specific medical or Lifestyle Medicine interventions, or about questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice, or delay in seeking it, because of information published in this magazine. Neither Grace Notes nor the Arden Seventh-day Adventist Church recommend or endorse any specific tests, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned in published articles. Reliance on any information provided is solely at your own risk. If you have a medical emergency, call your healthcare provider or 911 immediately.

Arden Adventist

GRACE N TES A Magazine for Sharing God’s Love In Our Community

Arden Seventh-day Adventist Church 35 Airport Road Arden, North Carolina 28704 (828) 684-6700 If you no longer wish to receive Grace Notes, or if your address has changed, please contact us.

NONPROFIT ORG U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 80 Arden, NC 28704

BIBLE WORD SEARCH The words in the diagram are from the scriptures about Sabbath.

Words read forward, backward, up, down, and diagonally, and always in a straight line. Circle each word when you find it and cross it off the list. Words will often overlap. Some letters may be used more than once. Not all letters in the diagram will be used.

Blessed

Created

Heavens

Mighty

Remember Sign

Breach

Creator

Heights

Observe

Repairer

Six

Change

Delight

Heritage

Perpetual

Rested

Slave

Commanded

Earth

Lawful

Pleasure

Sabbath

Work

Completed

Generations

Lord

Redeem

Sanctified

Covenant

Hand

Manna

Remains

Seventh

C E R U S A E L P O B S E R V E R B C Z G P X A E T H G I L E D T E L R O A E W C O M M A N D E D N M E E N M F N B G H X G N I G O A A S A I U P H E E H I

I F N N D N I

S T L W B L A R S E

I S F A M E N

E O M A S V E G A T I R E H M V S D R E D E E M T C T E G J C R O H E K R N A Y V N E M I G H T Y C C T R S H T R A E E D K O U T E S A A O B L N S I

M N Q R H N W S L E

E W U R S A B

B A T H O A S T A R

R P E R P E T U A L H M L N A V B C D R E R

I A P E R E S T E D E Y Page 13 | www.ArdenAdventist.org

GRACE WATCHING OVER ME I sing because I'm happy; I sing because I'm free; For His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

The soprano’s voice soars above the swell of the orchestra, her eyes caught up to heaven.

Every heart in the concert hall leans forward, drawn by an ache, a longing.

Why do such moments move us so deeply—in seasons of faith, or in our midnight struggles?

Why does our hope cling more tightly to the lyrics of an old hymn than to a hundred bright and restless tunes?

Because we bear reminding—every day—that the God who flung the stars in their courses still sees us; still chooses to see us—in all our tired, ordinary uniqueness. In heaven’s chosen language, there is no “same as that” or “same as them.” Even our unvoiced whispers are heard, fully understood, gently answered.

This is the grace that watches over us, that’s never weary, never indifferent. Jesus made it very clear: “Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to Him than they are?” (Matt 6:26).

Grace sees our tears, knows our stress, and comforts our distresses. And grace gives us a song that carries us through every hour to come.

Hope is your sign of grace.

So stay in it.

Bill Knott

Page 14 | www.ArdenAdventist.org