Getting outside is better for us than we realise. Research proves it.

Fresh air is good for you, simply ask anyone who enjoys being outdoors and they will tell you that.

They could be biased, simply because they enjoy being outdoors. However, the evidence is in. Research tells us that “time in nature, sunshine and outdoor exercise provide big health benefits”.

Fresh air offers four key benefits:

Healthier lungs: Breathing deeply increases oxygen in your blood, which increases serotonin, the “happy chemical”. 

Sunlight: When you get outside in sunlight and fresh air, you’re doing a world of good for you body when it comes to Vitamin D production. The health benefits of Vitamin D include: increased bone density, reduced risk of multiple sclerosis and increased cognitive health.

Exercise: It’s easier to get into movement mode outside—it could be playing a game, riding a bike, running or just walking. Exercise, particularly aerobic exercise, can improve both your physical and mental health. “Aerobic exercise has been proven to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression” as well as benefit heart, lung and musculoskeletal health.

Reduced stress: Levels of happiness rise when you exercise in nature. Stanford University took two groups: one walked in nature, the other in an urban area. The nature walkers “expressed lower stress levels and negative thoughts, along with higher levels of positive emotions compared to the others”. That’s a bonus.

Nurtured by Nature?

Kirsten Weir, writing for the American Psychological Association, says we can be nurtured by nature. “From a stroll through a city park to a day spent hiking in the wilderness, exposure to nature has been linked to a host of benefits, including improved attention, lower stress, better mood, reduced risk of psychiatric disorders and even upticks in empathy and cooperation. 

“Most research so far has focused on green spaces such as parks and forests, and researchers are now also beginning to study the benefits of blue spaces, places with river and ocean views. But nature comes in all shapes and sizes, and psychological research is still fine-tuning our understanding of the potential benefits. In the process, scientists are charting a course for policymakers and the public to better tap into the healing powers of Mother Nature.”

Weir cites Canadian psychologist Lisa Nisbet, who says, “There is mounting evidence, from dozens and dozens of researchers, that nature has benefits for both physical and psychological human wellbeing . . . You can boost your mood just by walking in nature, even in urban nature. And the sense of connection you have with the natural world seems to contribute to happiness even when you’re not physically immersed in nature.”

Florence Nightingale’s Discovery

Health consultant Lindsey Grossman adds that, “the family that gets outside together, improves their health together. . . . Fresh air not only cleans your lungs, it can also boost your mood, lower your heart rate, increase energy levels and even improve your digestion. . . . Florence Nightingale knew the benefits of fresh air long before any scientific study.”

Nightingale said, “It is the unqualified result of all my experience with the sick, that second only to the need of fresh air is their need of light.”

Grossman adds that, “No matter where you go, it’s gratifying just to know that the second you step out the door, you can reap fresh air’s rewards. Spending 30 minutes with the sun on your back porch will earn you a full dose on Vitamin D.”

The Outdoor Advantage

The best place to find fresh air is outdoors. Professor Darren Morton tells us that the “great outdoors can do us good emotionally and there is strong evidence for this. Hospital patients who merely have a view of a natural landscape tend to consume less pain-killing medication and have shorter hospital stays.

“Natural environments can lift us emotionally in rich and profound ways. Surely you have already experienced it for yourself. The view from a mountain peak. Gazing over the vast ocean as the sun sets. The sound of running water from a mountain stream. The crisp smell of an Alpine forest in the early morning field laden with wildflowers in spring.

“Our Limbo (his nickname for the limbic system) comes alive in these natural places because of the way it is wired to our senses of sight, sound and smell.” More than 30 studies have “examined the influence of exposure to natural environments on how people feel, and the consensus is that they do indeed make people feel more positive and less negative”.

A New Zealand study showed that every one per cent increase in the amount of green space within three kilometres of an individual’s home was associated with a four per cent lower prevalence of anxiety and mood disorder.

Keeping it Simple

 Weir notes that:

• Spending time in nature is linked to both cognitive benefits and improvements in mood, mental health and emotional wellbeing.
• Feeling connected to nature can produce similar benefits to wellbeing regardless of how much time one spends outside.
• Both green and blue (aquatic) spaces produce wellbeing benefits. More remote and biodiverse spaces may be particularly helpful, though even urban parks and trees can lead to positive outcomes.

Even the sounds of nature may be curative, she adds. “One study found that participants who listened to nature sounds like crickets chirping and waves crashing performed better on demanding cognitive tests than those who listened to urban sounds like traffic and the clatter of a busy cafe.”

