Indulge Magazine - Proclaim Peace

Indulge

PROCLAIM PEACE

OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2014 • $11.00 Inc GST.

spirit | soul | body

Proclaim Peace

Holly Wagner | Jayne Conry | Alison Stone | Nikki Rogers

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Editor’s Note The preacher paused mid sentence. His eyes focused straight ahead, “What can I do for you brother?” he quietly asked. Heads turned to see who he was addressing. The seated congregation looked up at the man walking down the aisle. He looked weathered and his thin shoulders were slumped forward. His head hung low, not meeting anyone’s gaze, and his voice broke as he answered the pastor’s question, “I just want peace.”

I will never forget that moment. There was hardly a dry eye in the church. We all understood. We had all been in his shoes. He was seeking answers for an aching heart and a turbulent mind, answers he had not found anywhere else. Answers that can only come from one source, but he needed someone to show him the way.

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That is our job, we the church, those of us who have already found the answer to that question. It is our role, our purpose, to lead the way to peace for those who desperately need relief. That peace is not relative peace, dependant upon the absence of trouble, but absolute peace, the assurance that we stand in relationship with God, and we can trust Him in the midst of trouble. This peace is ours when we come into an intimate relationship with Christ and is reflected in our everyday lives.

This issue of Indulge is vitally important at this time in history. There is no greater need than for the church to rise up and “Proclaim Peace”. Be strengthened by the words that you read and blessed as you carry forth this precious message into our world.

Charissa

With much love,

Magazine

is part of the ILTS Project which seeks to empower women in their journey through life by resourcing them, spirit, soul, and body.

Empower = make more confident; to give authority Resource = source of help; solutions to problems.

Publisher Editor-in-Chief Chief Photographer Technical Director Communications & Marketing Website Development

ILTS Project Pty Ltd Charissa Steffens editor@indulgemagazine.com.au Natasha Smith info@nspstudio.com.au David Steffens info@indulgemagazine.com.au info@indulgemagazine.com.au Dan Harding dan@danharding.com

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Fashion Editor Food Editor Contributors

Tanya Epis Angela Frost Mimi B • Dr Cris Beer • Jayne Conry • Gina Hamilton • Rebecca McLean • Nikki Rogers • Candice Schmidt • Sarah Somerville • Sarah Starrenburg • Alison Stone • Charissa Steffens Natala Stuetz • Bel Thomson • Shannon Upton •

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Indulge Magazine is published quarterly by the ILTS Project Pty Ltd (ACN 147832906). All rights are reserved and the contents are copyright and may not be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. ILTS Project (“the Publisher”), their related companies and officers herby disclaim, to the full extent permitted by law, all liability, damages, costs and expenses whatsoever arising from or in connection with copy information or other material in this magazine, any negligence of the publisher, or any person’s actions in reliance therein. Any dispute or complaint regarding placed advertisements must be made within seven days of publication. Inclusion of any copy must not be taken as any endorsement of the Publisher. Views expressed by contributors are personal views and they are not necessarily endorsed by the Publisher. All reasonable efforts have been made to trace copyright holders by the Publisher. The Publisher and the authors do not accept any liability whatsoever in respect of any action taken by readers in reliance on the recommendation set out in thisIndulge magazine.m a g a z i n e

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#indulgemagazine #proclaimpeace @indulgemag

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Spirit Game Changer

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An interview with Holly Wagner

In the Heat of the Moment

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The Messenger

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Jayne Conry

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Charissa Steffens

In Pursuit of Peace

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Alison Stone

Overshadowed by Grace

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Bel Thomson

Soul

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Soul Sistas

Sarah Starrenburg, Sarah Somerville, Natala Stuetz

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Be the Change

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Nikki Rogers

Celebrate Just Because

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Peace In The Home

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Book Reviews

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Mimi B

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Candice Schmidt

Contents

Gina Hamilton

Body Stylists’ Secrets

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Tanya Epis

Seeking Peace Shannon Upton

Internal Body Wars

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Winning Bedrooms

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Summer Delights

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Dr. Cris Beer

Rebecca McLean Angela Frost

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#change your world

5 ways to Proclaim Peace

Be Relational

Peace is not a feeling. It is a fruit of the Spirit. For us to fully embrace peace we must be in relationship with the Holy Spirit and growing in Him. If we abide in Him, He, the author of peace, will abide in us. Feed your relationship with God to experience true peace.

Galatians 5:22-23; John 15:4

Be Present

When we focus on the uncertainty that the future holds we can become anxious. If we live in the present, trusting God for today, and giving each day to Him, we combat anxiety, the enemy of peace.

Philippians 4:6-7; Ecclesiates 3:1

Be Empty

Continually give over to God. Pour out your concerns; you can’t be filled with peace if you are filled with other things. Empty yourself out to God and allow Him to fill you. The trade is worth the effort.

Psalm 62:8; Isaiah 61

Be Renewed

Keep peace within your mind through constant renewal. Disquiet begins when our circumstance become bigger than our God. Remind yourself, through the promises we have received, whose you are and who is your protector.

Romans 12:20; Jeremiah 30:22

Be Ready

God calls us to be ready with the gospel of peace. Ask God to lead you into opportunties to share with those who are in need. We are His ambassadors, we are called to go forth and bring peace to a world in chaos.

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God’s Chick Indulge m a g a z i n e

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Changing the Game Holly Wagner’s life is full and busy… just the way she likes it!

Like most women, she wears many hats – wife, mum, pastor, teacher, author and cancer survivor.

Holly and her husband, Philip, co-pastor the Oasis Church – a growing, relevant, multi-cultural, multi-generational church located in Los Angeles, USA. She and Philip have taught many relationship seminars around the world and are committed to healthy marriages, especially their own! They love spending time with their two young adult children, Jordan and Paris, and enjoy seeing them fulfilling God’s purpose for their lives.

Holly is passionate about seeing women become who God has designed them to be. Through the women’s ministry of Oasis, GodChicks, Holly seeks to blow the lid off the boxes that women have sometimes put themselves in and encourages women to be the amazing, world-changing champions they were made to be.

Recently, Gina Hamilton caught up with Holly at the SWB Citipointe Conference in Brisbane, Australia.

Article: Gina Hamilton Photography: Courtesy of Citipointe Church Brisbane

I MUST ADMIT THAT I WAS just a little bit star-struck in anticipation of meeting with Holly Wagner, but this quickly dissipated the moment she entered the room, offered her gentle handshake, and sat adjacent to me on the lounge. This God Chick is the real deal. She is personable; oozing with life experience and exuding the humility and confidence of a spiritually mature woman. She also has a delightful sense of humour (which she admits often gets her into trouble) and an endearing ability to laugh at herself. And so we begin our chat.....

This current edition of Indulge is focused on proclaiming peace. What does peace mean to you?

I think it’s probably changed for me over the years. I don’t think that peace is the absence of conflict. I don’t think peace is the absence of trouble if I think about it in my own soul or my own life, because there’s always going to be challenge in life. So I think peace really is just walking in the presence of God in the midst of conflict, challenge and heartbreak.

How must we be equipped to bring peace to our world?

Revival starts with us, starts with you and me. Before I can say “God bring revival”, it has to start with me so I have to think the same thing with peace. I have to make my own peace with God. Everybody is created to have relationship with Jesus so you have to have peace with God through Jesus. That’s step one. We can’t really have peace in the world until each person has made their peace with God. And then have peace with each other.

Jesus said that they’re [the world] going to know we’re

believers not by how much scripture we know or how big our Bible is or how many times we go to church - but it’s how we love one another. If we can get great at being at peace with one another and loving one another then that will only give us a better shot at bringing peace to the world. Sometimes we look and go “I want peace in the world” but can you have peace with your neighbour?

Let’s bring it down to your street. If everybody focused on their home, their school and their street then that would kind of be a global effect.

What changes have you made to your life since you navigated your breast cancer journey?

Fear is very real for people. We all have fear at different times and we experience it in different ways. Nobody likes to hear cancer spoken over your life so there’s some real fear there. For me, I handled that fear again by really making a conscious decision to trust God. I pulled scriptures out of the Bible. I started reading them just as much as all the medical journals I was reading. I was really declaring the truth because God’s truth counteracts the fear. I was pretty immersed in His Word and worship and this really helped me navigate the fear. There was a moment when I was in the hospital and I’m laying in the bed and alone and I just remember the presence of God in the room. That took all the fear away from me. I just remember laying there and I just felt that, “you know, here we go, we’ll just get up and face this day” and the fear just left – the fear of dying. You can’t make that happen.

For me it came from His Word and letting his presence fill me. I’ve made a lot of changes. I think that we are a threepart being: spirit, soul and body. In many ways the church

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If everyone on the planet understood they were loved by God and that He really has given us a future filled with hope then that would be a game-changer for people.

has been slack in talking about the body so I began to learn about prevention and about this amazing body God has given us - this one and only body he’s given us to run this race with! I made some changes in my diet, how I rest and how I handle stress.

You wrote and published God Chicks over a decade ago, have you noticed a change in womanhood over the past 10 years?

