The Voice: Issue #2, April 2019

The Take Care Edition Issue #2, April 2019

#glowlifegroup

Editor’s Voice Inside and then Out. “Take care of yourself!”

Being a high-achieving, emotionally challenged perfectionist, taking care of myself has never been my top priority. It seems that when writing up my daily to-do list, everything else takes priority – my assignments, work, exercise, and the myriad of chores that leave me craving sleep. But despite acknowledging my need for a little me time and reading every single “self-care” routine Instagram has to offer, I revert to cramming as much Avondale experience (and work) as I possibly can into every stressinduced second of my day.

This issue of the Voice is focused upon the topic of “Taking Care” in all ways. As I pondered the broad expanse of this topic, it got me thinking about what care means to me. At first, I just thought it to be mostly self-focused and almost always included a face mask of some sort and an unhealthy amount of Netflix. But, a deeper look into the Word of God and some serious soul-searching, I think there’s something deeper here.

In my list of to-dos, I spend my time volunteering around campus. This, my friends, is where the epiphany apple fell from the tree. When I poured my heart into service projects, though my body felt a little weary, my heart felt so incredibly full. The more time I spent looking into the proverbial mirror of my life and the less I got out and served others, the more time I missed receiving an incredible blessing the budget at-home spa just could not provide. In no way am I saying taking care of yourself isn’t important because in stress-inducing environments such as college, that is so incredibly important. What I AM saying is sometimes, putting someone else over you is the best form of self-care. By taking care of others, we in some way are taking care of ourselves.

Luke 6:38 puts it this way: “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” The care you give will be the care you receive, by others and ultimately, by yourself.

So, I challenge you to put that sticky note on your neighbour’s door saying they’re amazing for no odd reason. Go for that walk with a family member. Spend that time talking and fellowshipping alone with God. Volunteer that spare time you would be using scrolling IG to an amazing Life Group ministry. And in all these things, by caring for those surrounding you, you in turn, care for yourself.

Take care, Emmerson x

CONTENT 8-9

Photo Competition + Winner

10

The Inches

By Andrew Ormiston

12-13 Staff Interview with Darren Morton 16-17 Instaholics Anonymous

By Kemy Ogendi

20-21 A Cautionary Tale

By Benjamin Lowe

22-23 Caring For The Other

By Taflin Mowbray P. 2

EDITORIAL

P. 4 - 5

CONTRIBUTORS

P. 6

CONTACT/PAGES TO LIKE

P. 14 - 15

WO/MAN

P. 18 - 19

REAL TALK

P. 24 - 25 #AVONDALEXP P. 26 - 27 THE CHEAT SHEET

C O N T R I B U T O R S

Emmerson Grey

Chris McClelland Secondary Education student, untalented art enthusiast and, ineffective procrastination combatant. Ask me about my mild addiction to video essays.

Kemy Ogendi Kemy is a chronic over-sharer, a lover of laughter and a proud sweet potato enthusiast (baked, roasted, doused in coconut cream… you name it, she’ll eat it.)

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE ELSE WHO HAS CONTRIBUTED // OTHER IMAGES SOURCED FROM #AVONDALEXP // GRAPHIC DESIGNER: ANGELA WOOD

Taflin Mowbray Confusion is the best emotion as it gives room to grow and space to think deeper on the world.

Thanks & No Thanks Andrew Ormiston

Andrew is a Cooranbong local, currently studying the new Grad-Diploma of Counselling.

Thanks: Discovering underrated musicians Long car drives JB Bubble Tea No Thanks: Clothes shrinking in the dryer 8 AMs Weekly Forums

Benjamin Lowe A fourth-year ministry student that still doesn’t understand Greek.

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Emmerson is like most other stereotypical college students: she loves to binge Netflix, hype up her peers, complain about not sleeping enough and downplay her life problems with sarcastic remarks.

GET IN CONTACT Security: Phone: (02) 4980 2333

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Email: scott.hill@avondale.edu.au College Church Phone: (02) 4980 2272 Email: collegechurch@avondale.edu.au Or message the College Church Facebook Page.

