Christian Woman Spring_2014 by Initiate Media

“When I was in my early teens a group of close girlfriends wrote a booklet of reasons why they hated me and put it in my bag. I was too shocked and ashamed to tell anyone.” Janet Balcombe EXCLUSIVE STORY INSIDE

spring_september 2014 volume sixty-one # three | free www.christianwomanmag.com

UNDERSTANDING THE OSTEENS AND ‘THAT’ COMMENT

DADDY’S LITTLE GIRL THE BEST FIRST DATE EVER

A REVOLUTION OF AUTHENTICITY THE ART OF BEING YOURSELF

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CW contents: spring | 2014 05 Editor’s Letter 06 Understanding the Osteens A comment from Victoria Osteen has caused a stir. Berni Dymet reports... 09 Daddy’s Little Girl A gorgeous girl. A gorgeous dress. He’s nervous. She’s excited. But this is no ordinary date... Annette Spurr 12 A Revolution of authenticity What is authenticity? How can we live authentically? What expectations do we live under? Roma Waterman shares her heart on the subject... 16 One Woman’s Rocky Road to Redemption Former ICE-addict, Janet Balcombe realised she needed divine intervention or things just weren’t going to end well. She talks to Marie Anticich about her amazing journey from junkie to Christian. 19 Find a Christian College Special What are your plans for 2015? Perhaps tertiary education is for you?...

30 The Right Position A trip up a mountain caused one woman to face her own fears and find a new ‘position’. Tekeela Suber Belk shares her story... 32 My Secret Lust It’s a sin many of us struggle with so how do we deal with this silent issue... Shelbie Mae 34 Surprise in the darkness A weary traveler realised the beauty of her sleeplessness when she gazed out of the train window... Natalie Box

19 ABN 58 090 450 285 CEO Matt Danswan Editor Nicole Danswan Advertising Australia P: 02 9007 5375 Advertising New Zealand P: 09 281 4896 Advertising Manager Ray Curle | ray.curle@initiatemedia.net Correspondence Australia PO Box 1321 Mona Vale NSW 1661 P: 02 9007 5376 W: www.christianwomanmag.com

4 Christian Woman Spring 2014

Correspondence New Zealand PO Box 47212, Ponsonby, Auckland 1144, New Zealand Unless otherwise specified, all Scripture quotations are from the New International Version, copyright-1973, 1978, 1984, International Bible Society. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or part, without prior written permission. Opinions expressed in this magazine do not necessarily reflect those of the staff. All attempts are made to verify advertising material, and no responsibilty is taken for misleading or erroneous material. Due to spam issues, all email addresses have been removed from our publishers section. Copyright 2014. www.inititatemedia.net

Girl talk.

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“The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26

elcome to the Spring issue of Christian Woman magazine! It is always with great pleasure that we greet you each season with a fresh new magazine full of inspiring, challenging and uplifting articles to encourage you in your walk with the Lord. This issue we feature a fabulous article on being authentic. Award winning musician, songwriter and singer Roma Waterman shares her wisdom in being the ‘real’ you, despite what you may think others expect of you! We also have the pleasure in

profiling a woman who has literally been to hell and back. Janet Balcombe has walked many dark roads and her story of her battles with various addictions, including ICE will inspire you that no matter what you face or have faced, that the Lord will always be your refuge and your redeemer. Editor of Momdaily.net and mother of two, Annette Spurr discovers the importance of the father-daughter relationship and how we can ensure it is treasured and nutured. As the end of the year is fast

approaching (yikes!) we start to think about what we have achiveved this year and perhaps what we might like to look at for next. Check out page 19 for our special on tertiary education (Find a Christian College) for some inspiration. Ladies, I truly pray that as you embrace the Spring season that Lord would bless you and make His face shine upon you!

Editor

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Perception.

Understanding

THE OSTEENS

VICTORIA OSTEEN: “I just want to encourage every one of us to realize when we obey God, we’re not doing it for God – I mean, that’s one way to look at it – we’re doing it for ourselves, because God takes pleasure when we are happy... That’s the thing that gives Him the greatest joy... So, I want you to know this morning — Just do good for your own self. Do good because God wants you to be happy... When you come to church, when you worship him, you’re not doing it for God really. You’re doing it for yourself, because that’s what makes God happy. Amen?” So What Do You Make of That? Joel and Victoria Osteen pastor, not just a church, but the biggest church in the US of A, with an average weekly attendance of around 43,500. That makes it a pretty significant force. A lot of people attending, a lot of money flowing in through the front door, and a huge global media audience watching and listening and hanging on every word. Not to mention the coverage the Osteens get in mainstream media. There has of course been a media 6 Christian Woman Spring 2014

storm over those comments, made by wife Victoria, with husband Joel standing behind her beaming on the stage of Lakewood Church Auditorium. Evangelicals have come out in a show of force, roundly condemning the Osteens for peddling a cheap Christianity; a Christianity where the gravity of grace is cheapened and watered down, through a feel–good distortion of the Gospel. That’s what people are saying. So what do you think? What do you make of it? Should we be tearing the

Osteens down publically as many people are, or should we be cutting them some slack? I’ll share my thoughts on that with you in a moment. But first some context. Because when we try to understand something as perplexing as this, context is everything… almost. Theology Happens Sounds like the beginnings of a good bumper sticker doesn’t it? But my point is this. Theology – the way in which

It seems to me that before we render an opinion on we understand God – isn’t developed in isolation. It’s always Victoria’s proclamation, we at least need to try to understand developed in the context of what’s happening at the time. Take the Apostle Paul, who wrote much of our post– where she’s coming from. resurrection, post–ascension, post–Pentecost “theology” of the cross and of salvation. Did he do it in the comfort of a The Lakewood Context monastery somewhere, with the luxury of hours, days, weeks So what is the context of Lakewood Church? Well, you’d if not months of quiet reflection? No! He met Jesus on the road have to say middle and upper socioeconomic demographic of to Damascus, and after a radical transformation, developed America, the land of the free. The land where a few too many his understanding of God (theology) in the heat of battle; the people have therapists rather than friends. The land where conspicuous consumption caldron of ministry. was, at least until the GFC, The big issues that de rigueur. The land of the he was dealing with, What it does mean, is that American dream. were the rejection of by the colour of the If you listen to just one of Christ by the Jews, the Joel’s sermons, what you get is desire to slip back into lenses through which we view it. a boost, a shot, an injection of legalism when grace encouragement. He talks about now abounded, and the misbehaviours, misdemeanours and misunderstandings of the God’s love, how God wants to bless you, how God has a plan for your life. early church. Is there anything wrong with that? Of course not! God is a And as a result of that little lot, out popped the Pauline Doctrine of salvation by grace, through faith alone. Had his God who loves us, who wants to bless us and who indeed does context been different, then the things that he was writing have an awesome plan for our lives. Amen to that! That is a message that people have flocked to, evidenced about would have been different. So now wind the clock forward to the Protestant Reformation by the massive weekly attendance and the massive global radio of the 16th century. Enter Martin Luther (and friends) who gave us “Protestant Reformed Theology”, upon which by the way, much of our understanding of God is still based today. Did Martin Luther just sit down and dream this stuff up, in the quiet solitude of his air conditioned study? No! To the contrary, he famously posted his Ninety Five Theses on the door of the All Saints church in Wittenberg on the 31st of October 1517, in utter disgust at the appalling practices and abuses of power of the Roman Catholic church at the time. Let’s wind the clock forward again, to the twentieth century and a place much closer to home. Hillsong in the western suburbs of Sydney. When this fledgling church first spread its wings, and even to this day, its constituency was the outer suburban, aspirational voter. Hardworking people who’d save to buy a plot on what was then the outskirts of Sydney, to build a life for their families. And as a result of that constituency, much of Hillsong’s theology and missiology, grew out of finding a way to proclaim Christ to those people, in the context of their dreams and aspirations. My point is this. Our understanding of God – our theology – is always influenced by our social and historical context. Now, that doesn’t mean that the truth of the Bible is somehow morphed from black and white into … let’s say … fifty shades of grey. By no means! But what it does mean, is that our perception of the truth is always tinted by the colour of the lenses through which we view it. That’s the context that we need to have in mind, when we look at the Lakewood theology of the Osteens + co.

of the truth is always tinted

our perception

Join the conversation online: www.christianwomanmag.com 7

Perception.

