Revisiting Your New Year’s Resolutions – (Remember Those?)
By: Bec Harris
It’s easy to start the new year full of enthusiasm for change. But by this time of year, many resolutions have fizzled.
Tag Archive for: sonshine
Pokies, Sports Betting and Kids: How Gambling Is Harming Australians
By: Bec Harris
Reverend Tim Costello, Chief Advocate for the Alliance for Gambling Reform, reveals the staggering scale of gambling harm in Australia. From pokies to sports betting, Australians are losing billions, and the consequences are devastating.
The Scale of Gambling Losses
Australia loses $32 billion each year to gambling, the highest per capita in the world. Tim explained: “The nation that comes second in gambling losses is 30% less than us. The world looks at us and asks, how did we allow this?”
Pokies account for $17 billion, sports betting $6 billion, with horse racing and greyhounds adding more. Even more shocking: “We have 20% of all the world’s pokies, but 75% are in pubs and clubs. Everywhere else, pokies are only in casinos.”
Unlike casinos, pokies are everywhere: in pubs, clubs, and even shopping areas. Australians often gamble unintentionally, with machines designed for predatory addiction.
The Impact on Families and Young People
The reach of gambling goes beyond adults. Tim highlighted a growing problem among youth: “Influencers are paid by the pokies industry to show how fun it is to feed cash into machines.”
Combined with 900 gambling ads a day on free-to-air TV, many children are absorbing adult gambling behaviours. “Eighty per cent of ten-year-olds now know the odds on AFL and NRL games,” Tim said. “The normalisation is devastating.”
What Can Be Done?
Advocacy is key. Tim outlined practical steps:
- Pokies: Lobby state politicians. Each state has jurisdiction.
- Sports betting: Contact federal representatives, especially the Communications Minister.
“Get boots on the ground. Send letters. Touch base with your politicians,” Tim urged. Western Australia sets a strong example, with no pokies in pubs or clubs and much lower gambling losses.
A Call for National Reform
Despite bipartisan support for a national gambling regulator, recommendations remain ignored. “We need to treat gambling as a health issue, not a sports issue,” Tim said. “Where there’s gambling in a family, there’s four times more domestic violence.”
Public support is overwhelming: 80% of Australians want gambling ads banned, yet action is lagging. “Politicians need to listen. The public has spoken,” Tim added.
Article supplied with thanks to Sonshine.
Feature image: Canva
A 16-Year-Old Aussie Teen Is Spreading Faith Through Fragrance
By: Bec Harris
At just 16 years old, Ryan Oosthuizen is doing something remarkable. He’s not just starting a business, he’s starting a ministry.
Ryan is the founder of BoTL – Blessings of the Lord, a Christian fragrance brand based in Perth. What began as a prayer, when he was just 15, has become a purpose-driven business designed to spread faith in a subtle but powerful way.
From Prayer to Purpose
Ryan didn’t wake up one day with a business plan. Instead, he started with a question.
“What am I meant to do with my life?”
Like many young people, he felt uncertain about the future. So he did something simple but bold. He prayed. He asked God for direction. According to Ryan, the answer was clear.
God gave him a vision. That vision became BoTL.
With support from his parents and a strong Christian upbringing, Ryan stepped out in faith. His goal was not profit alone, it was impact.
Turning Pain Into Purpose
Ryan Oosthuizen’s journey has not been easy. He lost his brother, and the grief was deep. The questions were heavy. Yet, instead of stopping, Ryan chose to move forward.
He decided to honour his brother by living with purpose. He committed to showing others that no matter what happens, faith can carry you through. With God at the centre, Ryan believes nothing is impossible.
That belief now fuels everything BoTL stands for.
What Does BoTL Mean?
BoTL stands for Blessings of the Lord. But it is more than a name.
Ryan describes BoTL as a message in a bottle. Each fragrance is designed to spark curiosity, start conversations, and gently introduce people to faith.