College Counsellors: Phone: 0403478994 Email: counsellingclinic@avondale.edu.au Our counsellors offer confidential counselling to students experiencing a range of academic, mental health and personal concerns.

PAGES TO LIKE The Voice LAMP ministries (@AvondaleSAM) College Church ASA student association Avondale College One Mission SALT Avondale

REFOCUS

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#OWeekAvondale2019

WINNER!

@debzcao Congratulations on winning a $30 Kmart gift voucher!

new photo challenge Show us how YOU ‘Take Care’ and tag us @thevoiceavondale for your chance to win a $40 Rejuve voucher!

@thevoiceavondale

#wearewatson

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THE INCHES

BY ANDREW ORMISTON

My friends called it a Grandad-car, which was fair since it really did first belong to my Grandad. A beautiful sky-blue 1994 Camry Sedan, preserved like only a house-bound retiree could manage. My first car. I’d never known such freedom. I could drive anywhere…get lost anywhere.

There was just one hitch. I didn’t know anything about cars.

When friends at school were pining over sleek centrefolds of exposed engines or gossiping about the new vehicle specs for a Holden or Ford, I literally zoned out. Car-talk became like white noise.

So, when I got a car of my very own, I was at a disadvantage. Spark plugs? Pink slip? I had no idea. I had to learn a lot through painful trial and very costly error.

The same was true for maintaining myself.

Wait, maintaining yourself? Just brush your teeth and wear deodorant. What else is there?

The truth is that you really don’t know what you don’t know.

Have you ever wondered how your parents got to be so boring? They learned to master the mundane, because the secret is, it’s the mundane that equips you to succeed.

Professional athletes are able to play at the highest levels because they mastered the basics. How do you stand? How do you hold the ball? How do you dribble? A master knows that you never move on from practicing the basics. You want them to become second nature so that your brain actually shifts these actions into the subconscious via “automaticity”. Now, you don’t have to think about them at all, but if you failed to learn them right, your technique will be sloppy, and your game will suffer.

It’s the first rule of adulting: slow and steady, work on your technique. It doesn’t seem to matter if you’re an inch off course now, but it really adds up after a mile.

“So what are these basics?” I hear you ask. “Tell me how to live a deeply meaningful, professionally successful, socially connected life.”

Firstly, what are you doing in my house? Secondly, if I knew the formula for making life work do you think I’d be writing for The Voice? No, of course not. I couldn’t figure this out while I was single, and now that I’m married I have to figure it out all over again.

I do have one thought though, something that might help you steer away from the same potholes, blind alleys, and construction sites that have blown a gasket in my life. Maybe there’s an inch you could manage now to save a mile down the road.

So here it is: you are the Curator of your life.

I never understood “trespasses” in the Bible until I learned about boundaries. Healthy boundaries protect our little kingdoms from the barbarians at the gate, they sustain us through the famine and the storms. It pays to know when to raise the drawbridge, therefore, seek good counsel, surround yourself with those who are going somewhere you want to be.

Jim Rohn famously said, “you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with”. While this may not strictly be true, it does demonstrate that those around us hold tremendous influence.

Do you feel authentic when they’re around? Does their iron sharpen yours?

If you’re a giver, and you give too much, there will be no shortage of takers. You may even feel like you’re really helping someone who needs it. But if they’re a taker, your charity may just be how they plug in like a mosquito. You’re spending precious energy, and their appetite will never be satisfied.

Once upon a time, your parents controlled everything that came in and out of your space, when you did things, and how you did things. The world was simple. Now the whole world is open to you, and what you let in will either make you more or less, who you want to be.

You can’t leave it to the Church or your college timetable. You are the Curator of your life.

So find your inches, learn from those you admire, associate with those who give, and protect your heart from takers.

I wish you the very best.

# caferejuveau

STAFF INTERVIEW

with Darren Morton

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What is your role at Avondale College?

I am the Course Coordinator for Postgraduate Studies in Lifestyle Medicine, I supervise several research students, and I also teach undergraduate classes such as ‘Foundations of Wellbeing.’

What does “taking care” mean to you?

There is a saying, “you can’t pour from an empty cup”. “Taking care” to me is about doing what you need to do to prevent your cup from becoming empty.