If you ask me about the three most stupid things I have done in my life, I would most likely put up as number one my book about faith and money. Brian Houston audience of Lakewood Inc. But… if that’s all you preach, are you in fact preaching the whole Gospel? Mistakes Happen I myself am a preacher of the Gospel, a proclaimer of Christ. And so I am constantly examining my “theology” and asking myself “Am I preaching the whole Gospel?” It’s not an easy thing, proclaiming Christ in a world that doesn’t want to hear. Have I sometimes made mistakes? Probably. As I look back on some of my early radio messages, do I cringe a little and wish I could put things a little differently? Absolutely. I don’t think anyone who is in the business of proclaiming Christ (which incidentally is each one of His disciples, according to their particular gifting) would say they’ve always “got it all right”. Brian Houston is a case in point. I happen to think he is one of the good guys. I’ve listened to a cross section of his preaching. He’s not afraid to tackle sin and repentance. In fact, he does it better than most. He’s not afraid to boldly lead his church forward into mission. In fact, Hillsong has probably mobilised the wealth of its middle class, aspirational constituency, towards Christ–centric mission better than most churches. None of that’s a bad thing. Quite to the contrary. It’s a good thing. But some years ago, Brian wrote a book called “You Need More Money”. The central thesis of the book was that you need money to do mission, but it led to him being widely criticised as a “prosperity doctrine” proponent. This is what Brian Houston said about that book: If you ask me about the three most stupid things I have done in my life, I would most likely put up as number one my book about faith and money. Whilst his heart and his intent were good, and whilst in a forensic sense he is right that in order to be involved in more mission, you do need more 8 Christian Woman Spring 2014

money, it’s pretty easy to see how, given the theological context of Hillsong, he stepped over a line that he probably knows that he shouldn’t have. And despite his sound and solid teaching since that time, he still has to carry around the tag of a prosperity preacher, even though that’s not what he meant in writing the book. The reason I’m sharing that with you, is just do demonstrate how easily good people can make mistakes, out of a good heart and good intent, by overstepping the mark in their context. So What About the Osteens? As I look at their ministry from afar, what I see, what stands out to me as clearly as the nose on my face, is that in their desire to encourage people, to bring them close to the love of Christ within the theological context in which they find themselves, they have strayed away from a complete proclamation of the Gospel. I truly believe that they proclaim Christ from a good heart and a good place, but their context has swayed them away from preaching the Gospel in its entirety. What I suspect Victoria Osteen was trying to say, was that when we worship God, it’s good for us – and it is, right? It’s just that, swept up in the context in which she lives and ministers, she stepped over the line and right now, judging from their response to the social media storm that’s ensued, my hunch is that Joel and Victoria don’t quite see that yet. So, how should we react, you and I? Should we just sweep the hole thing under the rug? No, because the only thing that gives you is a lump under the rug. It doesn’t solve anything. Should we tear them apart publicly as some have been doing? No, I don’t think that’s what God would have us do either to these people who have done their best, and who have no doubt sacrifice a lot, to preach the Gospel. It seems to me that the appropriate

course of action is threefold: . Understand where they’re coming from and what brought them to the point at which they’ve arrived – truly try to understand where they’re at. That doesn’t mean agreeing with them, just understanding them. . Speak the truth in love. Unless we proclaim the devastating effect of our sin, and our desperate need for redemption through the Christ and Christ alone, then we are not dealing with the root cause of the ills of humanity. Unless we explain what happens to sinners in the hands of an angry God (Jonathan Edward’s words), and how desperate is our need for salvation through Christ and Christ alone, then we cheapen the grace of God which was poured out at such a great Price. And at the moment, this whole Gospel is not something that Lakewood Church, led by the Osteens, is proclaiming so far as I can see. Let’s not be afraid to say that clearly, directly and boldly. But let’s, at the same time, say it with love, compassion and understanding. . Pray for them. Nothing that I write or that you say will change things at Lakewood. Nothing. So in a sense we are powerless to make a difference here. And yet, when we pray that the Spirit will touch, guide and enlighten Joel and Victoria Osteen, their leadership team and their church, we are in fact doing the single, most powerful thing that we can possibly ever do. Because it’s not about the eloquence of our prayer, but the power of our God. CW

Berni Dymet is the ceo + Bible teacher of the global media ministry Christianityworks. His radio and TV broadcasts are heard and viewed by millions of people each week around the globe. Visit christianityworks. com for instant access to his daily eDevotional and the FREE eBook “How to Get Close to God.”

Parenting.

gorgeous girl. A gorgeous dress. He’s nervous. She’s excited. But this is no ordinary date. Aaron Dickson knocks on the front door of a home in Bellingham, Washington… and three year old Analynne greets him, bursting with love and eager anticipation. It’s the YouTube video that’s gone viral, with over 8.6 million people around the world watching on as Aaron enjoys an intimate meal with his daughter on their back porch, followed by a ‘play date,’ complete with swing and slippery slide time. And although it’s called ‘The Best First Date Ever,’ Aaron admits that it’s actually one of many dates he’s had with his little girl. To him, it’s as natural as breathing and he loves every

intentional moment he spends with his two daughters. Growing up, Aaron watched his own dad take his sisters out on dates; ‘That’s just the natural word for it,’ he’d say. And so today, Aaron carries on the tradition. When asked why, he said: ‘I want to pursue my little girl as her father in a loving relationship. I love her to death and I want to treat her like a princess.’ I must admit that when the video first showed up in my Facebook news feed, I deliberately ignored it because I knew it would be a tear-jerker but when it popped up for a fifth time, I knew I had to find out what all the fuss was about. And I was right… from the moment Analynne opened the door, tears streamed down

my face and before I knew it, I was sobbing. Why did it affect me so deeply? There’s something about daddies and daughters that is so precious. Their effect on us is so deep and intrinsic; it can’t be expressed in words. Decades of research proves that, for better or for worse, no one quite shapes the life of a little girl, quite like her dad. One 15 year study showed that a father has a greater impact on his daughter’s ability to trust, enjoy and relate well to the males in her life. And well-fathered daughters are usually more self-confident, more self-reliant, and more successful in school and in their careers than poorly-fathered daughters. Daughters with good relationships with

Join the conversation online: www.christianwomanmag.com 9

Parenting.