Health writer Emily Swaim adds that there are plenty of “intrusive stimuli” competing for our attention, including flashing screens, vibrating phones, rumbling roads and more that all cause overstimulation and raise stress levels. “The natural world, on the other hand, can offer a mental and emotional refuge when you need to unwind and recharge. In nature, soothing attractions for your senses, from the perfume of flowers to the music of bird song, can hold your attention without draining mental energy.”

It’s Personal

Let’s call him Steve, because his real name isn’t revealed but he was, at the time, a 23-year-old “navigating the challenges of his first real job”.

He tells of how he spent 40 hours a week at his computer for his work and then going home to relax with some scrolling and gaming. He loved to ski, play football and golf and go camping—but didn’t do enough of it.

Then his mum gave him a challenge: for one month, spend 20 minutes a day, rain or shine, outside, moving his body. He took up the challenge. 

He says that, to be honest, he didn’t expect it would have much impact. But, his competitive nature kicked in and he reasoned that it was only 20 minutes.

The first day was a cold, grey evening. He had just finished a long day at work and just wanted to chill, but he did his 20 minutes anyway. He was surprised that after a few minutes, he didn’t think about his Xbox and the cool breeze felt good on his face. For three weeks he kept going with a couple of misses when he arrived home late. Mostly though, he hit his goal of 140 minutes per week.

“There’s research that shows that regular exposure to nature leads to better sleep patterns and it improves cognitive performance. I was seeing that happen in real time. I was going to bed and waking up two or three hours earlier. I felt sharper.” Yes he had some lapses, but he got back on schedule.

“After four months of tracking my outdoor time . . . it’s pretty clear: whether it was spending time in my backyard, skiing, going on hikes and walks or playing golf with my friends, getting outside makes me feel better in every possible way.”

Bruce Manners is an author, retired pastor and former editor of the Australia/New Zealand edition of Signs of the Times. He is based in Lilydale, Victoria.

Feature image: Canva

The Albanese Government’s new budget aims to ease pressure on Australians

On Tuesday 12 May, the Albanese government delivered its fifth budget.

It comes at a time of increasing economic pressure for many Australians, with rising costs for essentials amid a global oil crisis, and elevated interest rates.

“War in the Middle East has been pushing up prices, pushing down growth, and punishing Australians,” said Mr Chalmers.

“But how we respond is up to us. This budget is ambitious in the face of adversity.”

Relief

The budget is focused on delivering cost-of-living relief, housing affordability and supply, national security, energy security, and productivity.

“It makes the tax system fairer and stronger for workers, businesses, first home buyers and future generations.”

Tax

The budget includes a new tax break called WATO – Working Australians Tax Offset.

It will provide an extra tax cut of up to $250 a year (increasing the tax-free threshold to $19,985). It will come into effect from the next tax year (2027-28).

Meanwhile, individual tax rates announced in last year’s budget will begin this year, on July 1.

The lowest tax bracket (between $18,201 and $45,000) will drop from 16 per cent to 15 per cent, giving lower income earners up to an extra $268 a year.

Further, workers will be able to use a $1,000 instant tax deduction (no receipts needed), producing a guaranteed average annual saving of $205. The instant deduction is for those 6.2 million workers who claim under $1,000 in work-related expenses.

Homes

Through a major overhaul of “investor tax”, the government says the market will finally be tilted toward first home buyers.

The government estimates that these measures (see below) will help 75,000 Australians buy their first property.

Also, to encourage the building of new homes, the government is spending $2 billion over four years on critical infrastructure.

“This funding will support up to 65,000 homes over the decade and brings the Government’s total investment in housing‑enabling infrastructure to $6.3 billion,” said a government statement.

 There will also be an overhaul of planning and zoning regulations so homes can be approved and built more quickly.

(The government is also extending its ban on foreign buyers purchasing any established homes until mid‑2029.)

Investor tax overhaul

The first big change is to negative gearing. In what critics have described as a “broken promise” by the Coalition, the Albanese government has overhauled a system long prized by investors.

From the next financial year, investors can only negatively gear a property if that property is a brand new home (not a pre-existing one).

For those who currently negatively gear a rental property, nothing changes, and their negative gearing can continue.

Negative gearing enables investors to reduce their taxable income by claiming the difference between their expenses (mortgage repayments and other costs), and the rental income.

The other big change is to Capital Gains Tax. Up until now, there has been a 50 per cent discount on CGT (the taxing on any profit when an investment is sold). From the next financial year, the government is scrapping that discount for new investments, though the purchase price will be indexed for inflation, softening the blow a little. (The reforms apply to gains made after July 1, 2027.)

