tov Blog
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…
How Christian Counselling Skills Can Benefit You in Your Vocation
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” (1 Cor 10:31, NIV) Adding a counselling qualification to your current skills opens up many career opportunities and specialisations, enriching your professional prospects in numerous ways. Here’s an in-depth exploration of the benefits and possibilities this enhancement…
How Community Can Impact Our Wellbeing
In recent years, society has made significant strides in understanding mental health. We’ve come to recognise that mental health issues are not isolated problems faced by individuals alone but are deeply rooted in our communities. Mental health is a community issue, and the impact of our communities on our wellbeing cannot be overstated. Communities can…
Nurturing Mental and Emotional Wellbeing
In the tapestry of life, mental health forms an integral thread, weaving through our thoughts, emotions, and actions. It’s a journey that many navigate, sometimes encountering rocky terrains and stormy weather. In these moments of struggle, the guidance of a compassionate professional Christian Counsellor can illuminate the path towards healing and emotional balance. This blog…
The Connection Between Mental Health and Sleep
Work, family, and other commitments make it tougher to get enough sleep every night. According to research, clinical insomnia, the most prevalent sleep disorder in adults, was made worse by the epidemic. Around 37% reported it, and 17% experienced severe sleeplessness symptoms. Chronic sleep deprivation can harm mental health – even if a few sleepless…
Mental Health in the Workplace: Strategies for Employers
Taking care of our mental health is essential, especially in today‘s hectic world of work. Employers are realising this and figuring out how to make their workplaces more inclusive. Work can be stressful, and when employers care about mental health, it benefits everyone. Happy workers tend to perform better. Some easy things employers can do…
Understanding Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Journey to Mental Health
Introduction In the realm of mental health, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) stands as a complex and challenging condition. It is an emotional battle that many individuals who have experienced trauma find themselves grappling with. In this article, we will explore the concept of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), its symptoms, its causes, and the significance…
Building Resilience: Strategies for Coping with Life’s Challenges
Life is full of ups and downs, twists and turns, and adversity. We all face challenges, but the key to overcoming them lies in our resilience and capacity to bounce back from tough times. It’s not about having some inborn gift; resilience is a skill we can nurture and build. Proverbs 24:16, For though the…
Preventing Burnout: A Call to Dependence on God’s Strength
For those working in ministry, the journey, though rewarding, can be a difficult path filled with challenges that often lead to anger, depression, fear, and alienation. A staggering three out of four pastors report grappling with these emotional struggles. The roots of these issues delve deep into the realm of unrealistic expectations, blurred boundaries, workaholism,…
Exploring the link between Diet and Mental Health
Maintaining a healthy diet is beneficial for both your body and mind. Stress and depression are often the first things that come to mind when we think about mental health, but diet also plays a role. For optimal function, our brain need the correct nutrition. These nutrients aid in the synthesis of neurotransmitters, which are…
Finding Home
In the past year I have been doing a lot of reading and research on what seems to me to be a major theme in our lives and indeed across the entire biblical narrative, that of exile and homecoming. Perhaps you can relate to this. That is, to varying degrees we all experience exile in…
Coping Strategies for managing anxiety and panic attacks
Life can sometimes become overwhelming, don’t you think? Especially when anxiety and panic attacks come into the picture, but you don’t have to stress! There are some valuable strategies. This blog post is all about simple tasks to help you deal with anxiety and those moments when panic pays a visit. Think of your mind…
Hearing God – The Way of the Burning Heart – Part 1
They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?” Luke 24:32 Before you go any further in reading this, I would encourage you to sit down and read Chapter 24:13-35 of Luke’s Gospel which gives the amazing…
Embracing Resilience: Overcoming Weaknesses and Failures with Confidence
In the Book of Hebrews, we find a powerful testament to the resilience of individuals who turned their weaknesses into strengths, emerging victorious even in the face of daunting challenges. The verse states, “Whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle” (Hebrews 11:34 NIV). This profound insight serves as a timeless…
Embracing Community: A Christian Perspective on Connection and Support
The call to community remains an important aspect of the Christian faith, despite the emphasis on individualism and self-sufficiency in today’s world. Christian believers are urged to embody virtues such as compassion and patience, as outlined in passages like Colossians 3:12-17. Therefore, relationships within the body of Christ play a crucial role in the Christian…