Realise the ‘big time’ is where you are at. Stop dreaming for tomorrow when you will have the perfect house, the perfect car, the perfect job. That’s what my father told me and I took it to heart.

world needs love and they give 100% profit to charity. Despite the controversy, the video remains the most viewed and shared video of all time on Faithit and Liftbump, reminding millions of dads to invest time into their daughters. And I get the feeling Analynne will forever be daddy’s little girl. Here are Aaron’s 3 Tips for Dating Your Daughter 1. SLOW DOWN Realise the ‘big time’ is where you are at. Stop dreaming for tomorrow when you will have the perfect house, the perfect car, the perfect job. That’s what my father told me and I took it to heart. You see the importance of living in the now, with the expression on my little girl’s face. She is so happy. She opens the door and all you can see in her eyes is love. If you look at her reaction, it is so rewarding. So put down your smartphone, turn off the TV and work out what’s important to your little girl, what makes her tick. That is the best thing in the world, you will ever accomplish. 2. PAY ATTENTION TO DETAIL Take the time to know what they like, that’s what makes time special. My 3 year old and 2 year old are complete opposites. They both love to sing and dance but at the very core, they are both very different people.

their father are also less likely to develop eating disorders. Understanding the lasting impact dads have on their daughters, perhaps it should come as no surprise that Aaron’s video was met with such a strong reaction by others… and it wasn’t all good. Thousands of people labelled his video as ‘creepy’ and ‘disturbing,’ mainly because he refers to his special time with his daughter as a ‘date.’ The idea of the video was to capture the heart of Aaron’s insurance company ‘BeCause of Camillito’ – it started with the belief that the

3. BE CREATIVE Little girls and little boys have an amazing imagination. As we get older I think we lose that as we get so fixed in a little box. We wake up to an alarm, we go to work and we come home. Little boys and girls live outside of that box where anything is possible. The living room floor is not just a carpet… it’s a ball room for Cinderella. You have to be creative to be in their world and they will love you for it. As a dad I make an effort. That makes a huge difference on a daughter’s life. I’ve watched my grandfather, my father and now me, treat children with respect and seen them blossom and grow from the support. It’s very beneficial. It’s coming up to father’s day and thank you for Dads for Kids for helping to encourage and inspire other Aussie dads on this father’s day to get involved in their kids’ lives. CW Annette Spurr Editor MomDaily.net

* Linda Nielsen, “College Daughters’ Relationships with Their Fathers: A 15 Year Study,” College Student Journal, March 2007, Vol. 41, No. 1 pp. 112-121. 10 Christian Woman Spring 2014

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Authenticity.

The art of being yourself What is authenticity? How can we live authentically? What expectations do we live under? ROMA WATERMAN shares her heart on the subject...

Always trying hard to be somebody I forgot how to play myself  I got lost in the constellation of stars and time and everything else Breathe on me, I need the fragrance of peace  Awaken my soul, Pick the fear off my bones I need your love on my skin  I need your saving grace  To rain down on me again Need your love on my skin  To wash over me with life  Until I am free to live  I need to be more than I can give  I need to be something more within  So put your love on my skin I could be another carbon copy 2nd print but not out of line  Always writing someone else’s story  and never finding the epic in mine From the song ‘Love on my skin’ – Roma Waterman From the Album “No Ordinary Life”. I wrote those lyrics nearly ten years ago now (where has the time gone?) Little did I know I would still be living it out, and probably will be for the rest of my life. In my 40’s I’m still just learning to be me. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not that I haven’t been myself for the past 40 years, but there is a constant unravelling of who I am in Christ Jesus and how that fits in the body of Christ. It’s not always easy. It means saying ‘no’when I would have previously said ‘yes’. It means saying ‘yes’ when in the past I might have said ‘no way!’ It means understanding times and seasons and how I fit into that, as a mother and someone in ministry that changes as the kids grow, and our marriage and ministry grows. I haven’t learn’t all I will need to learn, but there have been some life keys

I have rested upon in the last few years that have been transformational to me. And they rest on this simple truth – just be yourself. If you are anything like me, maybe you have been somebody else for so long you don’t even know who you are. In my early years as a new songwriter and touring artist, I was constantly trying to adapt to the landscape of the music industry. I was doing a lot of things to please other people. At the end of that season in my life, I was grateful for skills I had learned and friendships and connections I had made but I really didn’t know who I was aside from all of that. Thus began the journey of finding what kind of child I was when I threw off the blankets of expectation to step into the dawn of a new season. I want to share with you some of the things I am learning in how to step into a revolution of authenticity. I hope it brings freedom to you like it has to me. DO WHAT YOU LOVE I love this quote by Howard Thurman: “Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” If you do what you love, you will thrive. If you do what you love you will not only start something, but you will sustain it. If you are not being authentic to your true passions, you will slowly shrivel up and become a shell. I don’t know where we got the idea that doing what we love was selfish. The world needs your passion. You are not going to have passion if you hate your life or hate yourself. I have found when I do what was born for, I come alive. I have more energy. I’m vibrant. I shine Jesus. I understand that we all have to pay

Join the conversation online: www.christianwomanmag.com 13

Authenticity.

We don’t know who we are when we are not doing what we love. t h e bills and sometimes that means being in jobs we maybe don’t love. If you truly can’t change your job for various reasons (I’ve been there...I get it), what can you do that will revitalise you? Maybe its a daily walk, reading a book, a latte at your favourite cafe. Or it’s starting a course, time to write a song, a regular prayer time. For others, its that novel you always dreamed of writing, a house to renovate, spending quality time with your kids, or baking. It doesn’t have to take up a lot of time, even 5-10 minutes a day doing what you love can be the shift you need to release the real you on the inside. This may seem so indulgent, and I certainly felt like that when I started making more time to do what I loved. But it’s not indulgent because you will have more of yourself to pour out on others. We don’t know who we are when we are not doing what we love. And if we don’t know who we are, we don’t know what we can release. Doing what you love will bring it’s challenges. Some of you may be questioning some of the things you have said yes to – because it’s crammed so much in to your life you don’t even know who you are anymore. This is not just true for our jobs, but even church roles. Don’t say yes for the sake of it. For example, I would rather a children’s pastor who absolutely loves being a children’s pastor, rather than someone who is just filling the role because there’s nobody else to do it. Passionate people release passion in others, and I want that kind of influence over my kids. What are you doing that’s not releasing passion over others, just because it’s a role that needs to be filled? Making time for what fuels you is a big step in discovering your identity. ACCEPT WHO YOU ARE ON THE

WAY TO WHERE YOU ARE GOING One way to be completely miserable is to constantly be yearning for the destination that we just hate the journey. We are always waiting for ‘it’. We are single and waiting to get married. We are married waiting to have kids. We have a job but dream of another job that’s better. This is actually really prevalent in creative industries – you are always waiting for the ‘big break’, the hit song, the recognition, that we just don’t celebrate the little things like writing songs, the ability to perform them live, or growing into an incredible artist in spite, and maybe because of the bumps in the road. Maybe you wish you were 10, 20, 30 kilos lighter. Or not so shy. Or a better parent. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to improve, but let’s not hate ourselves in the process of change. Learn to love who you are now, and who you are called to be will rise to the surface. You may even find out some things about yourself that will surprise you! A pastor friend of mine forced me for a week to look in the mirror and tell myself what an amazing person I was inside and out. Oh that was so hard! It was just plain embarrassing. But it made me realise I didn’t like who I was, I was always waiting to be someone amazing. It’s such a lie that you have to be more than who you currently are. You can yearn to be more and still love who you are in the moment you are in. The real you will shine when you accept yourself warts and all! ACCEPT YOU WILL CHANGE OVER TIME This has been a big lesson for me. The things I loved in my twenties, don’t fuel me now I’m in my 40’s. I also thought if God called me to something way back then that I needed to love it for the rest of my life. For example, my 20’s were all about

recording albums, having radio singles touring and doing shows. I really loved that time, but as I got older, I really loved the other elements of being a singer/ songwriter – I love sitting at my piano and writing songs. I could actually do that for hours. I love writing books and training others. I love speaking. I don’t like the touring and the shows so much, but I love to lead worship and lead others into worship. I felt because I was not enjoying what I used to enjoy that maybe it was time to retire. I was so bored and really didn’t have the passion that I once had. This concerned me and I kept trying to fit the mould of the Christian touring artist. So much so that I began to hate it. It wasn’t until some trusted friends pointed out to me that I was actually morphing and growing into the calling God had for me all along! Once I accepted that it’s ok to change, I began to thrive again. I became authentic in my leading and songwriting. Accepting change is hard, because it’s actually a lot of work. Sometimes it requires a re- invention. Doing the same thing for a long time is boring, but it’s actually easier than change, so we just keep doing things that don’t inspire us. We lose ourselves. We forget who we are when we do this. Look at your life today and ask these three questions: 1. What is it that you love? 2. Look in the mirror and tell yourself what you like about yourself now! (DO IT!) 3. Are there new passions emerging in your life, that need to replace old and tired ones? I hope I can inspire you today to start this revolution of authenticity and become all God has created us to be! CW

Roma Waterman is an award singer/songwriter and author. She is also the director of Sounds of the nations Oceania – a missional organisation that seeks to empower artistic people to release authentic expressions of worship that transforms nations. www.sotnoceania.com, www.romawaterman.com 14 Christian Woman Spring 2014

new releases

from Ark House Press Beyond the Palm Trees ROBYN HARBOUR Biography RRP $14.99 Beyond the Palm Trees is a book of real, short stories from the South Pacific. These easy to read stories will take you into the heart of remote villages and far flung islands, where custom and culture is so different from what we experience in the western world. These stories are a mixture of sadness and joy; cultural conflicts and strong family bonds; clashes between the old ways and the new.

