More Tov Content Coming Soon
The Two Reasons we Hide from Love
For a variety of reasons, most of us live two lives: an external life and an internal life.
A Lament for Overthinkers Everywhere
Many of us struggle with habitual feelings of guilt and shame, worried that we are not doing, earning or being enough.
Reflections on Learning in Wartimes – Part 1
Friends, in 1939, during WWII, C.S. Lewis wrote Learning in Wartime. If you haven’t read it yet, I encourage you to do so. You can access it here. C.S. Lewis’ words are wise words indeed and have much to say to us here and now. And, whilst we are not in a war per se…
Reflections on Learning in Wartimes – Part 2
We look into the seven things you can put in place in your situation to optimise your learning and growth.
Siblings, Snacks and Social Media
Here are some helpful tips to help you deal with three of the most common issues reported by parents under pressure: sibling rivalry, food habits, and how to safely manage technology use.
5 Ideas to Foster Gratitude
It’s amazing how much happier a home is when it is filled with gratefulness. And whether it’s called gratefulness of thankfulness, its presence in the home and in our individual hearts is a choice – even during lockdown! The reality is that despite our challenging circumstances, we have so much to be grateful for. When…
Relationships Under Pressure
Whether you’re single, married, in a relationship, young, or not-so-young, chances are your relational world is under pressure as a result of the pandemic and the various levels of social distancing measures. So how do we navigate the next few months in ways that normalise the relationship struggles and equip us to redeem this time in the best way possible?
Reaching up, down, in and around
Franekel and Cho’s four-part framework can help couples and families cope in isolation and lockdown, and help mitigate the negative effects on our relationships.
Finances Under Pressure
Due to COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions, many of us may have experienced a reduction in our household income over the last 18 months. Like a lot of other parts of life, our finances are under pressure, with counsellors telling us they are fielding callers to financial support and related mental health services - many for the first time. The following tips can help us cope and provide important perspective.
Where Does my Treasure Lie?
There are many different opinions surrounding wealth. Through this lens of ultimate truth, we explore two key questions that if answered honesty and reflectively, can serve to ground us in uncertain times.
Faith Under Pressure: Where Are You Looking?
Where can we turn to? Where can we look during times when we are being bombarded relentlessly, it seems. I'd like to suggest three places to look, if you will, all drawn from God’s Word that will hopefully enable us to move forward even when our faith is under pressure.
Lest We Forget
Did you know that the phrase “lest we forget”, which we use to commemorate those who died in warfare, came from the Bible? “Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet, Lest we forget—lest we forget!” So the context is God, not those who have died.
Faith Under Pressure: Do you know who you are?
Who are you? A simple question to answer, or so it would seem. Responses will be varied depending on where you find yourself in this season of your life. Very often, one answers this question from the premise of a role. I am a husband. I am a wife. I am a mum. I am…
Wait. An Advent Reflection.
Near the heart of the Christmas / Advent Story is the expectation that God is going to offer a gift. The head-fake in this Bible story is that, when those waiting come up on or are given that gift, it’s just a baby.
Focusing on Jesus
The current season of Lent - which commenced on March 2nd - offers us an opportunity to do just that: keep our focus firmly on Jesus.
The Story of Tim
These are stressful times, and different brains respond in different ways. What exactly is happening here when social anxiety kicks in?
5 tips to manage your Anxiety
Those of us who have a tendency to worry know what it’s like to feel constantly in fight or flight battle mode. It can leave us feeling exhausted. Here are 5 tips to help keep a check on your anxiety and manage it in ways that have been found to work.
The shortest Psalm and the greatest wisdom
Psalm 117 is the shortest chapter in the Bible: just two verses, approximately thirty words. The message is powerful, especially for those who struggle with worry and anxiety. Here’s four take-away points from it.
5 Myths About Mental Illness Most Christians Hold
Myths and misconceptions about mental ill health can cause many Christians to avoid talking about their struggles, fear judgement, and not seek much-needed help. In the same way that neglecting physical health can have serious consequences, untreated mental illness can lead to more significant problems. Here are some of the top 5 Christian misconceptions about…
Here’s What it’s Like Being a Church Leader and Depressed
Blameless. A leader and lover in the home. Self-controlled. Disciplined. Honest. Hospitable. One who holds firmly to the truth. These are just some of the qualifications that the Bible holds out for leaders in the Church (Titus 2, 1 Timothy 3). As a church leader these qualifications can seem daunting. They set the bar…
Understanding the Times: Navigating the Challenges of Mental Health in Today’s World
Australia faces a mental health epidemic. Recent data reveals that 2 in 5 Australians have experienced or are currently experiencing mental health disorders, highlighting the urgent need for understanding and support. Young people, in particular, are disproportionately affected, with almost 1 in 5 experiencing a mental disorder within a 12-month period. Church leaders, who play…
Embracing the Lordship of Christ: A Life-Altering Journey
In the captivating video titled “The Lordship of Christ,” Francis Chan shares a deeply personal testimony that explores the transformative power of surrendering to the authority of Jesus Christ. Through his own experiences and a thorough examination of Scripture, Chan reveals the profound significance of embracing God’s lordship in our lives. Recognising the Holiness…
Investing in Self-Care: Nurturing Wellbeing in Crisis Situations
In times of crisis and uncertainty, it is crucial to prioritise our wellbeing and practise self-care. Faith and spirituality offer a sense of stability and security in God’s love and plan, empowering us to make wise choices that contribute to our overall wellbeing. Understanding faith can ground us as we navigate the challenges of managing…
Personal Transformation: Cultivating Long-Lasting Change for Ourselves and Others
Personal transformation is a profound journey that goes beyond momentary change. It involves nurturing growth within ourselves and supporting others in their own transformative journeys. By embracing personal transformation, we can cultivate a ripple effect of positive and enduring impact in our lives and in those around us. In this article we unpack the significance…