There’s been a great change. Almost 20 years ago there began to emerge a new wineskin of women’s ministry.

What’s happened over the last decade and a half or so is that women’s conferences are not just inward focused.

For a while most of them were “heal me, fill me, touch me, bless me” which is all inward. I understand there is a place for that in every conference because you have to deal with the soul of the girl. I get that. But the point is you’re getting healthy and getting whole so that you can go love your family, love your school, love your neighbour, rescue children – do something. God is mobilising an army to do something. That is happening more in the last decade and a half - an army being empowered, equipped and mobilised not only to become healthy within, but then to take that and go do something.

What do you think is the greatest challenge facing women today?

There is a battle to believe that you are who God says you are. If every woman understood who she was - the loved beyond measure daughter of the King with value and with purpose - then she wouldn’t listen to the lies of the enemy, she wouldn’t doubt her calling, she would feel the strength to go be His hands and feet. The biggest challenge is just to believe we are who He says we are.

You’re obviously a very busy woman, how do you do it all?

Isn’t that a good question! At one point people would give you this order of things; God first, your husband next, your family. It’s hard to live like that. For me it’s my relationship with Jesus at the centre and everything else is like a spoke in the wheel that comes out of that. And then

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there are different seasons. There are seasons when I feel like Paris, my daughter, she needs some of my attention so I think I need to spend some time with her so I take her out on a girl day, or my son, or my husband needs some of my attention right now, or when God Chicks comes up then that’s the focus there or there’s a book deadline.

You let the Holy Spirit lead in that moment as opposed to trying to live this linear priority list. You can’t do that.

One of the things I love to talk about is a moment I had, when I was in the shower maybe 16 years ago when my kids were young then, and I was overwhelmed “there’s so much going on in my life” and I was freaking out! That was a Thursday, and Friday night we had a God Chicks planning night, and Sunday I was teaching our weekend services, and Saturday my kids were in sport teams and I was “snack mum” and hadn’t gotten anything yet of course, and then Monday I had a book deadline with a chapter due to the publisher, and Tuesday I was leaving the country and I’m pretty sure my husband wanted sex and a hot meal somewhere in this weekend. I was like “Aaargh”! I didn’t know what to do. I felt God say to me, “which one do you want to give up?” The truth is none of them. This is what God entrusted me with and so I just needed to figure out how to grow my capacity. Jesus rewarded the five talent guy who multiplied it to 10; He rewarded the two who multiplied it to four. The one who held on to what he had He wasn’t happy with. My job is to multiply my capacity to handle. Nah, I shouldn’t be picking up a plate that isn’t mine. There have been times where I have been tempted to pick up something that is good, but it isn’t the God thing for me. Like saying “yes” to what you need to say “yes” to; picking up what’s yours to pick up, but then growing in your ability and capacity to handle it. Once you get good at two plates then you get a few more. You realise God wants us to go grow in our capacity because there are people to reach.

Do you have a favourite scripture?

In 2 Corinthians the one that says “Thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph”[2 Cor 2:14]. In The Message it says “In Christ, the Messiah, we are led from day to day in one perpetual triumph parade.” I love that picture because regardless of the circumstance of life, regardless of the part of the journey you’re on, we’re still in a parade.

He’s still got victory for us. He won the battle. We’re in the parade: we get to wave and throw confetti and balloons and all that because He paid the price for that. I think it’s so amazing that we get to live our life as if it’s in this victory parade. In all the hard times we’re in this victory parade. Different days, different things speak to me. A number of years ago I was reading Titus chapter 2 and, my paraphrase, “older woman, your job is the younger woman” so then that changed the focus of a lot of my ministry and what I do. Another verse I think we ought to know is Jeremiah 29:11. If everyone on the planet understood they were loved by God and that He really has given us a future filled with hope then that would be a game-changer for people. * To find out more about Holly visit www.oasisla.org or www.godchicksconference.com. Holly’s resources are avaliable online or at Koorong.

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In the Heat of the Moment Jayne Conry is serving in Jordan.

This is a special calling that few would choose. Being prepared to give up all you know, journey to a foreign culture and share with strangers the gospel, takes extraordinary courage and full trust in God. There are often no plan B’s.

Right now history is being made as the Middle East reaches a boiling point. The nations are gathering to intervene and stop atrocities being carried out by miltants. The world is watching. Amongst the images that flood our screens are people like Jayne. People that are ministering God’s love whereever they can. Jayne, and the many others that have made the Middle East their home, are a shining light in a dark night.

Jayne shares about her calling to the life of a missionary in this special article.

Join with us in praying for Jayne and the many other missionaries around the world today.

Article: Jayne Conry Photography: Natasha Smith NSP Studio Photography

THIS IS ONE OF THOSE HOT TOPICS… and I wish I could give a simple explanation... but instead I can share how God has led me through my journey of life.

I became a Christian at 12 years old and since then it has been a journey of falling in love with Jesus and understanding Him more. But never did I know that God could actually lead me in an individual way, showing me what He had planned for my life long before I was born. I knew He had given me His Word, the Bible, to show me how to live my life. But did God really have an individual plan for my life? When I finished school, I had no idea what to study. At the last minute, I chose to do a year at college and then got my first job. I thought that this would be my job for the rest of my life! But three months later I lost the job. I was devastated. After job hunting for six months, I was quite discouraged.

One day I remember sitting on the floor of my apartment and a thought came to my mind, “If I could do anything in the world, what would it be?” I quickly responded, “I would be a dolphin trainer!” Another thought suddenly popped into my mind: “There is something more important than dolphins... people!” Yes, I could travel the world telling people about Jesus! I don’t know how this equated, but this was the beginning of my journey in missions. It didn’t start straight away. The next week I got a job and for the following four years I worked, but took my annual holidays to go on short term mission trips to China and the Philippines. God was preparing me… but I thought He had forgotten me. Why four years? I had such a desperation in my heart. I can’t explain it, but it was this desperate desire to live a life in a third world country. This led me to going to the Philippines full time.

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volunteering at church, going on short term mission trips.

God was certainly blessing me back in Australia and I loved my job, but I just knew that this wasn’t the life He had for me. Each time I asked Him “where next?”, God would reply clearly, “Wait. Stay where you are.” This couldn’t be God. He had forgotten about me. I wasn’t hearing Him clearly. What was I doing wrong? Was there sin in my life? Was I growing deaf to His voice? Again I asked, year after year, “God, where do you want me to go to serve YOU? I’m giving my life to YOU!” And each time I would hear clearly in my heart, “Wait. Stay where you are.” In my fourth year back in Australia (it felt like 100 years), my job and living situation were due to change on the same week of the same month. This must be a sign from God. Once again I asked my familiar question, but this time I heard a different answer in my heart, “Ship.

South America.” What? With excitement and with some doubt that this was really God, I made enquiries to a number of ship missions which led to a girl phoning me and telling me about the Logos Hope ship. I had never heard of them (sister ship of the Doulos) but after that phone call, I told others, “I have 70 per cent peace about this” and after each step of the application, God filled my heart with more and more peace. I had a large amount of monthly support to raise, but God used this as a great confirmation that this was where He was leading.

I still didn’t know about hearing God’s voice, but God led me by circumstances. Every step of the way was a ‘Godincidence’ which led me to joining a team with YWAM in the Philippines for five years.

In the Philippines, I learnt that I can actually ask God a question and wait for Him to answer. But what if this was my voice? What if this was the enemy trying to put things into my mind? I learnt the power of peace. When God would say something to me (a word to encourage someone, giving finances or a gift to someone, praying for a scripture for someone), the thought would not leave my mind. And when I obeyed, I was filled with such peace!

During this time, I became more familiar with hearing God’s voice and would obey faster as I just loved His peace and loved being part of what He wanted to do through me.

When my season in the Philippines came to an end, again it was time to hear His voice. Scary! I went back to Australia thinking I’d be back for a year and then God would lead me somewhere else. But that’s not how it worked. I was in Australia for four years again, working,

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My commitment on the Logos Hope was for two years and during this time, God reminded me of the times that He had given me a love for Muslims. Really? But who am I and how can God use me in the Middle East? Now that I knew how to hear God’s voice, I was expecting Him to put a country on my heart in a very clear way. But once again, He used a different way to lead me in my journey with Him. Someone mentioned the country Jordan and somehow this country didn’t leave my heart. Why? I had never been there, but I kept meeting people who had worked there. Each time I met ANOTHER person who had been there, this peace flooded my heart. I never heard God say, “Go to Jordan” but I knew that this peace was from God so once again I stepped into the unknown, knowing that God had laid out this path for me!

My past two years in Jordan, a Muslim country, would be a book in itself, and I have certainly seen God do the impossible through me. But each day I know, no matter how hard life is, that I’m in God’s will and His peace will guide me. You may not be asking God for a change of direction in your life, but I do encourage you to take the time to listen to God today. Ask Him how to solve this relationship barrier, or how you can bless someone today.

I promise you that the peace that will follow will be a peace you cannot afford to live without. God bless you! *

“I became more familiar with hearing God’s voice and would obey faster as I just loved His peace and loved being part of what He wanted to do through me.”