Amber Glass GLENDA ROUXEL Fiction RRP $17.99 Meet Amber Glass, a sweet but slightly erratic Christian working mum, who decides to keep a diary to organise her thoughts and give her some semblance of sanity. One day God challenges her to step up and share the hope she has with her friends, and Amber has never been more embarrassed in her life. Amber’s feelings of inadequacy are overcome by her love for her Saviour, and she decides to give it her best shot.

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Just One in the Crowd REV RON BAKER Biography RRP $19.99 ‘God was at work. God spoke to him that night and he made his commitment to Christ. He struggled with his alcoholism, but gradually Christ changed him from within… he became a pastor and evangelist in Australia and other parts of the word.’ Just as I am – Billy Graham

Top Cop 2 DAVID R. NICHOLAS RRP $22.99 Top Cop 2: On the Beat follows on from the bestselling Top Cop. Top Cop 2 covers some of the many experiences of Ex Chief Inspector Gary Raymond. This book traces some of the exciting events in the life of a New South Wales Cop who was not only a general police officer on the beat, but was a member of the Rescue Squad and also a detective.

www.arkhousepress.com

One Womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rocky Road to Redemption

16 Christian Woman Spring 2014

Profile.

Former ice-addict, JANET BALCOMBE realised she needed divine intervention or things just weren’t going to end well. She talks to Marie Anticich about her amazing journey from junkie to Christian.

uthor Janet Balcombe describes her journey from hell to wholeness in her newly released memoir Take A Walk on the Wild Side. The book traces her descent from alcoholism into drug addiction and adultery, and her eventual restoration as a vibrant Christian woman. “It took me ten years to write the book and to work through and relive those issues,” says Janet who lives with her teenage son in Ruawai, north of Auckland. Janet has now been free from alcohol for more than 23 years and clean from drugs for more than fifteen years. “No matter how bad things are there’s always hope for change and restoration,” says the 47-year-old who wrote the book in obedience to God’s command to encourage others facing the hell of addiction and toxic relationships. Her struggle began with bullying at school, and ended when she realised she was incapable of mothering her son. “When I was in my early teens a group of close girlfriends wrote a booklet of reasons why they hated me and put it in my bag,” she recalls. “I was too shocked and ashamed to tell anyone.” Janet covered the bullying with shame, hardened her heart and resolved to change her identity. “I had a good childhood growing in a small country town in a great family, but I was a wild child at heart and there was always potential for trouble,” she admits. The book begins when Janet was eighteen and working in Queen Street in a merchant bank, and a binge drinker and alcoholic. Her beloved brother Robert was killed in a motorbike accident, and at 24 she gave up drinking and filled the void with cannabis. “One day I met Mark and eventually fell in love with him,” she recounts. “Later I discovered he was married and I was shattered – now I was a marriage breaker.” She spent the next eleven years with

Mark who was an advertising man, an outlaw and a drug dealer, who ended up in jail for conspiring to manufacture methamphetamine. “Cannabis opened the door to harder drugs,” says Janet, “and after two years of slamming (injecting) methamphetamine I was about as low as you’d want to go.” Skinny, and covered in needle marks, she didn’t like or even recognise herself. “I’d lost my health and my selfconfidence, and the more wasted I got the stronger the question in my heart became; ‘What’s it all about? And why am I here?’” Cold Turkey A few years later, around 1997, Mark said, “We can’t afford to both be addicts – I’ll pay for you to stay in a hotel for a week and give up, and then you can help me give up. “Halfway through the week I nearly stopped but Mark was buying me a new outfit every day I kept off, and this motivated me. But looking back, I’m sure it was Mum and her friend Mary’s prayers that got me through.” Her mother is a charismatic Catholic and Mary is a Pentecostal. “I broke the P habit in a week, but the psychological unravelling took a lot longer,” Janet reflects. Amidst their crazy lifestyle of drugs, guns and gangs, they ran their own printing and graphic design business from home. At one stage Janet was incarcerated in an Auckland prison on a raft of charges including kidnapping, guns, drugs and counterfeiting. She was bailed out and got off all the charges, except for kidnapping, but Mark once again did ‘time’. Rock bottom came in 2001. “After ten years together Mark and I had a baby, and when we both got sick and I couldn’t cope. Then the baby and I got campylobacter (type of gastroenteritis) and became so ill I couldn’t get up off the floor. I rang home and Dad said,

“Pack your bag. I’ll come and get you.” Farewelling Mark, Janet said, “I’ll see you in a couple of day when I’m better,” not knowing she would never return. “When I got to my parent’s place I was so ill I couldn’t walk without holding onto the furniture, and looking in the bathroom mirror, I saw the mask of death,” she recalls. One night Janet had a vision involving demonic activity with her son’s cot rising up and down, and an insight into the pointlessness of the life she was living. Her mother said, “God is drawing back the spiritual curtain and showing you what’s going on - you can come to the prayer meeting tonight if you want to.” After an intense spiritual battle, Janet decided to go the meeting. “I knew nothing about Christianity, but I sensed that my life and the future of my son depended on it. And I had nothing to lose. “At the meeting I gave my heart to Jesus, and people prayed the powers of darkness off me. That decision changed my life and gave God permission to restore my heart and show me who I really was.” Janet had transitioned from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of light but the battle wasn’t over. “The enemy of my soul was not pleased – I had served him well,” she observes. Looking back, she is extremely grateful to her parents and sister, Sam, for standing by her. “I couldn’t ask for better parents – they put up with a lot of stigma, and people would sometimes cross the street to avoid them. They gave me support and unconditional love, and tough love when needed.” Last March Janet released Take A Walk on the Wild Side both on Kindle e-book and in paperback on Amazon, followed by her first New Zealand print run in May.

Join the conversation online: www.christianwomanmag.com 17

Profile.

“I KNEW NOTHING ABOUT CHRISTIANITY, BUT I SENSED THAT MY LIFE AND THE FUTURE OF MY SON DEPENDED ON IT. AND I HAD NOTHING TO LOSE.