Do you have any suggestions for students on how they can maintain a healthy balance of work and taking care of self as they transition into the new semester (and the notorious Mad May)?

Of course, there are times when things get out of control—wise Solomon was correct when he said that there is a “time for everything”—but often it comes down to making “self-care” a priority. That starts with recognising the importance of practicing self-care.

After all, when we do look after ourselves, we are more productive anyway.

In your experience, what’s the most important thing someone can do to take care of themselves?

Be intentional. Life is so busy nowadays that the urgent crowds out the important unless you resist it.

Do you have a self-care routine?

I exercise every day (which also gives me a brain-break), eat plenty of plants (although I do like chocolate too!), prioritise sleep, plan to have fun each day and try to prioritise the most important things in life (like my relationship with God and others).

If you had to offer one piece of advice to students this year, what would you tell them?

Spend more time in the real (as compared to virtual) presence of others. Social media is no substitute for social interaction.

You can also check out Darren Morton’s book ‘Live More Happy’ at www.DrDarrenMorton.com

“you can’t pour from an empty cup”

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WO / Tish Bryan 1. What’s your favourite piece of clothing you own or have owned?

Jumpers because they make me feel snug and small.

2. What skill would you like to master?

Speaking another language.

3. Which season do you prefer and why?

Autumn. I like the colours and having a cold nose.

4. What is one little thing that makes you feel safe?

Talking to a friend.

5. What skill did you once want to master, but gave up on?

Knitting.

6. Do you have a preferred comfort food?

Melted chocolate.

7. What is your go-to way of celebrating after handing in an assignment?

Going on an adventure.

8. How do you go about dealing with stress?

Pray, talk about it, put it in perspective, drink coffee, write lists and do one thing at a time.

9. Do you find going outside or curling up in bed more relaxing?

I find taking my bed outside and curling up on it the most relaxing.

10. You very kindly save a millionaire from a burning building (great work, hero) and they offer to pay for the holiday of your dreams.

Where do you go?

I suggest instead, that we set up a perpetuity which can fund social services to developing nations.

/ MAN Ben Jones 1. What’s your favourite piece of clothing you own or have owned?

My Jordans, they have a pretty sweet colourway.

2. What skill would you like to master?

I would like to be able to do a backflip but I’m too afraid of hurting my neck to try.

3. Which season do you prefer and why?

I prefer summer because I can go outside and play whatever sport whenever because it’s never raining.

4. What is one little thing that makes you feel safe?

Trusting in God makes me feel safe. I know He isn’t done with me just yet.

5. What skill did you once want to master, but gave up on?

I wanted to play professional cricket when I was eight, but I don’t play cricket anymore.

6. Do you have a preferred comfort food?

My fav comfort food is a meat pie.

7. What is your go-to way of celebrating after handing in an assignment?

I would probably celebrate by playing sport.

8. How do you go about dealing with stress?

I deal with stress by playing sport.

9. Do you find going outside or curling up in bed more relaxing?

Going outside is more relaxing for me.

10. You very kindly save a millionaire from a burning building (great work, hero) and they offer to pay for the holiday of your dreams. Where do you go?

If it’s just one place maybe Bermuda.

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Instaholics Anonymous

By Kemy Ogendi There’s an old philosophical question that goes, “if a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?” It’s a metaphysical thought experiment on the relationship between perception and reality. (I, uhhhh, would like to thank Wikipedia for teaching me big words.)

It got me wondering, if a tree falls in a forest and no one posts about it, does it make a sound?

If the sunset was really pretty, or brunch was delicious, or you just had a life-changing trip overseas, what good is it, if not shared?

Social media’s a virtual marketplace – one that I find fun, fascinating and frustrating, all at once. It’s an expression of our desire to be seen, heard and understood; an expression of our need for community.

Problem is, marketplaces can get crowded and noisy; everyone has something to say or sell or share… and the noise can get to you. Social media is basically “show and tell” for grown-ups, this is both a blessing and a curse. But that’s a discussion for another day.