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The Messenger Article: Charissa Steffens Graphic Design: Melissa Smith | Photography: www.oncewed.com

SHE RUNS. Her hair glistens and flows upon the wind as she moves. A garland sits upon her head; its simple form a grateful reminder of a past left behind and a future she lives for. Her gaze is strong and sure, blues eyes pierce the horizon, unwavering in their searching for the prize. Clothed in white, sheer and silken, the layers balloon behind her gazelle like legs, twisting and turning in her wake as she is spurred forward by her purpose. Speed is her skill, strength her energy, victory her confidence.

She is adorned with beauty. The sun carries her in its bright yellow beams and the landscape pails in comparison as she passes by. Her vibrancy halts creation.

Her feet feel light, barely touching the uneven ground. As it rises up to meet her, she does not flinch. Little impact does the terrain have on her journey. Her feet sparkle as if adorned with golden glitter and every blade of grass parts. The wind blasts from the east, yet she is not moved one inch from her course. The waters rapidly rise as she reaches the stream. She steps upon each stone with certainty, not fearing the torrents that swirl around her thighs. The forest arises before her; into the distance it stretches, beyond the horizon, dark and formidable. She stops. She waits. She knows the path; He has whispered the way and it is lit with promise. She is not alone. He guides her.

Heart full and head strong. Her heartbeat pounds in her ears like a victory drum as she navigates beyond the tall dark trees. She draws nearer now.

She has been formed, strengthened, and honed in the journey. She is not the woman she once was.

She spies the clearing ahead and a smile breaks forth.

They wait for her to come. She is new. She has a voice. She has a weapon.

She proclaims peace. The war is won. The threat is done. She brings The Presence that she has carried with her from the start. The Presence that creates all peace, true peace, lasting peace; despite wind, fire, flood or death.

She proclaims good tidings. Come all. Bad news is turned to good. No man’s report can stand against the King’s report. No man’s lies can stand against the King’s truth. She dances with joy, and dispenses beauty that refutes the ugly.

She proclaims salvation. The oppressed are free.

Bondage is broken. Life has been won. For love made a way. You are called by name. Worthy, pure, whole, redeemed, justified, free.

She proclaims the King. She stops only to proclaim the King.

She is the messenger.

She is beautiful.

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She is you.*

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In Pursuit of Peace...

Article: Alison Stone Photography: Natasha Smith NSP Studio Photography

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THERE WAS ONCE A PROMINENT and successful

lawyer who lived in Chicago. The family decided to take a trip to Europe. However, business matters kept the lawyer behind so he sent his wife Anna and their four daughters ahead on the journey.

The trip turned tragic when their vessel was struck midvoyage by a large industrial ship, taking the lives of all four of his daughters. His wife Anna was found unconscious and finally arrived in England where she would send a chilling telegram to her husband with only two words, “Saved Alone”.

After recently reading this story I sat there stunned and thought how could anyone begin to make sense of this pain, let alone have peace in the midst of this tragedy.

Peace in the midst of pain.

One Tuesday night, I jumped in the shower after taking a home pregnancy test. I was nervous, excited and scared all at the same time. And then I saw it - two thin blue lines. With shock, joy and delight I passed the stick to my husband who joined in my elation and then he spoke such kind and loving words, “I have to go to a prayer meeting.”

Over the next few days the excitement grew as we talked about how our life was going to change. We even signed our texts ‘Love mum or dad xx’. We sang, prayed and spoke to this little person growing inside of me, and with every word we fell more and more in love. The six weeks scan revealed a healthy bubba, and when I heard the heart beat (like wild horses galloping) tears welled in my eyes. I would do anything for this baby; I was his mummy.

What happened in the next few weeks turned my life upside down. I started bleeding one night and it continued for three days. I rang my doctor for answers. I underwent tests, but would have to wait patiently for the outcome.

Heaviness came over me; I was anxious, angry, frustrated and fearful.

Why would God bring me a baby only to take it away?

I bargained with God; I would do anything he wanted

if only I could keep this baby. I googled everything imaginable to find answers, but found none, only more fear. I had been given a baby suit, which I slept with each night, in the hope it would make everything better, and I prayed. My husband was able to remain so calm throughout this; I couldn’t understand why or how he could. It made me mad. It’s funny how we can feel better or even justify our own actions if we can convince others to feel like us. The storm was raging around me and I had no control over it.

I had lost my peace BIG TIME. Peace isn’t an instinctual response for anyone; peace is something that is learned, peace must be pursued.

“Depart from evil and do good; seek, inquire for, and crave peace and pursue (go after) it!” Psalm 34:14 (AMP) The opposite of peace is anxiety, fear and debilitating worry, and if we live out of any of them they can prevent us from living in peace. The Apostle Paul claimed to have learnt the secret of peace and contentment in any and every situation. Paul was flogged, stoned, shipwrecked, betrayed and even jailed, yet nothing or no one could steal his peace. We all have storms in our lives, but do we pursue peace in the midst of our storm or do we wait for the storm to calm before we feel peace? And while waiting for the calm to come, are we controlled by the storm, being thrown back and forth in our thoughts and emotions.

During this time in my life, I had no desire to seek out peace. All I wanted was for my baby to be healthy and yet I was living in a state of fear and anxiety that he wouldn’t be. I realise now that living this way, doesn’t and can’t change a thing. Without the peace of God in our life, it can be a very unsettling place. My mind was racing from one place to another and I was living out every situation in my mind over and over again.

The Storm was raging inside me and I couldn’t make it stop.

“Peace isn’t an instinctual response for anyone; peace is something that is learned, peace must be pursued.”

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Then one night, God stepped in. You know those GOD MOMENTS, when everything stands still, the moments that change your life (for the better)? Well there I was sitting there on my toilet (as you do) and God asked me one question: “Regardless of the outcome will you rest in me?” It broke me. I began to cry and the Peace of God came over me. I was no longer trusting in myself; peace allowed me to look at the future with a new sense of calm, regardless of what happened.

‘The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.’ - Psalm 29:11 The Storm nearly broke me but Jesus said ‘Peace, Be Still’.

Peace allows God to lift you up, over and through the situation. Peace isn’t the absence of trouble, it’s the presence of God Himself. We must understand that peace is the inner calm in every situation. Peace is a sense of being protected. Peace is the presence of God himself.

Throughout our life, resting in His Peace is all we have and all we can offer to others. After a long two weeks, we were told that despite the bleeding, miraculously our bubba was fighting fit and healthy. It was like I could breathe again.

But sadly, not everyone’s story ends this way. Just recently, a friend of mine gave birth to a still-born baby girl, a sleeping angel. I saw her at the music class that our children attend. I didn’t know what to say to comfort her. The only words that came out were “I’m so sorry for your loss.” What can anyone say in this situation? The following week, I approached her and we began to talk.

She opened up about how her grief comes in constant waves, crashing uncontrollably over her. I just listened and cried and hugged her. At the end of the class I asked her if I could pray with her and the Lord guided me to pray “Lord, let her feel your love and your peace, in this time.”

“Peace isn’t the absence of trouble, it’s the presence of God Himself.”

The man I wrote about at the beginning, who tragically lost all his children, his name was Horatio Gates Spafford.

You may have heard of him. Two years after the horrific tragedy Horatio would sail to England to finally rejoin his wife. While on the voyage across the ocean, he was made aware of the very spot where the accident had occurred which tragically took the life of his children. There he penned the fateful words to the beloved song, “It Is Well With My Soul”.

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll; Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, It is well, it is well with my soul.

So here’s the story of another boat…

Jesus lay fast asleep in the stern of the boat, unaware of the furious storm raging around him. It was only the disciples who made him aware of what was going on.

In their eyes, he seemed to not care that they would all perish. Jesus’ response to the storm is key; he rebuked the wind and said to the sea, ‘peace be still’ and the wind ceased and there was [immediately] a great calm (a perfect peacefulness). (paraphrased Mark 4) You need to understand, if He can calm the storms of the sea with one word, He can calm the storms of life as well. Be blessed to know that the God of Peace is with you, giving you an unexplained, undeserved, unsurpassed peace in any and every situation. * Alison Stone ministers alongside her husband Andrew.

They are the founders of Stone Ministries and are passionate about the church and its role in reaching those in need. To find out more about Alison, visit www.stoneministries.org.au

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Overshadowed by Grace: We are never alone STORIES FROM THE ROAD; A TRAVELLING MUSICIAN SHARES HER JOURNEY… Article Bel Thomson Photography Natasha Smith

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MY FIRST TWO YEARS OF MARRIAGE have been a season of discovery- the good, the bad and the ugly!

Among many things, I have discovered that my husband Phil excels at being wise and calm when I am chaotic and flustered. As I reflect on my previous years as a single woman, stepping out to travel to do music ministry as a solo artist, I laugh at the collection of adventures and difficulties I found myself in before I had a husband to rescue me. Booking tours to places I had never been and persevering through setbacks and discouragement was all par for the course to pursue the dream that God had given me to minister through music. However, in those solo years as I stepped out into unfamiliar territory, I learned that we never travel alone on the journey.