Where to from here? “Writing is my passion,” says Janet who is already working on her second book. “I wouldn’t have known I was a writer if I hadn’t found God, and He’s also given me a gift for graphic design and so that’s my bread and butter at the moment.” Where is Mark now? “He is in Auckland, doing his best to make changes in his life. We still have a great friendship because of our 14-year-old son Roq,” says JanetDoes she have any regrets? “No. Everything I’ve done led me to Christ and I’d rather have gone on that journey, than led an ordinary or even successful life and not found Him at all. “God doesn’t use comfort and ease to develop His soldiers – He uses hard situations to strengthen us and grow our courage. When we stop being disappointed and get with the programme, we become strong. If we have a life of ease, we’re going to be weak.” Reading Joyce Meyer’s Battlefield of the Mind helped her greatly. “The book is about the renewing of the mind and getting out of wilderness thinking, the same mental strongholds that kept the children of Israel wandering through the wilderness for 40 years and dying there, instead of going through it in

eleven days,” she relates. “The change has to happen within us, and I’ve written the ten ‘wilderness mentalities’ on a board in my lounge. It’s a zero tolerance policy now.” What’s been the hardest part of the journey? “All of it! It’s a lie to believe everything is going to be sweet when you give your life to Jesus – it’s still hard work, but you have supernatural help. Jesus told us that we would have trouble, but to fear not because He has overcome the world. We are more than conquerors through Christ and conquering speaks not only of battles, but also of victory. What’s it like having a reputation for wild living? “I don’t feel like a convicted kidnapper or methamphetamine survivor,” says Janet who attends Ruawai Community Church. “I feel like a grateful mother, daughter and sister who’s been given a second chance in life – and I’m grateful for the grace and the wisdom afforded me from another realm.” Re bullying, Janet says bullies need to take a long hard look at themselves and ask, ‘Why am I doing this?’ and get help. The fact is, bullies have been hurt, that’s why they bully. We need to challenge the culture of bullying and look at the root of the spirit behind it. “It’s an insidious thing that steals peoples’ identity — but I’m living proof that a life can be restored when God is allowed to have His way,” says Janet who shares her story at churches and at other events. “Everybody will relate to some part of the book,” she adds “whether it’s parents, siblings or friends watching someone self-destruct and their life becoming a slow-motion train wreck — or a parent struggling to shake off addiction for the sake of their kids. “It’s incredibly hard watching your ‘prodigal’ descend into the hellish world of drugs and toxic relationships, but I encourage families not to give up and to keep on being available for them and, above all, to keep on praying.” Says Janet Balcombe, “After what I’ve been through I can identify with a lot more people and I can honour those whom society scorns — the drug addict, the prostitute, the gang member. I see them as the people God intended them to be, people who Jesus died for. To Him be the glory.” CW

Janet’s compelling book, Take a Walk on the Wild Side is available in all good Christian bookshops or visit www.wildside.com.mx

18 Christian Woman Spring 2014

2015

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Equipping the whole believer to take the whole gospel to the whole world.

Bible Theology Ministry Chaplaincy Plunge (Gap-year) Masters of Teaching (Secondary) Counselling

120 Herring Road, Macquarie Park NSW 2113 www.morlingcollege.com

Phone (02) 9878 0201 Fax (02) 9878 2175 Email enquiries@morling.edu.au

UNLOCKING YOUR FUTURE MIKE FROST has some great words of wisdom about the importance and influence of Christian education...

s you consider the variety of college choices available to you, your responses to the questions posed in this article will shape one of the most important decisions of your life. When it comes to considering whether to study at a Christian college or secular university or college, the most important question to answer first is, why do I want to study in the first place? Leonardo Da Vinci was noted for saying, “Study without desire spoils the memory and it retains nothing that it takes in.” He’s right. Never study ‘without desire.’ It’s a waste of your time and energy. If you have a clearer idea of what you want to achieve with your life and where you think you’re headed, it will make it easier to choose the most appropriate college, whether Christian or secular. Both options have their pluses, but there are a number of very good reasons to consider enrolling at a Christian college: To develop a Christian worldview Secular universities and colleges will offer fully accredited degrees and diplomas in a wide variety of disciplines, but what they don’t offer is a way for you to think about your life and your career from a distinctly Christian perspective. If you want your faith to be discussed

as part of class subject matter choose a Christian college where you can explore a Christian framework for your studies. This is about the development of a distinctly Christian worldview that allows you to examine science, art, business, education, medicine and other related issues through that lens. Only a Christian college can assist you to see course subjects via the lens of your religious beliefs. If you completed your studies with only a set of new skills but with no ability to think ‘Christianly’ about your world it would be a real shame. Find a college that helps you to do both. For the nurturing lifestyle and culture If you are a committed Christian, you might prefer a college that affirms your faith and creates a learning environment that supports your beliefs and lifestyle. Many Christian colleges have chapel services, chaplains, Bible studies and a number of other extra-curricula options to encourage your faith. Also, most secular institutions encourage a wide variety of lifestyle options, which can be a distraction to both your faith and your ability to focus on your studies. Or you might just feel more comfortable in a more conservative environment than is commonly available at many secular universities and colleges. So if you would prefer to attend a college where

your faith is a part of the lifestyle and culture of campus life, definitely choose a Christian college. Furthermore, in a Christian college you’ll meet faculty and fellow students who are examples of godly living and academic excellence. It was once said, “To acquire knowledge, one must study; but to acquire wisdom, one must observe.” In any decent college you’ll acquire knowledge, but in a Christian college you’ll also get to observe the lives of mature followers of Jesus. To prepare for ministry If you feel that your chosen career is more than just a job and that you’d like to see your future employment as an avenue for ministry then a Christian college will certainly help. Furthermore, if you sense a calling into ordained ministry as a pastor or church leader, you will need to attend a Christian theological or Bible college. A number of these colleges are linked to certain denominations, so you’re best advised to speak to your local church about which college will prepare you best for your chosen denomination. If your calling is to overseas mission, the agency you prefer will be able to recommend colleges for missionary preparation. But remember also, that some theological colleges have links with secular universities that allow you

Join the conversation online: www.christianwomanmag.com 21

Never lose sight of Albert Einstein’s wisdom about academic study, “Never regard study as a duty, but as the enviable opportunity to learn to know the liberating influence of beauty in the realm of the spirit for your own personal joy and to the profit of the community to which you belong.” to do double degrees and get the best of both worlds. Here’s a word of warning about studying at a Bible college. Some churches have started their own ‘colleges’ and these are great for preparing people for service in that church, but often the education they offer isn’t well regarded in other churches or denominations. You are better off attaining a degree or diploma that can be transferred across a variety of church contexts. This will keep your options open should you want to minister beyond your church some time in the future. Whatever your motivation, you must make sure that the Christian college you’re exploring is fully accredited and academically respected. Choose diplomas or degrees that can lead into

22 Christian Woman Spring 2014

further study, even if you doubt that you’d ever complete more study. If the award you’re gaining ‘articulates’ into further study (that’s the technical term), then the chances are that it’s a well regarded, accredited course. ‘Mickey mouse awards’ don’t lead into anything else. They’re academic dead-ends and you’re better off avoiding them. Tertiary study is expensive and time consuming, so you don’t want to graduate with a diploma that doesn’t get you into the kind of professional work you want to do. And also be aware that when it does come time to find a job, if your college is known for being ultra conservative, some employers may be a bit squeamish about offering you a job. Remember that study in a Christian college can offer you a variety of things – a religious worldview, lifelong

Christian friends, an environment that nurtures your faith – but if it doesn’t open employment or ministry options for you it may not be worth the time and financial expense. Study is not a chore or a form of torture. If approached properly it can be the source of great personal growth and spiritual development. Any award you complete ought to better equip you in the service of God and others. Never lose sight of Albert Einstein’s wisdom about academic study, “Never regard study as a duty, but as the enviable opportunity to learn to know the liberating influence of beauty in the realm of the spirit for your own personal joy and to the profit of the community to which you belong.” Mike Frost

Find a Christian College Special.

Many students are struggling to pay their rent, find money for food, clothing etc. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; let alone consider outlaying finances for Christian higher education. Linda Stuart, from Avondale College, takes us through the options available for assistance with fees and planning for higher education. There are education costs, no matter where you do it. Planning ahead, accessing government loans and working part-time are just a few things you should think about if you are considering tertiary studies.