This isn’t a PSA on our need to reduce scrolling time. We’re all grown here: we know how to eat our vegetables and brush our teeth. We know how to look both ways before crossing the road, and we know we need to spend less time on our phones.

So, again, this isn’t about that…

Post! Share! Or don’t! Or do! Your experiences are real and valid and valuable either way, with or without an audience.

You probably already know that. So, this is definitely, mainly, maybe, entirely a note to self. I love sharing stuff (songs, thoughts, photos, memories, blog posts…) but I often need to remind myself that a thing’s value and validity isn’t determined by its audience.

God’s Word determines reality and value. If He speaks it into existence, then it’s real. If He calls it good, it’s good. He’s the only One with that kind of power.

Perception doesn’t create reality, it may shape it, but it certainly doesn’t make it. So shared or not, that sunset was really pretty, brunch was great – I reckon the tree fell and it DID make a sound, regardless of who was there to hear it.

@caitlinleannecarey

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Do you think the perception that Avondale encourages dating is a good or a bad thing?

Debbie: Dating pressure at college is bittersweet. It is fantastic, in the aspect that it has the potential to nurture spiritual growth within couples rapidly.

Avondale is similar to an all-year-round Big Camp.

It is a safe environment wherein everyone watches out for each other.

Hence, relationships form pretty quickly here! However, I do believe it is in conjunction for it to encourage personal development within young individuals.

It becomes bitter when it is what the majority of people think about as soon as the phrase “Avondale experience” is mentioned. The expectation to find a significant other, in that regard, is set substantially high. It feels as if many are almost expecting to graduate college with a marriage certificate. It forces unnatural experiences on those at college who simply want to attend without prior conceptions of the college.

Alex: I want to start with this: I do not believe Avondale itself encourages dating at all. I think the beholders of this stigma (students), are the ones who place the emphasis of this idea into our community. Being young men and women, full of energy, hormones, and outside influences (music, societal norms/expectations, media in general) are to play in the forefront of this idea.

To say that Avondale encourages is dating is twisted. Rather Avondale is encouraging the idea of having healthy and sustainable relationships by implementing barriers that are difficult for most people. The idea of having gender-specific dorms and open dorms

is so that the important relationshipbuilding aspect is not missed by being caught up in the feeling and excitement of interaction with the opposite sex.

Feelings are to be recognised and used correctly, they should not be allowed to control our thinking/actions because, in the end, feelings are fleeting. Being emotionally dominated is easy in these situations due to all the variables apparent.

Therefore, I think in the way in which Avondale encourages interaction (dating) with each other is a positive thing.

Real

This week’s panel: Deb

Do you think it puts unnecessary pressure on youth?

Debbie: This is tricky as it really depends on the person. Although it initially begins as a joke, over time there will be that pressure to find a significant other.

Especially at the age where many people are just trying to find their identity in Christ, this pressure could potentially harm a lot of spiritual walks. I believe that it makes a lot of people feel insufficient as a single individual, incomplete in independence and overall, could be a trigger for resentment with God’s timing.

As we all know, God’s timing is perfect, and I don’t think anyone should feel as if they are ‘meant to’ find someone.

Particularly, for the short amount of time they spend at College, it is a great place to make lifelong friends! However, for those with Avondale’s success stories, well done!

Alex: I do not believe the concept of dating is a pressure that Avondale is putting on us. It ties in within my first response that the world we live in emphasises that dating someone or having that intimate connection with someone is so important. We are bombarded every single day, whether it is music, television or even books, that

Talk

bbie Cao and Alex Groves

relationships with the opposite sex are so important, which gives us unrealistic expectations, when all the while we expect it to be real. I think the unrealistic ideals of dating and how it should result, places unnecessary pressure on youth.

I will say this, with this bombardment from the surrounding world, it can cause conflict when it comes to Avondale, because the ideals that are being presented here in Avondale, differ from what the world wants from you. That can place pressure on the youth, and specifically to the residents of Watson Hall and Ella-Boyd. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.�

Joshua 1:9 ESV

A Cautionary Tale THE VOICE 20

By Benjamin Lowe

It’s interesting how wrong the perception that I had of what it would be like to study theology was. Before I came to college, I was sure that answering the call that God had placed on my heart would lead me into the closest connection with Him that I would ever experience. I was confident that serving God would lead to me feeling spiritually fulfilled, but I was wrong. It feels unsafe to admit that. Over my time at college, I’ve met people that assume that because I’m a theology student, I must ‘have it all together’ when it comes to spiritual things.