On one tour I was driving on my own into Sydney when I was in a car accident. Reaching across to grab something off the passenger seat, I glanced up the next second to find myself hurtling toward a sea of red brake lights. It was peak hour on the M5 motorway, and the traffic had stopped suddenly and I hit a car from behind. I was in shock as I pulled off the motorway, and had no idea what to do. It was my first time ever playing in Sydney, with all my family and friends far away in my home state of Queensland. The sun was setting, my car was smashed and smoking with all my musical equipment inside, and I knew nobody to call for help. I had four gigs booked that weekend and had no idea how to now get to my billet’s house. I started crying as I stood on the side of the road, feeling utterly alone.

I waited on the roadside with the poor lady whose car I hit, while the uniforms came in plenty- police, firemen, tow truck, ambulance and RTA. We were quite a spectacle on the side of the freeway! The moon rose as they did their work, and we were both eventually given the all clear, with the good news that though both our cars were damaged, they were still drivable.

Grateful I was able to drive, I limped my smashed car to my billet’s house. I was late because of the accident and she had to go out to a meeting as soon as I’d arrived.

Exhausted, I sat my jittery body down in a lounge chair in the silent house, still feeling quite shaken up. As I sat

“My faith grew on that tour, and I stood in awe of The Lord’s faithfulness, seeing Him provide what I needed to fulfill the call.”

alone in that unfamiliar place, I thought what most women would think: “I need chocolate!!” I craved the familiar comfort of a cherry ripe, or a Freddo Frog, or any kind of chocolate really! But as I started towards the kitchen, I felt God’s Spirit whisper.... “Wait, don’t go, there’s something you’re missing”. “Yes- I’m missing chocolate!” I thought… and I skeptically sat back down in the lounge to see if it had really been God’s prompting to wait.

In the silence I became aware of His tangible presence in the room with me; He came to comfort, and just to be with me. “See,” I felt Him whisper, “You are never alone.

Even when you are far away from family and friends, in unfamiliar situations, stuck on the side of the freeway with no one to help, you are not alone. I want you to remember this in the future. Wherever you are, I am with you”. It was a profound and defining moment to realise God was with me and He cared for me. What a comfort to know His presence and feel His encouragement, even amidst struggle and difficulty. I discovered that my ‘solo’ tour, and single status, were overshadowed by a God who never leaves my side.

Meanwhile, the next day I wondered how I was going to pay for my car repairs. Being a musician was what I felt called to do, but it certainly didn’t provide a large income, and going on tour was a step of faith. That Sunday at my first gig in Sydney I didn’t mention my plight from the stage, but after the gig there was a rush of people to my CD table, beyond anything I’d ever seen. I sold a record number of CDs, enough to pay all my expenses and insurance excess to fix my car and finish the tour. I was blown away once again by God’s presence with me!

My faith grew on that tour, and I stood in awe of The Lord’s faithfulness, seeing Him provide what I needed to fulfill the call. I learned a valuable lesson: I am never alone when I step out where God calls (Hebrews 13:5b).

Difficulties come when we follow God, yet He makes a way in spite of all the obstacles, as we press on.

What is it that God is calling you to step forward into today? Is there an area in your life where fear is holding you back? Are you afraid to step out alone? His promise and directive to each of us is clear: “This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9 NLT)*

Bel Thomson is an award-winning Australian singer, songwriter, and speaker whose ministry takes her to conferences, schools, camps, outreach events, and Christian churches of all denominations.

To listen to her music or enquire about bookings visit www.belthomson.com.

To connect with Bel’s ministry: www.facebook.com/BelThomsonOfficial and www.youtube.com/BelThomson Indulge m a g a z i n e

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Soul

Soul Sistas

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Three friends with big

What is the best part of your role?

Meeting such a diverse mix of people, for sure! I have learnt so much from travelling - meeting and working alongside people with completely different cultural and confessional backgrounds to my own. It’s really made me realise, and fall in love with, the richness of the global community of faith.

What is the most difficult part of your role?

The realities of timezones, distance and bad internet connections can be a little frustrating sometimes when you’re working with an international team.

What does the word ‘peace’ mean to you?

I think of well-being and wholeness – not just the absence of conflict, but the presence of that contentment of soul and spirit.

Do you have a favourite scripture at the moment?

The Golden Rule. I’ve been thinking over what it really looks like to “love your neighbour as yourself” in a range of aspects of life. {Mark 12:30-13}

Sarah Starrenburg

Job Title and Description: Communications and Fundraising Advocate, which involves overseeing global communications for the Bible translation work of United Bible Societies, and working with fundraisers to tell the translation story.

How did you start out in this role?

I started with the organisation back in 2010, in our AsiaPacific region, running training workshops and managing grants. Over time, I moved over into my current role.

Was this the type of job you always wanted to do?

When I was in high school, I don’t think I even knew this kind of job existed! God has graciously led me along the path of discovering how I can best contribute to the world with my gifts.

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What is one of your best memories?

Last year I had the amazing opportunity to spend 5 weeks in Brazil living and working with 14 other colleagues from 13 countries. One day we’d been up the Amazon River bringing supplies and assistance to an isolated community, and I remember just thinking to myself, ‘How on earth am I here?!” It was incredible.

What is your weakness?

The Amazon Kindle store… big time! I think my wish list is sitting at about 109 books at the moment.

What is one concern that you desire to see changed in our world?

There are still so many Christians all over the world who desperately want the Word of God in their own language, but are still waiting for it to be translated. I want to see the day when everyone has access to the Bible in their chosen language, and the literacy skills to read it!

What advice would you give to young people wanting to make a difference in their world?

Hone your skills, keep being faithful with what is in your hand right now, and keep your heart uncluttered by disappointment and cynicism. *

dreams, pursuing purpose, and proclaiming peace...

Natala Stuetz

Job Title and Description: Graphic Designer and Director of Ma and Grandy

How did you start out in this role?

I launched Ma and Grandy in March 2013 but was mulling over the idea for many years prior. It started with a visit to my hometown, Canberra. I came across a beautiful photograph taken in the 1930’s of my grandfather (Grandy) walking with my grandmother (Ma) on a city street in Sydney, and it just clicked. I knew I had to do something with their love story and so this photograph became a part of the branding of my business.

Was this the type of job you always wanted to do?

Not really. I always wanted to work for Australian Film Director Baz Luhrmann. Clearly, that hasn’t happened yet. So the next best thing was starting my own business. Launching ‘Ma and Grandy’ seemed like the perfect match of my love of design, all things sentimental, and typography.

What is the best part of your role?

The best parts are when you get to visit the art gallery and call it ‘research’ and justify spending hours on instagram for ‘marketing’. But most of all, I love designing. Creating and sketching up a new collection is the greatest.

What is the most difficult part of your role?

Admin. Without a doubt. I have a passionate dislike for anything Excel related. So I’ve found outsourcing is very beneficial and helps me to focus on other aspects of my business.

What does the word ‘peace’ mean to you?

When faced with tough decisions, unanswered questions or daily worries, I get comfort through relying on God’s peace. Peace makes all the difference.

Do you have a favourite scripture at the moment?

This one has always been a favourite. Psalm 138:3.

“When I called out to you. You answered me. You made me bold and stout-hearted.”

What is one of your best memories?

Travelling to India to visit a friend for Christmas.

A highlight was having a group of door-knocking musicians play Indian style carols on Christmas Eve. We “Bollywood” danced the night away.

What is your weakness?

I would eat Eggs Benedict with smoked salmon every morning if I could and invest in an endless library of expensive, beautiful typefaces.

What is one concern that you desire to see changed in our world?

Human trafficking and sexual slavery are issues I would like to see eliminated.

What advice would you give to young people wanting to make a difference in their world?

Try not to compare yourself with what others are doing!

Comparison can be a real thief of your joy, your motivation and your unique ability to make a difference. *

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What is the most difficult part of your role?

In my role, you regularly hear a lot of really sad stories of what people have had to walk through in life that can be very sobering and confronting. BUT it’s also why Nexus Care exists which really encourages me to do what I can to create capacity to support our community in a greater way.

What does the word ‘peace’ mean to you?

To me, peace is a stillness of heart, mind and spirit – a quiet confidence and faith in spite of the circumstances all of which can only be found in a place of rest in God. Do you have a favourite scripture at the moment?

One of my favourite portions of scripture is Isaiah 53: 6-12. I love the call that God makes to humanity to do something about the needs of this world – to reach out to the hungry and the oppressed – to be a repairer of broken walls. And I love the promises that follow that he will guide, water and bless those who respond to this call.

Sarah Somerville Job Title and Description: Community Program Manager, Nexus Care

How did you start out in this role?

I started in this role in August 2011 in a part time capacity.

This was after serving as volunteer on Nexus Care’s advisory committee since 2010. I then became full time in 2013 after I finished in my role in health promotion at Queensland Health.

Was this the type of job you always wanted to do?