From Certiicate to Masters - Flexible learning, online and on campus

WWW.TABOR.VIC.EDU.AU Join the conversation online: www.christianwomanmag.com 23

A RECENT SURVEY OF THE COST OF LIVING EXPENSES FOR STUDENTS AROUND AUSTRALIA INDICATES THAT ON-CAMPUS LIVING EXPENSES ARE LESS PLAN AHEAD The more money you have to pay your fees before you start college, the less pressure you are under to make ends meet, once you commence study. If you have a job, start putting a bit aside from each pay. WORK and STUDY Once you are enrolled you can work part-time to help pay your college fees and a part-time job that fits around your classes is ideal. You may even get work on the college campus, which is a great option because it’s easy to fit your work around class schedules. At Avondale, students work on campus in places such as the kitchen, gardens, offices, or they do some cleaning. GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE YOUTH ALLOWANCE – AUSTUDY –

ABSTUDY Youth allowance provides assistance to students aged between 16 and 24yrs. Austudy payment provides assistance to full-time students aged 25yrs and older. ABSTUDY provides assistance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander full-time students by providing income support and other supplementary assistance, tailored to their needs. To qualify for any of these government allowances, you generally need to study at least 75% of a fulltime load. Information on eligibility and types and levels of allowances is published in Youth Allowance: The Guide; Austudy Payment; or ABSTUDY: The Guide. You can also contact your local Centrelink Customer Service Centre, or check their website at www.centrelink.gov.au

Courses in Chaplaincy, Theology and Religion at Murdoch University Murdoch University’s School of Arts offers a suite of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Chaplaincy, Theology and Religion.

Religion (BA) Graduate Certificate in Theology Graduate Diploma in Theology Graduate Diploma in Chaplaincy Master of Divinity

For more information or to apply go to www.murdoch.edu.au/Courses or call 9360 6141

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24 Christian Woman Spring 2014

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Each course has a unique pathway designed for those who wish to study the multicultural and multidisciplinary perspective of religion or work as a chaplain, for a church, a school or an agency. There are further postgraduate offerings for professionals already working in ministry who seek a deeper understanding of the Christian tradition.

GOVERNMENT LOANS (HECS-HELP & FEE-HELP) . Commonwealth Supported places (HECS-HELP) With a Commonwealth Supported place (CSP) the government subsidises the cost of your tuition. Your portion is known as the ‘student contribution amount’, and HECS-HELP assistance helps you to pay your student contribution amount.

There are two forms of HECSHELP assistance: A HECS-HELP loan: This is a loan, from the Australian Government, for all or part of your student contribution amount. With this option you can defer payment of your student contribution amount (commonly known as ‘deferring your HECS’) and pay it over an extended period in small annual installments, via the tax system. No payment has to be

Find a Christian College Special.

made in any year where your income is below $38,148 (this figure is indexed annually). A HECS-HELP discount: If you pay all, or at least $500 of your student contribution amount up front, you receive a 20% discount on the amount you pay. . FEE-HELP If you are eligible for FEE-HELP you are able to borrow up to $50,950, indexed each year, towards the payment of your tuition fees. A loan fee of 20% applies to FEE-HELP loans for undergraduate courses, however the FEE-HELP limit does not include the loan fee. The Commonwealth pays the amount of the loan, directly to the tertiary provider and you repay your loan through the tax system, once your income is above the minimum threshold for compulsory repayment ($38,148 -

indexed each year). You generally need to study at least 75% of a full load to be able to defer your fees through HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP. Check with the college where you plan to study to see if you can use HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP to assist you with your tuition fees. If you would like more information on HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP check out the website: www.goingtouni.gov.au SCHOLARSHIPS and AWARDS College funded scholarships: Many colleges offer scholarships to assist students with the payment of their fees. Some scholarships are merit based (eg. based on academic achievement) however there may also be non-merit based scholarships available to students who meet the criteria. Check with your

college to see what scholarships they offer. Apply for all scholarships you are eligible for. Other scholarships: Scholarships that are available through organisations not affiliated with your college may also be available to you. Some examples are: - Rural and Remote Scholarships - Commonwealth Learning Scholarships - War Veterans Scholarships - Disability Scholarships Check the website for information on these types of scholarships. Awards may be available at different times through your course. You don’t generally apply for an award, but it’s worth knowing what’s available in terms of Awards as you can then strive to meet the criteria. For example, an award at Avondale called the ‘Avondale

COLLEGE FOR EVERYONE... ONLINE.

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Study online at your own pace. No prior study required. Clear, easy to follow lessons. Interactive support with lecturers and other students online.

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A NSW university estimates that annual living expenses in Sydney are around $18,700

Foundation Award of Excellence’ is given to students who are actively involved in service to the community, while the ‘Sanitarium Business Award of Excellence’ is awarded to a student excelling in all areas of their Business certificate or degree. LIVING ON-CAMPUS Living at home will always be the cheapest option

26 Christian Woman Spring 2014

Find a Christian College Special.

when studying. If you are not able to do this, consider living on campus. A recent survey of the cost of living expenses for students around Australia indicates that on-campus living expenses are less. University 1: A Victorian university estimates that the cost of living, including off-campus accommodation in Melbourne, is around $16,300 per year. University 2: A NSW university estimates that annual living

expenses in Sydney are around $18,700. University 3: A QLD university estimates that the annual cost of living in Brisbane is around $16,500. On-campus residential option is not only convenient and safe, but offers great savings on costs of living, because of low residential fees, no large bonds, no utility costs, no daily travel costs and no furnishing expenses.

THINK CREATIVELY Are you training for ministry in a particular church or congregation? Check to see if there is any financial assistance available to you through your congregation. You might offer to do an internship or work for them during your holiday time in return for financial support throughout your studies.

Berea Bible College (Aus) Berea Bible College is passionate about encouraging Christians to study the scriptures. Acts 17:11 commends the Bereans as people of “noble character” because they daily searched the scriptures to ensure that what they had been taught about God was, infact, true. It’s that spirit of inquiry that we’d love to develop in you as you study with us. Address: PO Box 536 Wentworthville, NSW 2145 Phone: (02) 9631 0610 Email: Info@bereabiblecollege.com Website: www.bereabiblecollege.com

Capernwray Australia Capernwray is a community where we live in Christ together – guided by His Word, filled with His Spirit and directed by His life. Living out of, and for His glory. Address: 596 Moss Vale, Burradoo, NSW 2576 Phone: 612 4868 1516 Email: office@capernwrayaustralia.org Website: www.capernwrayaustralia.org

HARVEST BIBLE COLLEGE

We are excited to invite you to come and study with us at one Australia’s leading Spirit-ﬁlled colleges. We have been developing leaders for local and global ministry since 1985 and have sent over 2,500 graduates ministering in over 44 different nations, fulﬁlling and mission of training effective ministry worldwide to serve local churches. Address: 1 Keith Campbell Court, Scoresby, VIC 3179 Phone: 1300 HBC NOW / 03 8799 1111 Email: info@harvest.edu.au Website: www.harvest.edu.au

Kingsley College Our ministry focuses on equipping lay people and ministerial candidates for Christian ministry in their communities and local church. Kingsley College is the ministry training arm of the Wesleyan Methodist Church of Australia with a student body drawn from many different backgrounds. Through eleven training centres around Australia we work hard to ‘develop and equip people to shape their world’. Headquarters: 1/21 Lakeside Drive, Broadmeadows VIC 3047 Phone: (03) 9357 3699 Mobile: 0423 127 199 Email: kingsley@kingsley.edu.au Website: www.kingsley.edu.au Join the conversation online: www.christianwomanmag.com 27

Find a Christian College Special.