Mr Chalmers admitted that the changes to the system, which have long been geared toward investors, were “contentious”.

“There’s no use pretending otherwise, but it’s the right thing to do,” the Treasurer shared.

“The easiest thing that we could have done from a political point of view would be to see these challenges in the housing market, particularly for young people, and to see the issues in the tax system, and to leave everything exactly as it was.”

Homelessness

The government is investing $59.4 million to help those at risk of homelessness. The funding will provide social housing for over 4,000 young at-risk people aged 16–24.

The budget will also release a further $100 million from the Housing Australia Future Fund to improve the quality of housing for Indigenous Australians living in remote communities.

Fuel crisis

As most Australians would be aware, the fuel excise has already been halved amid the oil crisis, and the government will invest $10 billion to strengthen Australia’s fuel security.

Small business

The ATO is “streamlining” access to temporary relief from tax obligations until the end of the current financial year.

This includes more generous payment plans for tax, support in varying pay as you go (PAYG) instalments (when taxable income drops), and a new dedicated way for businesses to access relief.

Defence

The government is giving the military $53 billion over 10 years to modernise the defence force. This will include investing in drone and counter-drone technologies.

“Road of Reform”

Treasurer Chalmers claimed that no other budget in the 2000s has set out this much “responsible repair” and economic reform.

“Tonight, we choose the hard road of reform, not the path of least resistance,” Mr Chalmers told Parliament.

“By responding to the pressures Australians confront today. And fulfilling our obligations and responsibilities to the generations to come.”

Article supplied with thanks to Hope Media.

About the author: Michael Crooks is a senior journalist and former news editor of Who magazine. His work has appeared in People, Marie Claire, The Daily Telegraph, Herald Sun, news.com.au, Qantas magazine and more.

Feature image: Canva

I can still remember the moment. I was in the schoolyard when I heard the words: ‘Don’t play with her. She’s too fat’.

Content note: This blog shares personal reflections on body image, identity, and self-worth.

Year 4. Nine years old. And in one sentence, my world shifted.

I went home, walked straight to my room, and stared into the mirror – not with my own eyes, but with the eyes of someone who had just labelled me. That was the day I learned how quickly a few careless words can reshape your value, your confidence, your sense of worth.

And the truth is… many women know that moment. Maybe you’ve been called too fat, too thin, too plain, too pale, too much, not enough. Maybe someone has commented on your thighs, your skin, your nose, your hairline, your body shape – as if your body is public property.

Those words stick. They echo. They shape the way we walk into rooms.

When I started high school, I was quiet. Invisible. Not the cool kid. I didn’t wear my hair the right way or know the cool labels. Just a girl trying to find one kind face in a world obsessed with “hot” or “not.”

But here’s something I want you to know – especially if you’ve struggled with your body like I have:

Faith in Jesus can reshape the way you see yourself. A relationship with Him can free you from the opinions of others. He can teach you to love yourself without their permission.

I know this because I’ve lived on both sides of the pendulum.

1 Samuel 16:7 “People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

The Words That Broke Me – and the Determination That Followed

When I was a young teen, the boy I had a crush on told my friend he wouldn’t date me unless my “butt cheeks were ten times smaller.”

Ten. Times. Smaller.

Something snapped inside me – not in a healthy way, but in a determined way. Like so many teenage girls, I started watching what I ate. Then I started exercising. Then I started exercising twice a day. Running. Sit‑ups. Push‑ups. Walking. Strict Eating.

By 15, I was a size 10 – the fittest I had ever been. And I felt great.

But what started as revenge turned into something entirely different. It became about me – about discovering my own strength and reclaiming what had been taken from me. Along the way, I found a courage I didn’t know I had, and every step of it was Christ‑led.

I’d become a Christian a year or two earlier, at thirteen, and everything began to shift – my friends, my interests, even the way I saw myself. God was growing a strength in me I had never known before.

I eventually confronted that boy – but the truth is, I had already chosen to forgive him long before that moment. It was only through God’s peace that I was able to offer friendship instead of hurt or blame. And somehow, we did become friends. We even dated for a while. But forgiveness doesn’t erase memory, and the impact of those words didn’t magically disappear.

Then came a new wave of accusations, this time because of my changing body. When you’re overweight, people assume you’re careless. When you’re thin, suddenly they think you’re harming yourself.

“She must be throwing up.” “Are you throwing up?” “Has she stopped eating?” “Let me see you finish that fruit salad.”