I probably wouldn’t have predicted that I would end up in this role, although I’m so glad I did! I initially trained as a speech pathologist working for four years in a hospital setting before realising that it probably wasn’t for me long term. I had always felt that God was calling me to missions work. I went back and completed a Masters in Public Health and went on a number of short-term missions trips but despite knocking on doors, I didn’t feel like any opened up. I became connected with Nexus Care by being on the Advisory Committee and then when the previous manager announced he was moving interstate, I clearly felt God prompt me to put my hand up for the position. And the rest is history! I’ve just been amazed at how faithful God is, He has really fulfilled the cry of my heart for missions but right in my own backyard!

What is the best part of your role?

Definitely the people. I have met so many interesting, diverse and amazing people in my role – who’ve come from so many varied backgrounds and cultures, and all have their own unique story.

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What is one of your best memories?

One of my favourite memories was meeting my beautiful Compassion child in Tanzania in 2010. There was something so special about being invited into their homes, being able to meet the children that you’ve been writing to and seeing first hand the amazing work of Compassion in action. One surreal experience was meeting my sister’s sponsor family who lived in a small mud hut.

The beautiful mum had been widowed by AIDS and was raising the children on her own. She took great pride in showing me the goat that they had been given through the sponsorship and at one stage ran inside the hut and pulled out a photo of my sister and her husband that she had tucked away! I was blown away that in the deepest parts of Africa, someone had a treasured photo of my sister, and it reminded me that something that seems quite small to us can be life changing for someone else.

What is your weakness?

My dog, Molly. She is definitely my Achilles heel! She is the sweetest, most endearing yellow ball of fluff ever but has a cheeky independent streak too. As much as I know I need to discipline her more, I just can’t! She can be destroying a plant, digging a hole or chewing a shoe and I’ll be saying “naughty doggie” while giving her a pat! I really pray my skills get better when I have kids :) What is one concern that you desire to see changed in our world?

Something that really touches a chord in me is seeing people being isolated, desperately lonely and feeling like they don’t belong. We were created to live in community and my desire is that EVERYONE would know that they are valued, loved, uniquely created, and have a place and purpose in our world.

What advice would you give to young people wanting to make a difference in their world?

I would say keep taking those small steps of obedience to God. Keep looking out beyond yourself. Keep listening to the sweet small voice of the Holy Spirit. And trust that God is faithful – and he promises that anyone who helps the oppressed will be blessed! *

A GIFT FOR YOU!

Download these design pages at www.indulgemagazine.com.au courtesy of The Grace Place

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Be The Change You Want To See

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Article Nikki Rogers Photography Tanya Epis

MY DAUGHTER AT FIVE YEARS OF AGE typically loved all things beautiful - loved to be told she looked beautiful, that her dress was pretty and her hair looked nice. We seemed to have done a reasonable job in building up her self-esteem and had assured her of our love. However, it came as a shock when my daughter said to me at a playground one day: “I don’t like that girl. She isn’t very pretty.” I want my daughter to know that she is pretty, but more than that I want her to know that she is beautiful inside and out and I want her to value the diverse beauty within every girl, even if they are totally different to her.

much of it has come from our loss of what real beauty and strength looks like. Girls have been deceived into believing the lie that their value and purpose lays in their external beauty and sexiness. Boys have been deceived into believing that their value lies in their physical strength and ability to demonstrate power. Both outcomes have their roots in the natural desires I saw in my four and five year old children, but these passions have been so perverted that they have become destructive and our view of what it means to be a man or a woman is largely distorted.

I believe every girl wants to feel beautiful and I propose that every girl is created to be beautiful, but it is a real beauty that every girl contains. So many books, magazines and advertisements enforce the issue of external beauty however real beauty is not something that is merely external. I dare say that even the most physically beautiful people can feel a lack of self-worth, value and beauty if they do not have confidence of an internal beauty that shines from the inside out.

Imagine what this world would be like if every boy held onto his innate dream of being a hero, standing up for what is right, protecting the weak, being loyal, helping those in need and demonstrating a strength that is not only external but internal? Imagine if every girl used the gifts and abilities within her to bring beauty, life, comfort, encouragement, hope and peace to the world? Imagine if men and women recognised, respected, encouraged and valued each other for the beautiful diversity, strength and security that each individual has to offer. What a beautiful place this world would be!

I looked at the library to find books that would help me in my efforts to instill positive values and reveal what “real” beauty was to my daughter. When I couldn’t find exactly what I was looking for, I decided to write a book for her.

As a result my first book, called “A Beautiful Girl”, was written.

The inspiration for my second book came when my children and I were buying lunch bags for kindy. The available boy’s lunch bag, which we didn’t buy, had a picture of some cool villains on it. My then four year old son loved dress-ups. He was always dressing up as different heroes or making up his own creative hero costume complete with cape and boots. He was the type of hero that fought imaginary bad guys, but it was becoming increasingly obvious to me that through various advertising being a “hero” was becoming more about physical strength, fighting ability and super-powers rather than the motive to use those abilities for good. Even the “bad guys” and villains were becoming popular “hero” figures to some boys because they have these characteristics.

My desire is to change the world by addressing the roots of the issues we face, issues of the heart. I believe that God has motivated me to write children’s books with messages that will empower and inspire children and adults, both Christian and secular, to be who they were created to be, and I am responsible to use what He has given me to bring His kingdom to this earth. I also have a desire to see people, especially children, all over the world set free from whatever holds them bound and so all profit from my books goes toward various world missions that fight for this cause. We are blessed to be a blessing! * To find out more about Nikki and to view her inspirational children’s books go to www.createdtobe.com.au

Every little boy I know of goes through a stage in life where they want to be a hero. What a wonderful ambition to have! The desire to be a hero is one of nobility if channelled in the right direction. Too many boys have grown out of wanting to be a hero because it falls into the unattainable fairy-tale category. I didn’t want my son to ever grow out of being a hero so I wrote him a book, called “A Hero Is”. This book explores the diverse characteristics and virtues of what really makes a hero. It highlights that there are every day, REAL heroes and every boy (or girl) can be one!

As I viewed the world and saw the many issues in our society involving identity issues, sexualisation and violence I realised that

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Celebrate...

Mimi B had an exceptional idea to keep family dinner time fun. With colour, creativity and clever thinking, she planned a series of special dinners to celebrate... just because!

Mimi shares about her book and answers some questions about her journey in this interview with Indulge.

Tell us about your family… what do you love to do?

My husband and I have been married for 18 fun-filled years and we are still learning new little things about each other. We’re totally blessed with 3 life-loving children aged between ten and fourteen years of age. Together we PLAY (the more adventures the better) PRAY (keeping our hearts in check and in tune) and EAT (sharing food and thoughts go hand in hand) and we try to always have fun and meaning in whatever we do.

What led you to write your book?

It was a few years ago now, when our eldest was nine, we were struggling financially. We sacrificed going away on holidays, visiting amusement parks, going out for dinner and basically paying for our entertainment. My husband and I were determined that our children would not share the burden of missing out, simply because we couldn’t afford to pay for fun. Creativity kicked in and the ...Just Because! dinners began.

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As parents we soon realised our kids didn’t need to dine in restaurants, cafés or even fast food establishments to have fun. They would much rather bounce eggs on the trampoline, write their name with spaghetti or see Mum and Dad wearing a bib at the dinner table! We also realised that the more absurd the dinner theme, the more our kids cherished it, so we loosened up, went with the flow, celebrated everything and anything and purposely encouraged craziness... Just Because!

One day I was telling a friend about our Just Because! dinners and showing her some photos of a dinner we had just done. She suggested I write a book so that other families could also have fun at the dinner table. I had never ever thought of writing a book, but sometimes ideas are just meant to be shared.

How long did the development of the book take?

It took two and a half years from the first thought of writing the book to the day that it was released. It was a massive process and a mammoth learning curve. I have always said that if “CELEBRATE... just because!” can help one family create amazing life-long memories together, then it is all worth it.

Are there other books or authors that have inspired your journey to being an author?

GIVEAWAY

EMAIL info@indulgemagazine.com.au and tell us why you would love a copy of Celebrate... Just because!

Entries close Friday 7 November 2014 5pm (AEST).

Winners will be notified by return email.

Just because!

I love Donna Hay! I’m not a chef like her, but I love her simplicity and sense of fun. She makes a meal look and feel welcoming by creating a beautiful atmosphere. The type of atmosphere where you can sit around the dinner table for hours just talking and laughing... I love that!

What is the most important piece of advice someone has said to you?

When we were going through our tough financial time, a friend of ours said these words: “Just keep being thankful... in EVERY situation.” It was the best advice! My husband and I made a conscious decision to be thankful.

We deliberately changed the way we saw circumstances, the way we reacted to setbacks and the way we celebrated little victories. Our kids picked up on the “being thankful” thing and we would be genuinely thankful in every situation we found ourselves in.

What is a key value that you want your children to grow up with?

Put people first! “Stuff” isn’t going to bring long term happiness in life, but healthy, loving, supportive relationships will. Make people feel valuable, important, worthy and loved by giving them your undivided attention.

ALWAYS put people before things!

What is your favourite scripture verse? Deuteronomy 6:6-9 “Write these commandments that I’ve given you today on your hearts. Get them inside of you and then get them inside of your children. Talk about them wherever you are, sitting at home or walking in the street; talk about them from the time you get up in the morning to when you fall into bed at night. Tie them on your hands and foreheads as a reminder; inscribe them on the door posts of your homes and on your city gates.”

