Archive for November, 2011

Yesterday, today, tomorrow

Friday, November 18, 2011

And the God who makes everything beautiful for its own time

Bethany Turner
Bachelor of Ministry and Theology (Honours) student
Avondale College of Higher Education

This is it: Avondale’s year of 2011 is about to end.

It’s hard to believe.

I remember the year beginning with similarly hot, sunny days. Classes were starting. Everything seemed fresh and new.

What about now?

Summer holidays stretch tantalisingly ahead, but, for many, a question mark hangs over them: what next?

My dreams for next year have plenty of gaps. I know only a little of what’s coming, but I’m OK with this. I know God’s presence will fill tomorrow. I know He will lead the way just as He has today. As the wise man says, “God has made everything beautiful for its own time” (Ecclesiastes 3:11, NLT).

Yesterday was beautiful: I remember so many experiences, lessons and moments.

Today is full of beauty, too. As I sit on the back porch this morning to pray, I realise I have so much for which to be thankful: the birds, their singing; the breeze, its freshness; the flowers, their colour; food, its taste; and the sunshine, its warmth. I’m happy because God is alive and I belong to Him. I sense His closeness, and I know love and peace are here, His gifts to me again.

Tomorrow is full of questions, but I know it will be beautiful, too—because God will be there just as He is today.

As the old sage says, “Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!” (Habakkuk 3:17-19, NLT)

 

On air

Friday, November 18, 2011

Communicators record at top radio stations

Lorisse Bazley
Public relations editorial intern
Avondale College of Higher Education
Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia

Producers at Central Coast radio stations 2GO and SeaFm have helped communication students at Avondale College of Higher Education record scripts written in class.

Under the guidance of production director David Horspool, the Writing for Broadcast Media (Radio) students received an industry intensive. They met “Cam from 9” host Cameron Humphreys from 2GO, whose ability to play the role of any character in a script impressed the students. “[Voiceover] is like acting,” he said. “Always push the envelope too far, so someone can pull it back.”

Brock Goodhill found the experience—including meeting Altiyan Childs, the 2010 winner of television talent show The X Factor, in the car park—“surreal.” “I have greater appreciation for how much effort goes into producing what we hear.”

That is the goal of the excursion, says senior lecturer in communication Carolyn Rickett. “Giving students an opportunity to experience the real world enables their world to expand.” It may even encourage some to pursue a career in radio, and that is important because, according to David, it helps “keep the industry going.”

Luke’s spiritual renewal

Thursday, November 17, 2011

A distinctive yet unplanned theme of thankfulness emerged this past weekend (November 11-12), first with Remembrance Day, then at 7.28 with the baptism of Avondale College of Higher Education Bachelor of Arts student Luke Vodell. “God saved my life,” said Luke of the role faith played in his recovery from life-threatening injuries sustained in a skateboarding accident a year ago (Connections Vol 24 No 3). “That’s the reason I’m giving my life to Him.” Chaplain Dr Wayne French commends Luke for his commitment and encourages him as he graduates to “walk into the future with confidence.”—Sonja Larsen Credit: Jamin Binning.

Snap! at Jac

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Framed: Bachelor of Education (Primary) student Jerome Coutet and Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Teaching student Cheree Drisch in the photograph corner at the Jacaranda Banquet (Ettalong Beach Tourist Resort, November 6). Credit: Nathan Long.

Dedication: Renee Mau, Rebekah Bamford, Nikarri Parker, Daniel Zyderveld and Steph Bennett with Jacaranda honoree Dr Jane Fernandez-Goldborough (centre). Credit: Nathan Long.

Voting forms: Who could resist opening the forms to vote for Best Dressed Female, Best Dressed Male and Happily Ever After Couple. Credit: Nathan Long.

Page turner: Jacaranda appeals to Jace Roberts (left) and Mark Tipple (or are they searching eagerly for their photographs?). Credit: Nathan Long.

Banquet belles: Kristiarne Lawrence (left) and Beth Pitt (right). Credit: Nathan Long.

They don’t like cricket . . . they love it!

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Annual off- versus on-campus match close

Josh Dye
Public relations editorial intern
Avondale College of Higher Education
Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia

Watson Hall narrowly prevailed in a Twenty20 cricket match, Sunday (November 6), that pitted on-campus students against their off-campus classmates.

Watson’s tight bowling late in the game wrested back the annual trophy from the Allies’ grasp.

Batting first under sunny skies at Martinsville Oval, Watson scored 102 from their 20 overs.

The Allies, anchored by Bachelor of Theology/Bachelor of Ministry student Rick Meale, needed eight runs off the final over but could only score four to finish just short on 99.