I was honestly stunned. It felt like I couldn’t win. Fat meant rejection, thin meant suspicion. How is any woman meant to navigate that?

But in that moment, I chose what God was whispering to me: Choose My way. Ignore them. Keep going. I knew the truth – I was healthy, fit, and loving my life, even if others questioned it.

And here’s another twist no one warns you about:

Being rejected for your body hurts. But being accepted only because of your body? That can be just as damaging.

When ‘Beautiful’ Became a Burden

Suddenly, I was the opposite of invisible. Boys noticed me. People wanted to date me. And let me tell you – that kind of attention is intoxicating.

But it came with a cost.

People judged my Christian character because of how I looked. Girls kept their distance. Men objectified me. And by the time I got to university I felt pressure – suffocating pressure – to maintain an impossible standard so people would keep liking me.

I remember preparing a uni presentation I wasn’t confident about and thinking:

“It’s fine. I’ll just look amazing, so no one notices what I say.”

That’s not confidence. That’s captivity.

Being rejected for being overweight was hurtful and lonely. But being accepted only for beauty was just as empty. Neither version was or is freedom.

The Body Battle Doesn’t End- Even as an Adult

I’ve always struggled with my weight. Even now, as a plus-size mum, it fluctuates. Up. Down. Up again. And here’s something I’ve never said publicly:

When I focus on healthy eating, it’s shocking how quickly people comment. If I have one treat, one “off‑plan” moment, suddenly it’s:

“Ohhh, I thought you weren’t eating that?” “Is that allowed?” “Should you be having that?”

Even at my strictest, I still have cheat days. I’m human. I’m allowed to enjoy food. I need those moments. But those comments? They don’t help. They don’t motivate. They don’t support.

They shame.

So let me say this clearly:

If someone you love is trying to get healthy, don’t police them. Walk with them. Check in. Ask how they’re going. Pray for and with them. Encourage them. Love them. Don’t tease them. Don’t monitor them. Don’t make their plate your business.

We don’t need food critics. We need companions. And if they do need professional help, journey with them gently to the GP.

What God Taught Me About Beauty

After years of swinging between extremes – overweight, underweight, under pressure, over‑noticed, under‑valued – God finally whispered something that changed everything:

“Your beauty is not your body. Your beauty is My Spirit in you.”

2 Corinthians 4:16 “Though outwardly we are wasting away, inwardly we are being renewed day by day.”

And that was my journey, God completely renewed the way I see body and my beauty no matter what size I am.

We are spiritual, supernatural beings made in the image of God – wrapped in human, fragile, imperfect bodies.

The most beautiful women I know? Their beauty has nothing to do with their appearance. It’s their kindness. Their courage. Their gentleness. Their wisdom. Their joy. Their faith.

That’s the kind of beauty that doesn’t wrinkle, stretch, sag, or fade. That’s the kind of beauty I want to be around.

1 Peter 3:3–4 “Your beauty… should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit.”

So Here’s My Advice — From One Woman to Another

If you’ve been wounded by words…

If you’ve been judged by your body…

If you’ve been pressured to shrink or pressured to sparkle…

Hear me:

You are not a body with a soul. You are a soul with a body.

Your worth is not measured in kilos, calories, dress sizes, or compliments.

Your worth was set at the Cross. Unchanging. Unshakeable. Unconditional.

And if you’re on a health journey – physical, emotional, or spiritual – let people walk with you, not watch you.

Let them support you, not scrutinise you.

And above all, let Jesus define you – not the mirror, not the comments, not the culture.

Because big girls do cry. But big girls also rise. And with God, big girls overcome.

Article supplied with thanks to Rhema 99.7

About the Author: Richelle Wenhem is an announcer and content coordinator at Rhema 99.7, and mum of two children.

Feature image: Supplied

Remaining grounded when our first instinct is to panic!

Whether you’re facing everyday stress or devastating tragedy, when life feels like it is spinning out of control learning to cope begins with grounding ourselves physically, naming our feelings, and having the courage to simply be. 

Psychologist Collett Smart, chaplain and author Raewyn Elsegood, and i4Give co-founder Danny Abdallah explores how to navigate moments of chaos.

Physical, Psychological, Social Wellbeing 

Collett Smart explains that when things feel out of control, our brains can’t function properly if our bodies are in chaos. The first step is always physical grounding – literally putting both feet on the floor and taking deep breaths focusing on the exhale. Drinking water helps too. These simple acts signal to your body that you’re safe, allowing your brain to engage. 

“What happens is that gets your body to start to realise that you’re actually safe and you’re okay. And then your brain can kick in,” Collett explains. 