I love this scripture because no matter where we are or what we are doing, as parents we can be teaching our kids about Godly living.

Teaching our kids in everyday situations can be meaningful and impacting as well as being fun and memorable. In every situation, a little life lesson can be learnt.* To find out more email mimib@ celebratejustbecause.com or visit her website: www.celebratejustbecause.com

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Peace in the Home Article Candice Schmidt Photography Natasha Smith

Peace I leave to you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and afraid. John 14:27

WE ALL HAVE CHALLENGES going on in our life right now. My brain is processing so many things - my kids, a friend in need, a big decision, plus all the daily busyness of chores and errands and life stuff. My mind is also processing the events going on in the world right now and it is hard not to let my heart feel troubled. However, even when life is crazy around us, we can encounter supernatural peace within us. Peace comes from God, not circumstances. As we receive God’s love, mercy, grace and peace, we can then release peace into our homes.

As imperfect parents with imperfect kids living in an imperfect world, we will face stress. Dr Cris Beer highlights that up to 70 per cent of GP visits can be linked to the effects of stress. Lack of peace in one area can negatively affect us - spirit, soul and body.

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Here are some tips for smoother sailing through the storms of life:

SPIRIT “Believing prayer ushers in God’s peace. Not a random, nebulous, earthly peace, but his peace, imported from heaven. The same tranquility that marks the throne room, God offers to you.” – Max Lucado, Grace for the Moment Start your day right - Jesus escaped the crowds to spend time with God and we need to do the same. Time in worship, prayer and scripture allow God to infuse our spirit with life and peace. God’s presence brings a heavenly perspective.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. — Philippians 4:4-7 Speak words of life and blessing – we need to be careful not to partner with fear. Pray for peace to be released in your home and over your children as the day begins and when you say good night.

Journal – when our minds are full and trying to process life, it can help to write down what you are thankful for, pour out how you feel, add scriptures God highlights and prayer needs. Remember to write answers to those prayers as a reminder of God’s goodness.

SOUL Less is more – too much stress triggers cortisol and the fight or flight responses, so we are more likely to “lose” it with our family or friends. Narrow down the “to do” list to six things per day and then prioritise. Invite God to help with the details of your life, not just the major issues that you can’t fix.

Extend grace – we all need it. We need to love who we are and not focus on what we aren’t. The same is true for our kids. They are professional mistake makers. Don’t be surprised that the milk gets knocked over, siblings compete and life is full of unwelcome interruptions. The most unlovable are those who need love and grace the most.

Be prepared – We need to plan ahead for the tough times of the day – the morning school rush, dinner, homework, bed time battles, etc. Being organised whilst still creating time for the unexpected can save your sanity. Wake up a bit early or take time before bed to plan for the next day.

Invest in your support system - make time for family and friends to nurture community. Find women who have great kids or who do life well and glean from their wisdom.

So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of it’s own. Matthew 6:31-34

BODY

Watch that each person in your family is getting enough sleep, exercise and rest between stressful periods.

Choose healthy foods, especially protein to keep your sugar levels stable. If your children are out of control, consider what they are eating. My kids had dramatic changes in mood and behaviour when we cut out artificial colours, flavours and preservatives and increased the nutrient rich, fresh and natural foods in their diets. Eat regularly together as a family.

BREATHE! When you feel stressed, take five slow deep breaths to bring oxygen to the brain to calm you down.

PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS TO BRING PEACE TO THE HOME So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another. Romans 14:19 Peace starts with you! Take responsibility to manage yourself and how you respond. The storm within us can create a storm around us. We can be thermostats that set the temperature in the home. If you are struggling, get help – a counsellor, pastor, or friend’s wisdom and support can make a big difference. We need to find a healthy way to process these problems rather than upsetting others through our tone and words.

Nurture others – ask God for wisdom on how to bring peace to our children’s hearts.

Our children need to know that we love them unconditionally. There are two key principles of good parenting: love and connection setting limits and boundaries.

Loving parents are responsive parents. They show delight in their children. They meet their children’s needs for quality time, affection, support and help and they use encouraging words. They also reduce the anxiety by offering comfort, empathy and alleviating fears. They make the time to be attentive to their children.

Loving parents are also firm and say “no” when appropriate even when saying “yes” would be much easier. Their children don’t get everything they desire.

Good parents understand the need to protect their children’s hearts. They set clear standards for their children’s behaviour. They teach their children to consider their choices and to feel the weight of the consequences of their choice. Punitive parenting can lead to anger and rebellion but when children know they are loved but have clear expectations of behaviour, it provides a sense of security that they have parents who are in charge.

Fred Rogers said “Listening is where love begins.” L R Knost says “When we listen, we really get to know someone, learn about what motivates them, and understand their thoughts, hopes, dreams, hurts, disappointments, etc. All behaviours communicate underlying needs, and what we learn about the inner life of our children by listening to them will help us to focus on the needs behind the behaviours instead of simply correcting the ‘symptoms’ (i.e. the behaviour).”

Have fun - laugh, dance, be silly, have family traditions and create memories together. Enjoy the moments of each day! Turn off technology and allow play and creativity.

It is hard initially to turn off the screens but you will be surprised how happy children are when they have a break from the TV and computers.

Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.

2 Corinthians 13:11 (NIV). *

Candice desires to see people thrive in every area of life.

She has a Degree in Psychology and a Diploma in Counselling.

She has been married for 19 years to a Paediatrician and they have lived in several countries but have called the Gold Coast, Australia home for the past five years. They have four children between the ages of 7 and 15. Her passion is to “Live well, laugh often, love much”. She loves to help people live to their full God-given potential: spirit, soul, and body.

She is a trained facilitator of ‘Toolbox Parenting’ .

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Books Reviews by Gina Hamilton

Fashioned to Reign Kris Vallotton

If you think that women have lost their place in society and the church, then you will certainly find yourself cheering Kris Vallotton on with every statement he has made to affirm women in his new book Fashioned to Reign. The purpose of this book is ”to remove the heavy oppression that the religious spirit has placed on many women.” Vallotton’s book is both highly enjoyable and entertaining from its very beginning; whereby he very cleverly narrates the story of Creation with the aim of giving honour to the role that God originally gave Eve (woman) when He created her to co-reign with Adam (man). This narration sets the tone of the book which encourages women to be all God has created them to be while co-reigning with men.

Vallotton is incessantly respectful towards his readers throughout the book as he continually clarifies the meaning of some of the potentially controversial statements he makes to ensure that they are fully understood in relation to the intentions of his thought processes. Therefore any misunderstandings can be alleviated. At the end of each chapter we are gifted with a short biography of an empowered woman (such as Joan of Arc, Mother Teresa, Joyce Meyer) who has made an impact on the world through their callings. This book is for anyone who wants to unearth God’s ultimate plan for woman, and that’s not just to empower us to being preachers, teachers or leaders as such.

Vallotton justifiably surmises that “a strong woman is someone who is walking in her God-given identity, unaffected by the world’s image of the feminine role or the religious pressure to conform to some reduced version of herself.”

Bridge to Haven Francine Rivers

“I want to be somebody” is the underlying theme of Francine Rivers’s latest stand-alone title. Set in the 1950s, Abra Matthews, abandoned at birth under a bridge on the outskirts of the small-town Haven and discovered/raised by Pastor Zeke and ailing wife Marianne, is undertaking a journey to find her true identity and, simultaneously, her identity in Christ. Running off to Hollywood with bad-boy Dylan in her teens proves to be the first of a series of bad decisions she makes. As she experiences the highs and lows of making it in Tinseltown, she is forced to become an idealised version of herself, actress Lena Scott, created by her perfectionist agent, Franklin. Fast-track a few years and Abra manages to escape her sordid lifestyle and begins to regain confidence in who she really is through the support and love of her childhood friend, Joshua.

Francine Rivers is famous for penning authentic characters that seem real and linger with you as you read about them from chapter to chapter. You typically find yourself anticipating another chunk of time when the book can be picked up and read; and picked up more frequently as the novel draws to an end. Rivers portrays a raw reality of our world, even in Christian circles, and the temptations towards the secular lifestyle choices we face. She doesn’t seem to sugar-coat the issues she addresses but, rather, treats them with due respect; issues such as pre-marital sex, rape, abortion, suicide and lying/ cheating. Like many of her other novels, such as Redeeming Love, forgiveness and redemption undergird the constructs of Bridge to Haven. Evidently, these strong Christian themes are a testament of God’s love and grace for all her readers.

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Share the Christmas Story with your choice of candle fragrance

T.S.John

INSPIRED BY LEGACY

Fragrances remind you of time, people and place. The T.S. John Company has created fragrances that will invoke your own memories of time (past and present), people and place. Allow the scents to change the atmosphere as the story unfolds right where you are.

The T.S. John company is inspired by the legacy of T.S. John, whose creative philanthropy changed many lives. Appreciative of the traditions into which we were born and the values held in T.S. John's legacy, we have created fragrances that compliment the memories our family hold of him.