Mary Andrews College Mary Andrews College equips women to serve Christ through all of life. From a Pastoral Care Course of just 2 units, through to a 12 unit Diploma, there is something for everyone. Address: Level 1 St Andrewâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s House, 464-480 Kent St, Sydney NSW 2000 Phone: (02) 9284 1470 Email: macmin@mac.edu.au Website: www.mac.edu.au Moore College Since 1856, Moore College has been providing the best available theological training in order to prepare men and women as thoroughly and effectively as possible for Christian ministry and mission. Moore College prepares the head - to understand and teach the Scriptures with an emphasis on Biblical theology; nurtures the heart - understanding God and his purposes better leads to a deeper love of God and people; and develops the hands - building practical ministry skills necessary for a lifetime of service. Address: 1 King Street, Newtown, NSW 2042 Phone: (02) 9577 9999 Email: info@moore.edu.au Website: www.moore.edu.au Pastoral Counselling Institute Join the growing team of people providing effective care in a hurting world. Our Nationally accredited Pastoral Care courses will teach you to relate your faith and listening skills, turning your compassion into practice. Address: 16 Masons Drive, North Parramatta NSW 2151 Phone: (02) 9683 3664 Email: pciuca@ihug.com.au Website: www.pastoralcounselling.org

Tabor College (TAS) Tabor Tasmania is a non-denominational tertiary education provider that is passionate about equipping people to make a difference in the community. Our nationally accredited undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Applied Social Science and Ministry provide students with valuable skills, knowledge and practical field experience in specialisations including Ministry, Counselling and Community Work. Address: 45 Melville St, Hobart TAS 7000 Phone: (03) 6231 5889 Email: registrar@tabor.tas.edu.au Website: www.tabor.tas.edu.au Youthworks Training College Youthworks College is the only theological college in Australia to offer specialised training which integrates theological study with the particular cultural and developmental challenges of ministry to children, families and young people. Fulltime, part-time, online and intensive study options are available. Address: 11 Fifth Avenue, Loftus NSW 2232 Phone: 8093 3400 Email: college@youthworks.net Website: www.youthworkscollege.edu.au Unity College Australia Unity College Australia is an accredited tertiary training organisation which seeks to equip the whole person to serve God. Training in Christian Ministry & Theology, Music & Creative Arts, Information Technology, English as a Second Language, Business Management. VET Fee-Help available; Approved for Youth Allowance, Abstudy, Austudy and International Students. National Office and Canberra Campus: PO Box 467 Belconnen ACT 2616 Phone: 02 61616101 Email: info@unity.edu.au Website: www.unity.edu.au 28 Christian Woman Spring 2014

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16/05/2014 10:07:17 AM

The Right Position A trip up a mountain caused one woman to face her own fears and find a new ‘position’. Tekeela Suber Belk shares her story...

y family loves the outdoors. We love heading outside on a sunny day and riding our bikes or taking long walks. Our love for playing outdoor sports will keep us outside from sun up to sun down. My son on a warm day can be found riding his long board with a backpack carrying his portable hammock that he can pitch anywhere. Not too long ago, we jumped in the car and decided to go to a park that serves as the foothill of a mountain. Because it was my husband’s first time at that park, his curiosity peaked. He wanted to drive up the mountain. That idea seemed like a great idea at first. It was not until we started up that I realized how narrow the road was. Cars going up and down the mountain had to share the same winding road. My love for the outdoors at that point was dwindled by my fear of heights and a confining road. My pleas for my husband to stop and turn around were diminished by my son’s request for him to keep going. As I looked outside the windows, I noticed that the tops of the trees were in reach. My one glimpse down the mountain caused my heart to pound. I sat gripping my seat as if one wrong turn from me as a passenger in the car would cause us to tumble down the mountain. Finally, the car stopped when we reached the top of the mountain. Everyone jumped out of the car except for me. My daughter pleaded for me to get out. After gaining courage and managing to get my heart rate down, I took one step out of the car. My bravery was met by my son’s request for me to, “look!” I managed to take a quick look, and all I could see were trees and the long drop down. I saw broken tree limbs and heaps of rocks that would make a fall very unpleasant. His second demand for me to look was clarified by, “no, you need to turn around.” As I turned my head, my eyes were met with a perfect path of cleared trees. A farther look depicted a small river that was nestled in the mountains. The sun served as a back drop for a superb picture. I saw a glimpse of the many animals that called that mountain home. I was in awe. As we headed back down the mountain, I sat quietly thinking. I did not even notice that we were traveling the same winding road that caused me so

30 Christian Woman Spring 2014

Position.

As I turned my head, my eyes were met with a perfect path of cleared trees. A farther look depicted a small river that was nestled in the mountains. The sun served as a back drop for a superb picture. I saw a glimpse of the many animals that called that mountain home. I was in awe.

much fear only minutes ago. When we reached the bottom, we decided to stop for a break and enjoy the lake that also called the mountain home. As I sat and looked over the lake, I thought about how I almost missed a great view because my eyes were in the ‘wrong position’. I then thought about how we often miss God because we are looking one way and he wants us to ‘turn around’. We have to be in the right position to get the very thing we need. I reflected on Moses in the Bible who was told by God to stand on a rock so that he could see God’s glory (Ex. 33:18). Moses was then put in the cleft of the rock by God when he passed by. It was there that Moses was able to see God’s back. Moses had to be in the right position. He couldn’t stand to the right of the rock or to the left. He had to stand on the rock and then he was moved to the cleft of the rock. There, he had an encounter with God. I recalled the man in the Bible who was unable to walk and was lowered through a roof of a house where Jesus was staying (Mk 2:1-12).There was a huge crowd inside the home. The man’s friends actually lowered him through the roof so that he could receive a healing. What if he simply waited outside the house that day? He may have gotten lost in the crowd. However, he was lowered to the right position and Jesus healed him. I thought a little further about how being in the right position is not always about a physical location. Oftentimes, our minds are not in the right position. God may have promised us something but because of a limited view or a lack of faith, we can not receive what God is trying to give us (Mt 13:58). Miracles are received when we dare to elevate our minds! Our hearts can also be in the wrong position. Unforgiveness, anger, and bitterness can cause our hearts to be out of line (Mt 18:23-35). There are many blessings that are blocked by unforgiveness. Also, anger and bitterness can create a harness around our hearts (Hb 12:15).When we choose to forgive or choose to release bitterness and anger, we position ourselves to receive the peace and blessings of God. The ride home from the park was such a pleasant one that evening. I frequently turned my head trying to take in every scenic view. I thanked God for everything that he had shown me. I then asked him to position my body, mind, and heart so I can receive all the good things that he has for me! CW Tekeela Suber Belk Freelance Writer

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LUST W

hat’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of lust? A few months ago I would have thought of longing glances leading to adultery, or maybe an unhealthy desire for money. Today I think of lust differently. Because I didn’t struggle with either adultery or greed I thought I was free of lust in my life. God showed me I was wrong. I was laying in bed one night with a pink desk lamp on a bookshelf beside me, casting shadows over the pages of my Bible. I stopped reading, jerked my head upward then thought. Do I know the Ten Commandments? I lifted one finger in front of my face for murder, 32 Christian Woman Spring 2014

then another for adultery. I did this until seven or eight of my fingers were raised. What was I missing? Flipping the pages of my bible I found Exodus twenty and read through them slowly, trying to memorize each rule. Near the end I almost skimmed over the last commandment, because I’d heard it so many times. “No lusting after your neighbor’s house-or wife or servant or maid or ox or donkey. Don’t set your heart on anything that is your neighbors.” (Exodus 20:17) The Message I felt God speak to my heart. Lusting after someone’s body is a sin. Before you jump to conclusions, let

me put this into my perspective. In my teens, I struggled with anorexia. Every day was filled comparing my body with those around me. After a hospital visit, I was accepted into a program called Mercy Ministries, a residential program in Nashville Tennessee that helped me begin living a healthy life again by teaching me the truths of God’s Word. When I was sitting on my bed with me fingers in front of my face, trying to remember the Ten Commandments, I’d been anorexia-free for six years. Sometimes I still struggle, but God is helping me heal year by year. Not only do I sometimes struggle with the mindset of an eating disorder,