“When you rehearse breathing techniques while stuck in traffic or missing the bus, you build healthy defaults that activate automatically when life truly spins out of control.” 

Perspective and Presence in the Chaos 

Raewyn Elsegood walks directly into chaos as a disaster recovery chaplain. Her role is to be the calmest person in the room, bringing the level of panic down through confident presence and a smile. But she’s learned that “spinning out of control” is deeply subjective – what feels catastrophic to one person might seem manageable to another, and both experiences are valid. 

When Raewyn’s daughter was diagnosed with severe aplastic anaemia four years ago, she initially coped by staying in chaplain mode – the voice in her head offering pastoral care sustained her through the first year after her daughter’s death. But in the second year, she had to surrender that professional identity and become mother Raewyn, allowing herself to grieve without control. 

“The strategy I use to get out of bed is, it’s a new day, I put my feet into the carpet and I curl my toes and I feel and allow every sense to come alive in my body, and it tells me that I’ve still got life to live,” Raewyn says. “I’ve still got two more children to care for, a husband to love, and people to serve.” 

Two Types of Courage 

Danny Abdallah speaks from the most unimaginable loss – three of his children killed by a drunk driver. Through that tragedy, he discovered something crucial about courage. The first type is when you put on armour and fight.  

“The second type is when things are spinning out of control and you know whatever you do, it’s going to make it worse and you’ve got to just surrender and offer it up to a higher being or God, and just sit in it and wait,” Danny says. 

Danny says that we grieve alone but heal together. “Everyone processes [things] differently, and that’s okay.” 

When tragedy strikes, the human spirit rises, and people open up and help in ways they don’t during ordinary times. 

What sustained his family was community – fruit platters appearing at their door, people quietly dropping things off, neighbours who didn’t leave their side. Danny sees God in these moments of service, noting that modern people can’t see the divine because they don’t look low enough. 

Whether the chaos is missing a bus or losing a child, the coping principles remain the same: ground yourself physically, name your feelings without judgement, reach out rather than isolate, and remember that your journey will look different from everyone else’s.  

Collett says that sometimes the best thing we can do when things spin out of control is to take one tiny step forward. And then another. 

If you or someone you know needs support, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. 

Article supplied with thanks to Helping Hands TV.

About the Author: Helping Hands is an Australian produced TV program that airs on 9GEM, Channel 9 and 9NOW, and showcases people and organisations who make the world a better place.

Feature image: Canva

It’s possible to build a financial plan that’s both resilient and biblical. True wealth is built over time. 

Many Christians wonder how to build wealth that lasts without compromising their faith. In 2026, with economic uncertainty, market fluctuations, and rising costs, planning for the long term can feel overwhelming. But building a financial plan that is both resilient and biblical is possible. 

The first thing to understand is that wealth isn’t just about accumulating money, it’s about stewardship. Scripture encourages believers to plan wisely, save diligently, and give generously. A long-term plan is not a sign of doubt in God, but an act of faithful preparation. 

Why Resilience Matters More Than Returns 

Life rarely goes as planned. Unexpected events like job changes, health challenges, or market downturns can quickly disrupt finances. 

Jesus teaches in Matthew 7 about building your house on a solid rock. Similarly, aligning your finances with God’s principles creates a foundation that can withstand life’s storms. The goal is not to chase the highest returns but to build financial resilience that protects your family and allows you to serve God faithfully. 

What Does the Bible Say About Planning Ahead? 

Some Christians worry that planning for the future shows a lack of faith. But the Bible tells a different story. 

In Proverbs 13:22, it says: 

“A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children.” 

This verse encourages forward-looking stewardship. Planning for the future, saving for your family, investing wisely, and preparing for emergencies, is an expression of faith, not doubt. 

Four Pillars of a Resilient Financial Plan 

Building a long-term plan starts with four key principles:

1. Margin: Live Below Your Means

Create room in your finances by spending less than you earn. A simple framework is the 80-10-10 rule: 80% for living, 10% for saving, and 10% for giving. Margin allows you to handle unexpected expenses and give generously.

2. Protection: Prepare for Life’s Risks

Emergencies happen. Having an emergency fund (about 3–6 months of expenses) and appropriate insurance protects you from unexpected setbacks and ensures your family is cared for if something goes wrong.

3. Consistency: Build Faithful Habits

Wealth is built little by little through steady, disciplined habits. Automate your savings, practice regular giving, and stay consistent. Over time, small, consistent actions make a significant difference.