It is not about preaching, it’s about presence. “It’s a subtle way to help people encounter God,” Ryan says. “Even through something as simple as smelling good.”
Why Fragrance?
The answer is practical and personal. Ryan loves fragrance – he always has. He also knows that first impressions matter. People respond to scent – it opens doors. More importantly, Ryan believes God can use anything, even perfume.
By combining passion with purpose, Ryan found a way to grow God’s Kingdom through something he genuinely loves.
Building a Fragrance Brand at 15
Starting a fragrance business is no small task. Especially at 15. Ryan learned quickly. He researched online, watched videos, studied scent profiles and fragrance notes. Eventually, he partnered with a fragrance manufacturer in Dubai.
Ryan selected specific accords and notes. From 14 fragrance samples, he narrowed the range down to four signature scents. Those four are now in production, with 1,000 bottles arriving in Perth.
The BoTL Fragrance Range
Each BoTL fragrance carries its own identity:
- Aroma Day – A fresh, uplifting men’s scent with citrus notes
- The Chosen – A deeper men’s fragrance with sandalwood and vanilla
- Jubilation – A sweet women’s scent featuring rum and caramel
- Perfection – A youthful floral blend with grapefruit and spice
The fragrances were tested by more than 50 people. The favourites rose quickly and the choice was clear.
Marketing With Meaning
BoTL’s marketing strategy focuses on social media. Ryan uses TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook to share his story, his faith, and his fragrances. He shares short videos, honest conversations and has a clear purpose.
Some Christian influencers have already partnered with him. The goal is simple. Reach people where they are and let the story speak for itself.
Distribution From a Garage
Ryan Oosthuizen’s operation is hands-on – very hands-on. The stock is being stored in his family garage. Ryan packs every order himself. He labels the boxes. He even sprays fragrance inside so the package smells great on arrival.
Customers can choose local pickup in Mandurah or Australia Post shipping across Australia and New Zealand. International shipping is planned for the future.
A Business With an Eternal Vision
Ryan doesn’t see BoTL as just a brand – he sees it as a ministry.
His long-term vision is global. He hopes the business will fund mission work around the world, from the poorest communities to the wealthiest cities, Ryan wants to share the love of Jesus with anyone willing to listen.
A Message to Young Dreamers
Ryan Oosthuizen’s advice is simple. If God puts something on your heart, do it.
Don’t wait, don’t overthink it. Pray, talk to people, take the step. Ryan believes that if God is behind it, nothing can stop it.
Age doesn’t matter. Background doesn’t matter. Faith does.
Supporting Young Faith-Filled Entrepreneurs
Ryan’s story is a reminder that God can work through anyone, at any age, in any industry.
From loss came purpose. From prayer came vision. BoTL is more than perfume, it is proof that when faith leads, impact follows. Check out the BoTL range here.
Article supplied with thanks to Sonshine.
Feature image: Supplied
Building Resilient Kids as We Head Into a New Year
By: Bec Harris
As we head into a new year, many parents are reflecting on family routines and goals for 2026. One common challenge is helping children take responsibility for everyday tasks – like putting away school bags, picking up towels, or tidying toys – without constant reminders. While it may seem like children are acting deliberately, understanding what’s happening in their brains can completely change how we respond.
Learning Intervention Specialist, Natalie Nicholls from PLECS Learning, shared insights about resilient kids and how parents can take a compassionate, brain-based approach to executive functioning as they head into the new year.
Understanding the “See and Do” Approach
Natalie explained that expecting children to automatically complete tasks often overlooks how their brains process information. For example, a child may ignore a school bag left in the hallway, not out of defiance, but because their brain is overwhelmed with other priorities or sensory input.
“When we delve into the why underneath, it helps us get more action and the results we’re actually looking for,” Natalie said.
As we start a new year, parents can shift their perception. Instead of assuming a child is being difficult, ask: What else is going on in their brain right now? Recognising that each child – and adult – is wired differently is a crucial first step toward effective, compassionate guidance.