It’s not true. I’m sorry if I have ever projected that appearance because it would be misleading. So, I’m going to be completely open and honest and share three things that I’ve learnt over the last three years at college so that hopefully you don’t have to learn it the hard way like I did.

Firstly, serving God does not equate to spiritual fulfilment. Seeking God does.

Too often over the last three years, I saw it as my duty to serve God but largely neglected to seek Him. Yes, serving God is the important, undeniable duty of a Christian, but first, seek Him. The disciples of Christ sought God before they went into the city to do His work (Acts 1-2) so why shouldn’t we do the same?

Why shouldn’t we serve God from the endless resource of His power rather than from our human weakness? Never neglect to seek God, it will leave you spiritually empty in a way that serving Him cannot fulfil.

Secondly, this spiritual emptiness that I speak of, often, if not always leads to Christian negligence. When you are spiritually empty and not connected with Christ, it can lead you to become complacent in the way that you behave.

Believe me, I learnt this the hard way and last year I made some poor decisions.

Alcohol was one of those decisions. Why? Because I didn’t think it mattered when in reality the way we behave really does matter. I lost sight of Christ, what He has done for us, and the lifestyle that he has called us to live. This spiritual emptiness dulls us into a state of lethargy; a state where it’s possible to believe that you are on the right track, even when wildly misled. Perhaps it’s a state more dangerous than open rebellion because you don’t realise how far you have strayed or the peril of your ways. Maintain your relationship with Christ; He is our safety in a world where trials and temptations press us from every side.

Thirdly and finally, a thriving relationship with Christ is easy to establish but hard to maintain.

Easy to establish because unlike earthly relationships there is no period of uncertainty wondering if He loves you or cares for you. Hard to maintain because unlike an earthly relationship you can’t physically see or talk face to face with Christ. Relationships between people take work and effort to maintain, a relationship with God doubly so. To have a meaningful relationship with Christ - one that develops and empowers you really does take effort, discipline and commitment.

I want to encourage you today, above all else take care of your relationship with Christ.

“I was confident that serving God would lead to me feeling spiritually fulfilled, but I was wrong”.

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#saltavondalecollege

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Caring for the other

By Taflin Mowbray

It is said that the best way to turn new friends into enemies is to turn the discussion to religion or politics. I am a theology student with a great interest in social justice, so as you can imagine I don’t have a lot of friends.

So, with that said let’s talk about the detention centres on Manus and Nauru, and whether we as Christians have a duty to take care of the refugees coming to us for help.

The long answer is; yes.

According to the World Report Human Rights Watch, 12 people have died on Manus Island since 2013. In the last twenty years, dozens more have died while in custody, many of these being suicides. Mental health problems that lead to self-harming and attempted suicide are major problems made worse by the uncertain futures these people have. With that and the many physical illnesses due to poorly maintained or non-existent hygiene standards, and the removal of the non-profit Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) by the Nauruan government, the Refugees on Manus are experiencing desperate times.

So, what are the detention centres on Manus and Nauru, and why do they exist?

First of all, Manus Island is a detention centre set up by the Australian government as part of the South Pacific Solution as a way to deter refugees from fleeing to Australia by boat. Manus was officially closed in October 2017; however, there is no evidence to say that there are now no people still in detention.

These refugees are now in legal limbo and housed on the island. Deaths and hunger strikes have hounded the lead-up to and continuation of these people’s plight, yet the Australian Government are still determined to make no decision on them.

Gag orders on journalists have made getting consistent information on the detention centre difficult, but there are always those willing to ignore such orders.

An Iranian born journalist, Behrouz Boochani, has been writing of Manus Island for the six years he’s been there and is one of the few people willing to speak up. His description of the closure of the detention centre was this: “They have destroyed the physical prison, but those who have been sacrificed by this system are still living” (The Guardian online version, 29/10/18).