4. Diversification: Don’t Put All Your Eggs in One Basket 

Investing in a variety of assets protects your finances from market fluctuations. As Ecclesiastes 11:2 says, diversify because we don’t know what challenges may come

Avoiding Short-Term Thinking 

We live in a results-driven culture that pushes quick wins and instant solutions. But financial success is achieved in seasons, not overnight. 

Patience, consistent saving, and long-term planning are critical. Christians are encouraged to adopt an eternal perspective, using money to serve God, bless others, and leave a lasting legacy, rather than chasing immediate gratification. 

Keeping Money From Becoming an Idol 

Jesus warns that we cannot serve both God and money. Wealth becomes dangerous when it dominates our priorities or becomes the measure of success. 

The solution is to step back and ask: 

• What is the purpose of my wealth? 
• How am I using it to serve others? 
• What legacy will I leave? 

When we see money as a tool we get to use for godly purposes, it stays in its proper place. 

Preparing Without Predicting 

It’s tempting to try to predict economic downturns, market crashes, or global events. But no one can foresee the future. 

The goal is not to predict, but to prepare: 

• Spiritually: Trust God with what you cannot control. 
• Practically: Build margin, save consistently, diversify, and protect your family. 

A combination of spiritual and practical preparation creates a plan that is resilient and faithful. 

Final Thoughts 

The Bible does not condemn planning or saving for the future. Instead, it calls believers to stewardship, wisdom, and faithful preparation. 

True wealth is built over time: 

• Faithfully: Trusting God in all things 
• Wisely: Making disciplined, practical decisions 
• Purposefully: Using resources to bless others and advance God’s kingdom 

In 2026, Christians can build long-term financial plans that are both resilient and rooted in faith, creating security, freedom, and the ability to give generously. 

Article supplied with thanks to Wealth with Purpose.

About the Author: Alex is a licensed financial planner and the founder of Wealth with Purpose a Stewardship Ministry that helps Christians handle their money God’s way.

Feature image: Canva

When approval becomes a trap.

I was talking with a friend the other day. She has just taken on a new role in her workplace. She knows she needs to speak up more in meetings. She knows she doesn’t because she worries what people think of her.

I thought that the opinions of other people didn’t bother me so much. How wrong I was!

I started thinking about a work context where I am more than happy to contribute my ideas. I began to realise that a lot of that desire is driven by a need to prove why I’m in the room. I worked this out from the way I respond when my shared ideas encounter feedback. I take it way too much to heart. This is because in rejecting my idea, they are also rejecting me.

Both my friend and I have fear of other people’s opinions – it just manifests itself in different ways. In some situations it keeps me talking – while for my friend, it keeps her silent.

What is FOPO?

Fear of other people’s opinions – or FOPO- is a term coined by high performance psychologist and author Michael Gervais. FOPO is having an unhealthy fixation on what other people think of us. It can be distracting, limiting or even debilitating. It can stop us putting forward new ideas (or in my case, being overly sensitive to the reception of ideas), speaking up in meetings, having difficult conversations, or trying something new.

FOPO traps us into devoting our energy, attention and focus on attempting to manage what other people think of us. Which, when you think about it, is a losing battle because we really can’t control other people’s opinions. And it’s exhausting. As another friend of mine says: “You’ll be that puppy dog constantly after the next pat on the head. And that’s quite an exhausting way to live, and it’s really unpredictable and inconsistent.” Devoting our energy, attention and focus in this way means we are less able to bring our best selves into the room.

So what’s the solution?

Do we just need to be braver? How do we become braver?

It strikes me that what we need is something to anchor ourselves for those times we can get buffeted by the opinions of others. And it’s best to work out what those anchors are when the waters are calm.

The anchor could be, for example, the opinion of a trusted friend or mentor. That can give us perspective and help us to filter or assess the opinions in the room. Or it could be something we say to ourselves in opinion-threatening situations. For me, I can remind myself that my ideas should be more about the good of others and less about others feeling good about me.

While that thought might anchor me in the moment, it comes because of an even deeper anchor it is attached to. As a follower of Jesus, there should be something even more important to me than the opinions of other people.

“I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him. Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” Luke 12:4-7

Jesus says the only one who should be feared – and rightly feared – is God himself. And yet that fear is from a place of safety and security because of how valuable Jesus’ followers are to God.

I find those words both challenging and comforting. Challenging because I need to fear God more than I fear people. Comforting because I am valuable to God – I matter to him. The way for me to become braver is to fear God more, because then the opinions of others will matter less.