Gift Box and Gift Tag Included Visit our website for Special ocassions/Christmas gift ideas:

—Bridgett Leslie.

www.tsjohn.com email: info@tsjohn.com

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Body

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Two summer essentials will be a kaftan and a great pair of wedges

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Stylists’ Secrets

5 minutes with Katherine Galvin Article: Tanya Epis Photography: Glen Krohn

Katherine Galvin is the head stylist for Australia at ID Couture (www.idcouture.com). She offers a fresh and energetic approach to fashion styling.

She has a background in client services, travel, interior design and fashion design. Katherine has the experience to tackle any style challenge.

She is formally qualified and she recognises that there is not a ‘one size fits all’ approach to styling; that each and every client brings their own individuality which is ripe for accentuation.

Katherine works with each client to discover their personal style and coordinate their wardrobe for any occasion.

Just before she jetted off to Bali for this fun summer shoot, I sat down with Katherine and we chatted about fashion tips for this summer.

What are the key looks we will see coming through in the shops this summer?

Kaftans and Kimonos will be popular. Any items that have great colour and accentuate a Californian casual glamour look. Think of bright,

bold colours, metallic, and pattern clashing.

What are the five must have items in your wardrobe?

A great pair of jeans, loads of accessories, a blazer, a pair of stilettos, and a little black dress.

What two pieces will you be adding to your personal wardrobe this summer?

A Kaftan and a great pair of wedges!

Which hair fashion will dominate this season?

We are seeing lots of natural soft flowing styles, very boho, and all natural coloured hair. And of course beach hair for summer.

What are the hot tips for great make-up this summer?

Make-up is also about that natural beauty.

Pink lips and bronze colours, natural shimmer highlights on the cheeks and minimal coverage with foundation. * To find out more about Katherine and her stylist services contact her on 0414486722.

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Seeking Peace Organising You Article: Shannon Upton Photography: istock.com

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I ORGANISE FOR JESUS. I know how that sounds. When I mention “Organizing You Ministries” in casual conversation, brows furrow. How does one do something as secular as organising and call it a ministry?

Honestly, I never would have thought of it either. My plan was to become a professional organiser who helps people to clear out the clutter in their homes. I thought that would be the best way to use my love of organising to serve others and serve the Lord…but we are blessed with a God whose ways are higher than our ways and thoughts are higher than our thoughts.

When my second child was born, I entered a period of clinical anxiety. I was constantly fearful and frequently overwhelmed with panic. During that time, I learned how much a little organisation helped me to relax. When I spent a few morning minutes prayerfully planning, I felt more at peace in my home for the rest of the day.

I also learned to seek a restful heart through prayerful surrender. Over and over, I would intentionally lift up anxieties and other struggles, like my perfectionism and my tendency to compare myself to others. Soon I’d feel God’s peace fill the place in my heart where those worries had been.

After four long years of struggling with severe anxiety, the Lord granted me the healing of my spirit. I quickly realised that the things He’d taught me about pursuing peace could be used for His glory. He did call me to use organisation to bring peace to others—just not in the way that I had originally planned. He took my talents and life experiences and wrapped them up for me in a clear vision: I was to help my sisters in Christ use organisation to clear out their spiritual clutter.

Our God is not a God of disorder but of peace (1 Corinthians 14:33). We all have the spiritual clutter of worries and anxieties. That clutter causes a disorder in our hearts that’s contrary to the peace with which He wants to bless us. The good news is, we can clear out that spiritual clutter with the two anti-anxiety tools I developed during my time of anxiety: realistic organisation and prayerful surrender.

to-do list, so don’t let it overwhelm you. Enjoy getting your spiritual clutter out of your head and onto paper!

At the end of the week, sit down with your list and pray over it. Ask the Lord for the peace that passes all understanding to guard your heart and mind as you face your anxieties and worries. Ask Him for wisdom and discernment as you begin to clear out that spiritual clutter.

Next, organise your list with Jesus by writing down your Godly goals. What do you feel God calling you to do?

What relationships can you strengthen for His glory? How can you utilise your God-given gifts and talents? Be as clear and specific as possible.* Write a to-do list of first steps toward those goals.

Don’t make the goal list itself into a to-do list—it will overwhelm you! Instead, write down the first step toward accomplishing each goal. As you begin to cross them off, write the next step and the next, until you have conquered each piece of spiritual clutter.

Finally, consider those pieces of spiritual clutter that you don’t want to organise. Some of your thoughts don’t require action; they need to be surrendered. Ask the Lord to lift that burden of anxiety from you. Spend time in The Word, finding scriptures that speak truth into your life about your particular worries. Decide to read them each morning until you’ve cleared that clutter out of your heart.

Through intentional living and God’s great grace, you can live your life in the abundance of Jesus Christ. You can make room for God’s peace by clearing the clutter out of your spirit.

Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 10:5, “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” Check out those action words! Take captive your worries by prayerfully deciding exactly what to do about them. Demolish your anxieties by surrendering them to our Lord. Get organised with Jesus and for Him. Seek peace and pursue it! * *For more help with goal setting, check out the “Now or Later: Goal Setting” article on OrganizingJesusMoms.com.

You can use these two tools intentionally to calm your spirit, choosing to enjoy your family and walk with Jesus each day. The Lord tells us to seek peace and pursue it!

(Psalm 34:14) You can proclaim peace over your life, first by discovering what worries are cluttering your spirit and then by tackling those anxieties with organisation and surrender.

Over the next week, really listen for your spiritual clutter.

Worries and anxieties are an almost constant undercurrent to our everyday contemplations. What “I need to…” or “I should be…” or “I’ve got to remember…” thoughts are cluttering your mind and heart? Carry a notepad in your pocket or your purse and start a list. (You can even use your phone.) Write it all down, every last worry. This isn’t a

Shannon Upton is a Christian speaker and the author of Organizing You: Finding Your Spiritual Clutter and Using Organization to Clear it Out. If you’d like to start some good organisational habits with the support of your friends, Shannon offers a free six-week group Bible study to accompany her book. For more information about her ministry, check out www.OrganizingJesusMoms.com.

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Internal Body Wars

Tips for halting the health battle within Article: Dr Cris Beer Photography istock

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SOMETIMES WE JUST DO NOT FEEL GOOD. You know that feeling where you just don’t have your usual spark. This can be a transient feeling or it can last for months, or even years for some people.

When this happens our body seems to be fighting us and our best efforts to feel good. It is like we have our own body war happening on the inside of us. So what exactly is going on and what can we do about it? How can we get our spark and energy back?

Firstly, it is important to recognise that our mind, body, and spirit are connected. When we are ‘sick’ in one area, the other areas suffer. The key to start the healing process is to try and identify where our level of dis-ease is coming from. Did it all start with an infection that could not be shaken like glandular fever, and ever since has caused a feeling of malaise? Or was it an extended period of high stress that caused our body to ‘fall apart’? Or is it a lonely heart that is deep down eating away at the very core? Could it be an unrenewed mind to the promises of God that is impacting our health?

Whatever it might be, it is time to start proclaiming peace with ourselves and regain our health again.

Below are some tips on how we might be able to do this in our body, mind, and spirit.

Body Peace – our bodies are remarkably hardly.

Given the right conditions they will heal themselves.

Remember that our bodies are organic, that is, they are made of natural substances. In fact, we are made of very similar building blocks to other animals, and even plants and trees to some extent.

But we would not feed our pet dog cola or water our plants with lemonade. Why is that? Because we know that those things are not good for them.

Yet why do we think it is ok to feed ourselves these things? It might sound too simple, but if we start living the way our past ancestors lived in terms of the foods we eat then we would be much healthier.

That is to say, keep food unprocessed. Drink mainly water, the occasional caffeinated or alcoholic drink, and keep dietary sugar intake to a minimum. Getting enough sleep too, which is around 7-9 hours for adults, is imperative for a healthy body.

“Firstly, it is important to recognise that our mind, body, and spirit are connected. When we are ‘sick’ in one area, the other areas suffer.”

Spirit Peace – our spirits are very sensitive to

being crushed and very responsive to the Word of God. We can build our internal resilience by building up our spirit. Being exposed to God’s Word regularly builds our spiritual fortitude and impacts every other aspect of our internal health. Neglecting this can lead to a sense of emptiness and a void that does not seem to fill. We were made for a relationship with our Creator and this is the true foundation to being healed from the inside out.

So to sum up; if we find ourselves just not feeling as good as usual, we should consider the possibility that we may be fighting with ourselves by not living the best lives that we could be leading. Considering the above tips can start us making peace, not war within our bodies. Health, energy, and vitality will be the result. *

Mind Peace

– the basis of a sound mind is to reduce stress levels. Stress steals our peace.

Stress can be reduced by practicing ‘escapism’, that is either real or perceived escape from the stressful situation. Real escape involves changing our lifestyles. Sometimes we cannot change our situation, but we can change our perspective towards the stress. We can reframe it to see the positives rather than the negatives in the situation.

We can also physically escape from a stressful situation by exercising, having a break, calling a good friend, or getting some counselling to help develop better coping skills.