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“I found myself comparing my body to that of other runners. I looked at their abs and posture. I thought, I wish I looked like her. I had to rein myself in and counter those thoughts. God made me for a reason, he made me beautiful, I am fearfully and wonderfully made”. but I’m also a woman. How many women do you know who love their bodies? Do you love your body? Have you ever wished you had somebody else’s hair, skin, breasts? After six years of healing, I still watched movies, looked at magazines, and saw pictures of beautiful, flawless women and wished I had what they had. Who wouldn’t want to look like Jennifer Aniston, Angelina Jolie, Cameron Diaz, or a multitude of others? I lusted after the flawless skin, toned bodies, and beautiful curves of women whom God had made different than me. In Exodus God tells the people of Israel not to lust after spouses, servants, oxen, donkeys, or anything that doesn’t belong to them. I believe the same principle can be applied to my life. Don’t lust after somebody else’s body. Since struggling with anorexia, I’ve tried to apply truths to my life that contradict my negative self-image. We read in Psalm 139: 13-14 (NIV). “You created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” In this scripture David tells us that God created us and that what he creates is wonderful. That’s me! That’s you! How joyful this should make us, yet we continue to believe the lie that we are not enough, that our bodies are less than perfect—we lust after others. After and afternoon run the other day I found myself comparing my body to that of other runners. I looked at their abs and posture. I thought, I wish I looked like her. I had to rein myself in and counter those thoughts. God made me for a reason, he made me beautiful, I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Understanding that lust is a sin and it lives in my body is a hard thing to deal with. It means I have to make a conscious decision everyday to choose not to lust. I must choose to love the body the Lord gave me. I have to admit this is a grueling process. Society has pushed us to believe we are less-than-perfect. Standing in the line at the grocery store, we are bombarded with pictures of “perfect” women and ways to lose weight. Driving down the road, we see billboards with similar images. In the privacy of our homes, we see commercials with scantily clad women, and the thought that we are not enough is solidified in our minds. How do we get past lust when it feels almost embedded in Shelbie Mae is newly married and lives in Northern Michigan where she likes she swim, run, write, read, and hang out with her family. She is currently working on editing her first novel, Beautiful Bones. You can contact her on Facebook by finding her author page. She would love to hear from you.

our psyches? The first step in eradicating the sin of lust from our lives is to recognize it. We need to be honest with ourselves and admit we may have a sin or two hiding under the bed. Secondly, we need to take steps to live in freedom from sin. We can do that by having an honest conversation with God. Tell him how you’re feeling, and express a desire to live a holy life before him. Ask him to help you push away sinful desires. Thirdly, we need to walk-out our newfound freedom from sin. When we ask for forgiveness, we are immediately forgiven. Clean slate! Every time a lustful thought enters my mind I try to push it away with the truth of God’s word. Many times I think of Psalm 139. We must remember that each of us was made unique. Outward appearances mean nothing in the kingdom of God. God is continually teaching me to love myself. Some days I feel so worthless and ugly, but God keeps wooing me to himself. Just because I don’t get it right all the time doesn’t mean God doesn’t love me or that I’m not a good Christian. It means that I have work to do. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t still struggle, but I believe God is a good God and shows us the things in our lives that we need to work on. I’m currently working on eradicating lust from my life. What is it that God has given you to work on? CW

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Awe.

A weary traveler realised the beauty of her sleeplessness when she gazed out of the train window... With Natalie Box

recently travelled across Canada from Vancouver to Toronto on a three-day train journey. After going to bed one night at 11pm, despite my tiredness, at 3am I found myself wide-awake. The two cups of earl grey tea I had earlier that night may have had something to do with it, but regardless, there I lay in my sleeper cabin, unable to sleep. I peered through a crack in my window shade and caught a glimpse of something shining. At first I thought it was a reflection on the glass, but I then realized these shiny little specks were actually stars. Intrigued, I sat up and lay forward to lift the window shade. My eyes widened with excitement and I almost lost my breath. Twinkling with all their might in the inky night sky were the most stunning stars I had ever seen. My camera couldn’t capture it, my iPhone couldn’t snap it; it was simply a gift for me in that moment. Instantly the frustration of not sleeping turned to gleeful elation at such a magical sight. A surprise in the darkness will do that to you. Have you experienced darkness lately? Perhaps it’s just been a moment, or maybe a little longer. When things are dark, it often feels like it will stay that way forever. But something we don’t always think about when it’s dark is that beautiful things are always happening in the background. Take the night sky, for example. When you look out your window at night, even though the sky is black, behind the scenes the sun is always moving closer, getting ready to rise and light up the day for us. “Even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.” (Psalm 139:12 NIV). No matter how dark things might be, hope is always ready and waiting to surprise us. “The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters” (Genesis 1:2 NLT). Now I 34 Christian Woman Spring 2014

imagine (having obviously not being there myself at the exact moment of creation) that in the beginning, the darkness would have been intense, scary and confusing. It would have felt like nothing was happening and nothing ever would. Maybe you can relate to this? But guess what, the moment God spoke, everything changed. When those four words, “Let there be light” (Genesis 1:3 NIV) came out of God’s mouth, something supernatural took place. All fear, confusion, and darkness fled as light was released and hope shone forth like a beacon. And this wasn’t just a “one off” act; our great God does this all the time. Dark seasons are usually pretty confusing. When we are in them we can’t see, our perception is altered and at times we can’t find rest. Have you ever felt confused or frustrated in a dark season? It’s pretty isolating isn’t it? But what we often don’t see in these hard times is that things are actually brewing behind the scenes. Perhaps you’re in between seasons right now. Or maybe you’re going through something that doesn’t quite make sense? Whatever season you are in, be encouraged because things are shifting in your life, and surprises are waiting. So as I lay there on the train in darkness that night, all I was concerned about was the frustration that I couldn’t sleep. Little did I know The Lord had prepared that surprise for me. He knows the desires of our hearts. So whether you need this now, or maybe you know someone who does, here are a few little things to do if you find a little darkness creeping in:

. Keep your eyes open. Did you know that there are certain things that actually require darkness in order to be seen. For example; the Northern Lights, a sky full of stars, and a street decorated with Christmas lights – these all have a beauty that can

only be seen in the dark. Because of the brightness of their lights they simply cannot properly be seen in daylight. So keep your eyes open for little surprises. Expectation releases the miraculous.

. Stay focused. In darkness there are no distractions. When I was on that cross-Canada train, all I could see were the stars twinkling in the night sky and I became inspired. I couldn’t see the ground, didn’t have phone reception, everyone else was asleep, and my camera didn’t work. There were no distractions, so I was actually focused. As you focus and declare God’s word over your life, favour follows you. “Your life will be brighter than the noonday. Even darkness will be as bright as morning”. (Job 11:17 NLT)

. Fill yourself with the light of the word. No matter how dark it looks, the moment light shines, everything changes. “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.” (John 1:5 NLT) Even though sometimes it feels like darkness wins, it never does. As we fill ourselves with the light of the word of God, with thanksgiving and wisdom, darkness always runs scared.

. Ask him to speak to you. This seems like the simplest of tasks. “Ask and you shall receive…” (Matthew 7:7) Even through the darkness, God’s promise rings true. “Though you walk through the darkest valley, my rod and your staff they comfort you” (Psalm 23:4). CW Natalie Box is an Australian writer, blogger and voiceover artist. She’s passionate about encouraging people to dream bigger, believe for the impossible and to walk in all God has created them to be. Visit her blog at www.thewritersink.com.au. Natalie is currently based in New York City until later this year to finish her book, “Anything Can Happen”.

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