Knowing that my worth comes from God means I am freer to act for the good of others, and so I can bring more of my best self into the room. Sharing my ideas becomes less about wanting others to feel good about me, and more about what is good for others. It then becomes a less opinion-threatening situation. And I can then more thoughtfully and calmly assess the feedback on my ideas.

Questions

1. Have you observed any FOPO behaviours in yourself?
2. What could your anchors be in opinion-threatening situations?
3. How could you see this making a practical difference?

Article provided with thanks to City Bible Forum.

Feature image: Canva

What’s the real cost when screen time is taking over at home?

Screens are everywhere. From high-definition television to the constant, dopamine-driven pull of mobile devices, digital technology has become woven into everyday life. But as excessive screen time continues to rise, an important question remains. How much is too much?

Brad Huddleston is an internationally respected speaker, consultant, teacher, and author on technology and culture. Brad challenges us to think honestly about our relationship with technology, not just as individuals, but as families seeking to live with wisdom and intention.

While screens can be useful tools, Brad warns that excessive screen time can quietly shape behaviours, attitudes and even our spiritual health in ways we may not immediately notice.

When Does Screen Time Become Excessive for Families?

One of the greatest challenges with screen use is defining when it crosses the line from normal to excessive. Like any form of addiction, denial often clouds self-awareness.

Very few people who are overly attached to their screens would describe themselves as addicted. Instead, usage is often minimised, justified or laughed off. Yet those around them can clearly see when digital habits have become unhealthy in the home.

This disconnect can be confronting, especially for parents. It rarely takes long for screens to become excessive, particularly for children. In many cases, the mesmerisation begins the moment their little eyes lock onto the screen.

“The glow of the screen appeals to children like a moth to a candle,” he explains.

The attraction is undeniably powerful. Bright colours, constant movement and endless stimulation draw children in quickly. Over time, prolonged exposure can begin to change behaviour and personality, often in ways that are not positive.

Children Aren’t the Only Ones Struggling

While much attention is placed on children and screen limits, there’s a deeper issue many families overlook. Adults are often just as attached to their devices as their kids.

Smartphones, social media, and constant connectivity have created layers of digital dependence within the home. Parents may set rules for their children while quietly modelling the same digital habits at home that they are trying to limit.

Brad encourages parents to pause and ask an honest question. Are we willing to be truthful about our own screen use?

This kind of self-reflection is not about guilt or blame. It is about recognising that children learn more from what they observe than from what they are told. A household shaped by constant screen engagement can unintentionally normalise distraction, impatience and emotional distance.

The Spiritual Cost of Constant Connection

From a biblical perspective, unchecked screen time raises important questions about attention, presence and discipleship, specifically within the home. Scripture repeatedly calls believers to be alert, self-controlled and intentional about how they live.

When screens dominate our time, they can crowd out stillness, prayer and meaningful connection. For families, screen addiction can overtake opportunities for discipline and intentional time together.

Moments once used for conversation, reflection or rest are easily filled with scrolling and streaming.

Recognising excessive screen time isn’t about shame or pointing fingers. Instead, it is a call to awareness for believers. Technology is a tool, but when it begins to control our thoughts, emotions or relationships within the home, it may be time to reassess its place in our lives.

Why Honest Self-Assessment Matters

Real change begins when we are willing to look clearly at our habits without defensiveness.

In many homes, conversations about screen time focus on rules rather than roots.

The deeper issue isn’t just how long we are on screens, but why. Are screens being used to escape stress, avoid conflict or fill emotional gaps?

Scripture invites believers to live in the light, not hiding from uncomfortable truths. Bringing screen habits into the open allows families to make thoughtful, God-honouring choices together.

Creating Healthier Digital Boundaries at Home

Healthy screen habits do not start with strict limits alone. They begin with shared values and intentional rhythms.

Families may choose to create screen-free spaces, such as during meals or before bed. Others may set aside specific times for conversation, prayer or reading Scripture together. These practices help recentre attention on what truly matters.

Technology should serve the family, not replace connection within it. When screens are placed in their proper role, they can be enjoyed without dominating daily life.

Choosing Wisdom in a Digital Age

Living faithfully in a digital world requires discernment. Screens are not inherently harmful, but without boundaries, excessive screen time can subtly shape hearts, habits and homes.

Brad’s challenge is simple but profound. Be honest. Be intentional. And be willing to lead by example.

As believers, every area of life, including our use of technology, is an opportunity to reflect wisdom, self-control and love for others. When we choose presence over distraction, we create space for deeper relationships and a stronger spiritual foundation.

Article supplied with thanks to Vision – a non-profit, follower-funded Christian media ministry taking God’s Word to every corner of Australia and beyond through broadcast, online and print media.