Dr Cris MBBS (hons), BBMedSci, ACNEM Primary Course, P.T. As an expert in nutritional medicine she specialises not just in the prevention and treatment of illnesses, but in the attaining of optimum health. She believes that this state is achievable for anyone and passionately shares this message as a media personality. Dr Cris believes a person can develop resistance to illnesses by employing simple strategies. She has compiled these simple strategies from her broad studies in medicine, biomedical science, integrative and nutritional medicine, health coaching, as well as personal fitness training.

She holds recognised qualifications in all these areas.

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Winning Bedrooms Create a haven Article: Rebecca McLean Photography: istock.com

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LOOK AROUND YOUR BEDROOM... does your heart

sing or sink? Do you make the children’s beds but not your own? Is there a mountain of washing that you are just too tired to face? Does your husband collapse into bed only to have Barbie’s leg impale him through the kidneys? The word ‘sanctuary’ definitely doesn’t come to mind! We all know this scenario is not conducive to a restorative and peaceful night’s sleep. I think sometimes the bedroom slips down the priority list because it is a more private space. We naturally tend to put finances, time and creative energy into the public areas that we live and entertain in.

But when you think about it, our bedroom is one of the most important rooms. The place where we head at the end of a long day to unwind, relax, spend time with our spouse and sleep. When considering all the design choices for a bedroom; colour, patterns, furniture, furnishings and décor, ask yourself... will this choice inspire me? Will it encourage rest and relaxation? And does it enhance my sense of peace or joy?

Purpose Buit Bedroom

Put very simply, the bedroom is not meant to be a multitasking room. Banish all clutter, to-do lists, washing baskets, ironing, unfinished projects and toys. You will immediately feel more relaxed and the room will instantly look larger. Clutter and dust go hand in hand (also not great for a sleeping environment) and together, they war with your sense of peace. Pinterest and interiors websites often suggest that you can have designated areas in your bedroom for other purposes. For example a small home office in the bedroom may look beautiful on Pinterest but in real life, it quickly becomes a jumble of end-of-day leftovers. Having a yoga mat rolled up under your bed for some stretching is one thing, but parking the All-in-One Exo Gym Trainer in the corner of your bedroom is another! In every aspect keep the bedroom’s sole purpose for comfort and relaxation in mind.

Set The Tone

Colour is an important and personal consideration; everyone reacts differently to colour. A mood board can be a fantastic way of gathering your thoughts, looking at both the details and the ‘big picture’, giving you a platform to bounce off ideas. Mood boards can be designed online using one of the various programs available, or create your own using paint colour cards, swatches of fabric and wallpapers and pictures from magazines. Keep bedrooms light and airy, walls and floors in neutral tones. Then add colours that you love to the space, through bedding, soft furnishings and décor. As a general rule, blues and greens are soothing and serene, purples and metallics exude luxury and glamour, warm reds, oranges and yellows enliven and bring a sense of coziness. Incorporating different shades of the same colour through the pillows, bedding, or a comfy reading chair can be very effective in creating a sense of calmness in the room.

The Balancing Effect

Your bedroom should be a reflection of yourself and your husband; a balance of feminine and masculine. I think we have all been to a B&B or have seen photos of the quintessential English motel, that has layer on layer of

busy floral all in shades of pink. I mean honestly, what self respecting male would want to sleep in a room like that for more than three nights!? Now that doesn’t mean that all florals should be banished. I personally love to incorporate touches of a beautiful floral pattern in most rooms, including the bedroom. Do this subtly in the way of pillows, cushions and soft furnishings, mixing florals with another pattern such as a geometric or dotty design. A ‘His’ and ‘Hers’ look can be incorporated in other ways such as monogrammed pillows or different bedside tables.

Natural Focus

The bed is naturally the focal point of any bedroom and should be positioned to maximise the view. When thinking about furniture choices and layout there are two ways you can go. If you are a person who is naturally drawn to order, balance and clean lines, a symmetrical bedroom layout will look stunning and enhance your feeling of tranquillity and peace. Perhaps if you are a more creative and casual couple, steer away from all matching furniture and embrace the eclectic style of unique and one-off pieces.

Beautiful Bedding

New bedding is the quickest way of updating a tired bedroom. It is a personal choice, but I can’t go past white bedding. It looks clean, fresh and inviting and allows you to easily change the look with pillows and throws. White doesn’t need to be boring. Look for texture within your neutral palette, like sweet ruching or pintucks. Satin and velvet cushions appeal to the senses, looking and feeling very luxurious. If you love a casual look there are many fun designs on Etsy or other online stores.

Light It Up

Lighting can be overlooked in a makeover, but it really is the icing on the cake! In a bedroom, it is important to think about layering your light sources. From a beautiful statement light, to a wall pendant above your reading corner, or tall lamps on the bedside tables, all playing a part in both function and ambience. A dimmer switch will help give you softness and mood lighting. The perfect finishing touch to a bedroom is a hint of sparkle. Whether it comes from candlelight, sequins on a cushion, metallics on a photo frame or an intricately cut mirror, a gentle, soft sparkle will make your heart sing.

An escape from the hustle and bustle of life, our bedrooms should truly be a sanctuary. A place where we can be still, reflect, connect with our spouse, dream and spend time with our Heavenly Father. * Rebecca is a wife, mother of three girls, and business owner of Signature Homewares. Her love of home making came into its own after completing an Arts degree and marrying her husband, a structural engineer... design and style runs in the family! Rebecca fine-tuned her style after renovating several homes, drawing inspiration from classic French and English interiors and the relaxed Hampton’s lifestyle. Rebecca has always had an eye for beautiful things, and derives great pleasure from creating warm family spaces that are both stylish and liveable. Signature Homewares was birthed with a desire to source unique and affordable products, with a strong emphasis on personalised service, encouraging women to be confident in their own ‘signature’ style.

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Summer Delights Angela Frost

•MINI STICKY DATE PUDDINGS WITH BUTTER-SCOTCH SAUCE• SERVES 12 • Prep 25 mins • Cook 25 mins

220g chopped pitted dates 250mls boiling water 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda 100g butter - chopped 135g brown sugar 2 eggs 150g self-raising flour Ice Cream to serve Butterscotch sauce 150g butter 250mls pouring cream 265g brown sugar 1. Preheat oven to 180°c.

2. Place dates, water and bicarb-soda in a bowl and allow to stand for 5 minutes.

3. Place date mixture into the bowl of a food processor with the butter and sugar and process until well combined.

4. Add the eggs and flour and process until just combined.

5. Grease 12 - 3/4 cup muffin pan and spoon mixture into prepared pan.

6. Bake for 25 minutes or until cooked and tested with a skewer.

To make sauce: place butter, cream and sugar into a saucepan over a medium heat and stir until butter is melted. Bring to the boil and cook for 4 minutes or until slighlty thickened. Spoon over puddings and serve with ice cream.

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•BAKED SALMON EN CROUTE• SERVES 4 • Prep 15 mins • Cook 25 mins

1tbsp olive oil 1 onion, chopped 1 garlic clove, finely sliced 100g baby spinach 1 tbsp. lemon zest 2 tbsp. sour cream 1 tbsp seeded mustard 1 tbsp. dill, chopped 4 sheets puff pastry 4 x 150g salmon fillets, skin removed 1 egg, beaten 1. Preheat oven to 200°c.

2. Heat olive oil in a frying pan over a medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cook for 5-7 minutes. Add spinach, cook for 2 minutes.

Stir in lemon zest, sour cream, mustard and dill. Season. Set aside to cool.

3. Cut each pastry sheet in half, spoon spinach mixture in the middle of 4 pieces of pastry. Top each with a salmon fillet.

4. Enclose salmon with remaining pastry. Place parcels on a lined baking tray. Brush with egg.

5. Bake for 25 minutes.

•CREAMY SMOKED SALMON, LEEK & POTATO SOUP• SERVES 8 • Prep 15 mins • Cook 25 mins

Large knob of butter 2 large leeks, finely sliced 1 bay leaf 3 rashers of bacon, diced 1 kg floury potatoes 1 litre Vegetable stock 100mls double cream 200g smoked salmon, cut into strips Small bunch of chives, snipped

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1. Heat the butter in a large saucepan and add the leeks, bacon and bay leaf. Cook over a low heat for 10 minutes or until the leeks are really soft, then stir through the potatoes until coated in butter. Pour over the stock and cream and bring to a simmer, then gently bubble for 10-15 mins until the potatoes are really tender.

2. Add two-thirds of the smoked salmon, stir through and season.

3. Serve the soup in deep bowls with remaining salmon and snipped chives on the top.

An Invitation to new life...

Dear Jesus, I believe in you. I believe that you died on the cross for me.

Thank you for your love.

I confess that I have sinned and I wish to turn away from sin, please forgive me. Please come into my heart and change me from the inside out. Make me a new creation and let me know that I am your child. Help me to live my life for you from this day forward.

Amen

If you have prayed this prayer, we would encourage you to find a local church and speak to a pastor.

Indulge m a g a z i n e 51 We would also love to hear from you here at Indulge Magazine by emailing us at info@indulgemagazine.com.au

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