If these people go home, they will die. Australia refuses to deal with them or allow them to enter the country. A few have been accepted by the USA, but far too many remain. The Australian Government has tried over and over again to wash its hands of Manus Island.

However, it is the one that spent billions of dollars on the facility, security, and on the forces that even the PNG government deemed to be illegal in 2016.

The control and secrecy are the operational bywords. Three years ago, a documentary called ‘Chasing Asylum’ was shot that detailed the abuse, the poor conditions, the mental stress and the hopelessness of the refugees. There have been people protesting and trying to help the refugees from the start, but they got drowned out a lot.

Nauru is still officially open but has had the last of the children taken off the island in February of this year. This was part of the ‘Medevac Bill’ that passed after thousands of doctors signed a petition that states that those who need medical treatment should get it, that was passed by a narrow margin in parliament.

It is this Medevac bill that offers the first real changing of the tide and offers hope.

This is the first real sign that someone in parliament cares about the refugees as people, and not just as politic pawns and problems to sweep away under the rug. That’s not to say that most of them care, but the public knowledge has been building in recent years, and it’s heartening to see the small numbers of protestors build.

These refugees have been ‘othered’ by our government. But that’s changing, and as citizens, this is the best time to speak up louder and push for the ‘other’ to become ‘us’. Adventists should be at the forefront of this, but until now we’ve been oddly quiet. We have not been completely silent, but I haven’t heard many shouts of rage either.

Time to change that, I think. What about you?

#avon dalexp

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The Cheat Sheet

Alright, you know the drill. It’s ‘stuff to look at’ time. I think I managed to stumble on some really good stuff this time, so I do recommend giving a few of these a look. Maybe they aren’t for you in particular, but I’m confident that for each of these little discoveries, there will be at least one person out there with whom they resonate.

APPS Daylio - Diary, Journal, Mood Tracker: Oh boy, I can see this app being of so much help. It’s a password-protected diary app that asks you to track your mood over time and displays it on a calendar. So, it sounds really simple, but keeping a log of your own emotions is a really good way to help stay healthy. That kind of information goes a long way. {9.5/10} SketchBook - draw and paint: HEY ARTISTS! Do I have your attention? Great. This app used to be really expensive, but now it’s free. I remember thinking about a year ago that I could probably really get into art if that app, in particular, was free. Will I now? Probably not, but maybe you can instead. {8/10} Notebloc - Scan, save & share: Being a student in this weird technological liminal space between the archaic days of paper and the future wonderland of computers has a few challenges, right? The other day someone asked me to send my notes from a class they missed, but some of those notes were on paper. Also, I’ve already lost basically all the handouts I got in first year because loose paper is messy, and what? Am I supposed to scan each one and save it to cloud storage or something? Well actually this app can scan pages as PDF or jpeg straight from your phone, so I guess I will now. {8/10}

YouTube This is a spoken word poem and perhaps one of the most important and relevant things I could ever recommend you take a look at.

Trust me, I first heard it years ago and it’s stuck with me ever since, but recently it just kind of popped back into my brain. No, I’m not going to tell you why, figure it out for yourself, okay?

TED TALK

Breaking The Loop of Anxiety | Colin Bien This one is quite relevant to the theme of this issue. Colin discusses his personal history with anxiety attacks and the systems he used to keep them in check, and while he is focusing on the kind of recurring attacks experienced by people with anxiety disorders, the strategies he brings up are quite useful for everyone.

Playlists Stargazer: So, my stated goal is to expose you all to new things with this magazine, right?

Cool, just double checking we’re on the same page. This is a playlist of all Arabian music.

Now, I wouldn’t listen to this kind of music all the time, but I think learning to appreciate other cultures could do us a lot of good with the world as it is. I recommend starting with ‘Breeze’ by Sami Yusuf and seeing how that suits you.

Note to Self - Kemy Ogendi: This is from one of Avondale’s own. I won’t say any more; first, because I’m biased, and second because repeatedly typing “How does she do it? How? HOW?” isn’t very interesting reading.

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Teeth - Phil Kaye

Rising up.

Speaking out.

#glowlifegroup