How Brain Chemistry Influences Behaviour
Natalie highlighted the role of dopamine, a chemical that influences motivation, task initiation, and attention. Low dopamine levels, often seen in children with ADHD traits, can make it harder for kids to start tasks or notice what needs to be done.
Parents can support their children in the new year by:
- Exploring ways to increase dopamine naturally
- Using structured strategies to teach children how to see and act on tasks
“We cannot expect a child’s behaviour to exceed the brain’s capacity,” Natalie explained. “This applies to adults too – when expectations exceed capacity, we get stressed, anxious, and overwhelmed.”
Understanding this principle allows parents to approach children with more compassion and less frustration in 2026 and beyond.
Trauma and Neurodiversity: Seeing the Bigger Picture
Natalie also addressed the impact of trauma and neurodiversity. Children who have experienced trauma may react based on the age at which the trauma occurred. Similarly, children with ADHD or other neurodiverse traits may appear hyperactive or withdrawn.
“The brain will go into protective mode,” Natalie said. “When parents are stressed too, their child’s nervous system mirrors that stress.”
Recognising these patterns ensures that teaching moments occur when both parent and child have the capacity to engage, rather than in moments of heightened emotion – a crucial approach to begin the year with calm and clarity.
Practical Steps for “See and Do”
Natalie outlined practical ways to implement this approach as families start fresh in the new year:
- Check Your Capacity First – Ensure you’re calm before addressing tasks. Teaching when triggered is ineffective.
- Start Small – Use micro-moments in everyday life. Speak out loud about what you see, e.g., “I see the dishwasher is full. What could we do?”
- Ask Questions, Don’t Command – Invite participation rather than issuing orders. For example: “Can you help me with the groceries?” instead of “Put the groceries away.”
- Praise the Action, Not the Person – Focus feedback on specific behaviour rather than personal traits: “You noticed the gate needed opening and did it – great work!”
- Build Life Skills – These micro-moments teach children to notice and act on tasks independently, a skill that extends to school, work, and life beyond the home.
“This isn’t just about a tidy house,” Natalie emphasised. “It’s about equipping children with a skill for life.”
A Kinder Approach for a Fresh Start
By focusing on compassion, brain capacity, and micro-teaching moments, parents can reduce frustration and help children develop independence as we head into 2026. Natalie’s approach encourages parents to shift perception, ask questions, and provide structured support, rather than relying on repeated commands or criticism.
“The goal is not a perfect house, but resilient kids who can see, decide, and act,” Natalie concluded.
Key Takeaways for Parents This New Year
- Recognise your child’s brain capacity before setting expectations
- Use questions and observation instead of commands
- Praise specific actions, not personal traits
- Focus on micro-moments to teach life-long skills
Implementing these strategies can help families start the new year with calmer routines, stronger bonds, and resilient, capable children ready to face the year ahead.
Article supplied with thanks to Sonshine.
Feature image: Canva
The Purpose of Praise and Worship in Church
By: Bec Harris
When you walk into a church service, chances are the first thing you’ll hear is music.
When Do You Really Become a Christian?
By: Kourtney Smith
I often wonder when people truly know they are Christians. Many recall a moment of conversion. But for me, it wasn’t obvious.
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What to Do When Your Marriage Feels Over
By: Feranmi Taiwo
Pastor Phil Ayres, from Kingdomcity Church, believes that even separated couples can find a way forward. He offers some practical steps for those standing at the edge of a broken relationship.
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How to Raise Independent Kids
By: Feranmi Taiwo
Letting go can be scary, but raising confident, capable kids starts earlier than you think. Susan Woodworth explores how parents can nurture independence, even in toddlers.
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The Role of a Lifetime—Gollum in ‘Lord of the Rings: A Musical Tale’
By: Kourtney Smith
For actor Laurence Boxall, the challenging role of Gollum in The Lord of the Rings: A Musical Tale is the chance of a lifetime. Read more