Romance and Mystery
Romantic excitement may spark a relationship, but lasting love is built through intention, curiosity and devotion—sustained by mystery, deep commitment, and habits that keep romance alive through every season.
Father Stu: Marvellous Movie with a Fatherhood Theme
"Father Stu" is not a movie for the fainthearted, but with the true story of a man who overcame his trauma and his failures to become a solid spiritual father, it has an inspiring message for us all. I go to movie theatres these days in fear and trembling. I ...
The Vocation of Marriage: Called to Greatness
In marriage, we have received a higher calling, to give wholly of ourselves to another human being, exemplifying divine love. Let our marriage be a witness to our spouse, our children and others, of the marvellous love which is possible between a man and a woman. The word ‘vocation’ comes ...
Making It Through Postnatal Depression
Aussie mum Fiona lives in Switzerland with her hubby and beautiful 15-month-old girl. This Q&A reveals her struggle with postnatal depression and what helped her get through it: What do you love most about being a mum? Being my own boss -- no rules to follow except my own Cuddles ...
A Different Type of Normal
Life as a parent can get terribly busy and overwhelming, but taking a pause to re-focus can help you attend to your responsibilities in a more peaceful and joyful frame of mind. Your "normal" doesn't have to be frantic. Sometimes it takes a weekend away to give you a new ...
From Fatherlessness to Faith: Dysfunction with a New Start
Despite the failings and traumas handed down from past generations, with the grace of God, we can break free of toxic cycles and build a far better future for our children. Those who grow up hurting from being fatherless can learn from our parents' mistakes and develop into life-giving, dedicated ...
Homeschooling Requires Routine, But Flexibility is Still the Key Ingredient
While homeschooling, a timetable is necessary, but so is the ability to pivot and make space for unexpected events. A balance of routine and flexibility will create a healthy learning environment. Make this an axiom: routine is life, yet without flexibility, a routine life is dull. Without elasticity, routine devolves ...
Own Your Unique Position and Giftings
There is only one of you in the whole world. Take the opportunity to hone your talents and grow where you are planted. I have always believed God places the right people at the right time in your life to counsel you and offer guidance and encouragement when you need ...
Why Being a Tough Mother is like Doing Tough Mudder
As parents, friendship and community support are essential for getting through the ups and downs of parenting. My personal Facebook newsfeed has been filled with pictures of mums giving Tough Mudder a go. I look at the pictures of mud and shudder because I know that it’s not something I ...
Meet Rob Kenney: “Internet Dad” + Cure for Fatherlessness
Fatherless father-of-two Rob Kenney has earned the “internet dad” title after millions tuned into a dad-help YouTube channel he created in April 2020. Kenney’s simple “Dad, How Do I?” vlog now has 3.83 million subscribers with over 18.4 million views. The 58-year-old social media “influencer’s” 30-year-old daughter Kristine Ponten attributes ...
Watching Cricket Together
Life with a baby turns regular activities into entirely new and wonderful experiences. It’s hard to believe so much time has passed. My son, Seth, is now ten weeks old, and so intelligent he’s bound to make a future Prime Minister. (Not that I’m biased!) Recently, I reflected on my ...
What Guide Dog Training Taught Me About Raising Kids – Lesson 2: Consistency
Consistency is crucial in training both pups and kids to develop good habits and reach their full potential, as guide dogs and as human beings. Let me kick this article off by introducing the first pup we raised. His name was Lennox and he was a Golden Retriever. He was ...
One Christmas Eve
One lonely Christmas Eve, a friendly voice saves a single dad from dark thoughts, and he lives another day for his children. All Alone The hook in the ceiling should do the job, I decide, but will it hold my weight? Its only use is to carry pot plants. It ...
The Nature of Love
Most of us think of love as that feeling of affection and attachment we experience for another person. But is love just a feeling? Or is there more to it? The Experience of Love Every person experiences love in a unique way. Some gestures of love will more powerfully communicate ...
5 Frugal Ideas that Fit the Budget and Honour the Meaning of Valentine’s Day
Here are five affordable yet fun ideas to celebrate the spirit of Valentine's Day with your beloved all year round. Valentine’s Day is, in many ways, a gap-filling marketing oasis for retailers to cover their bottom lines between Christmas and Easter. We buy into it probably for the same reasons. ...
Expanding Your Capacity
When you are juggling family and work responsibilities at full capacity, is there still room for giving back to your community? Once a month, on a Sunday afternoon, we head out to our ‘connect group’ as part of our church. Connect Group is a group of families that meet together ...
Single Dad’s Telephone to God
A single dad shares his daily prayer, lifting up his heart to God in the morning as the dawn breaks and another day beckons. Faith sustains him through his struggles and magnifies his joys. I thank God every morning for the blessing of another day. I do not take them ...
Something Worth Dying For – Saint Valentine’s Day
St Valentine witnessed to the importance of married love by his life and death. This Valentine's Day, let us celebrate true love in our marriages, recommitting ourselves to loving and serving our spouses with joy. On February 14 every year, couples around the world celebrate one of the heroes of ...
Five Strategies to Improve Your Marriage
Even if your marriage is going through difficulties, taking these small steps can work wonders in reigniting your love and smoothing out communication. A lot of people feel trapped in a dissatisfying or troubled marriage. They feel powerless to ‘fix’ it because their spouse refuses to join them in counselling ...
We Married Too Young
Were we too young to get married? Would it have been better to wait till later? Lots of people told us so. Neither of us had really experienced life: Byron at 27 had at least lived out of home for three years. On the other hand, Francine at 21 was ...
Why Having a Margin is Essential in Life
It can be a habit to push oneself to the limit, but consciously carving time out of paid work, housework and childcare to rest, tend to yourself and others, and listen to God's soft prompting will keep you happier and at peace amidst the busyness of life. Life has been ...
Declaring War on Allergies
My son's many allergies have been a trial. In learning to alleviate his pain, and watching him bear patiently with discomfort, I have found a depth of strength and love which I never knew I had. ‘We’ll have to shut down the whole clinic for the afternoon,’ she said, annoyed. ...
12 Ways to Beat Covid-19
Coronavirus is sweeping across Australia. Here are some tips to boost your immune system -- and your loved ones' immunity -- so that you will be prepared if you catch it. Your body is your best friend. You live in your body, so it is important you take care of ...
Men & Chores: Why We Do Them
Research shows that religious men tend to do more chores than non-religious, progressive men. What is the reason behind this? And what other reasons might men have to delve into the thick of housework? While housework is not the most glamorous of duties, research from the University of Utah suggests ...
Choosing to Focus on What Matters Most
It can become overwhelming to juggle one's duties and deal with interpersonal conflict. However, taking a step back and considering what matters most in your life can help you regain perspective on why the daily grind is all worth it -- for your family. Life is never without problems, is ...
Dads and Conflict Resolution
Extinguishing conflict requires good communication. Here are some basic pointers on how to mediate a family quarrel and restore peace to your home. Most of you reading this would know that conflict resolution is a staple in just about every workplace. I don’t think I would be met with a ...