Feature image: Canva

NDIS funding changes are increasing pressure on families. Here are practical ways churches can support people with disability and their families.

According to ABC News, the NDIS minister Mark Butler said funding amounts for social and community participation would be “reset” to 2023 levels, around $500 a week, with measures aimed at preventing further “runaway growth”.

Budgets for social participation activities are expected to be progressively reduced from October this year, pending the passage of legislation in June. These supports often fund group programs, outings and community engagement, meaning many families could face fewer opportunities for connection and inclusion.

As formal supports shift, the role of the local community becomes even more important. Churches are not only a place to worship God, but also a place of belonging. This creates an opportunity for churches to step in with practical care, inclusion and genuine connection.

Create a culture of welcome

Inclusion starts before any program begins.

In practice, this can be as simple as having a team that is attentive and prepared, greeting people personally, offering help in a natural way and making it clear who to approach for support. Some churches create quiet or sensory-friendly spaces where people can step out if needed or ensure there is consistency in who families interact with each week so trust can build over time.

Jesus consistently made space for those on the margins. Churches are called to reflect that same heart.

Make spaces accessible

Physical accessibility is essential. This includes ramps, accessible bathrooms and clear signage.

Accessibility also goes beyond buildings. It includes how services are structured. Clear communication, predictable routines and sharing what to expect ahead of time can help reduce anxiety. Small adjustments such as lowering volume levels, providing captions for online content or simply making spaces easier to navigate can make a significant difference for someone trying to engage.

Train and equip volunteers

This might look like running simple workshops, offering practical guidance on communication or creating a clear approach to how volunteers can respond when someone needs support. One of the most effective ways to learn is by listening directly to people with disability and their families, allowing real experiences to shape how a church responds.

Volunteers can also access formal training online. The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission offers free courses and certifications that help build understanding and practical skills when supporting people living with disability.

You can explore training here.

Support the whole family

Families of people with disability often carry a significant emotional and physical load.

Support can extend beyond Sunday services. It may include pastoral care at home, personal catch-ups during the week, involvement in small groups or simply spending time together and studying the Bible in a more informal setting. For many families, these moments of connection outside the church building are where real support is felt most deeply.

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2 NIV)

For many families, this kind of consistent and relational support is what makes the greatest difference.

Involvement in church life and serving

Inclusion is not just about access. It is also about being part of something.

Often, when people are given the opportunity to give rather than only receive, it shifts the focus away from limitations and towards purpose and contribution.

This can mean adapting roles, creating space for different abilities and recognising the value each person brings into the life of the church.

“Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.” (1 Corinthians 12:12 NIV)

When everyone has a place, the whole community becomes stronger.

A community that reflects Christ

While systems like the NDIS play an important role, they cannot replace the power of genuine community.

For churches, this is an opportunity to reflect the love of Christ in practical ways. To see people, to include them and to walk alongside them.

Where a church may not have the resources or programs to meet every need, there is also value in looking beyond its own walls.

In a time when some supports are being reduced, the presence of a caring and consistent community can make a real difference in everyday life.

This article was prepared with AI assistance and then carefully reviewed, fact-checked, and edited by our Digital Team.

Article supplied with thanks to Salt 106.5.

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‘Michael’ explores the rise of a music icon, the pull of family, and the personal cost behind a life shaped by fame.

⭐️ ⭐️ (2 out of 5 stars) – Russ Matthews, Christian Movie Critic

Raised in Gary, Indiana, Michael Jackson rose to fame as the youngest brother and lead singer of The Jackson 5—often regarded as one of the original boy bands.

Under the strict guidance of their father and manager, Joe Jackson (Colman Domingo), the group was introduced to Berry Gordy (Larenz Tate) at Motown Records, launching them into stardom. 

Throughout the 1970s, The Jackson 5 built a devoted fan base, with Michael quickly emerging as the standout talent. As the brothers matured, Michael began to pursue a career beyond the group, though his father maintained a firm grip on the family’s direction. The release of Thriller—the best-selling album of all time—marked a turning point, not only for Michael’s solo career but also for his relationship with his family. 

With acclaimed screenwriter John Logan (Gladiator, Skyfall) and director Antoine Fuqua (Training Day) attached to the project, expectations were understandably high. However, despite the strength of the creative team and the richness of the subject matter, the film struggles to reach its full potential. Jaafar Jackson does an admirable job capturing his uncle’s physicality and musical presence, yet his performance lacks the emotional depth needed to elevate the film beyond a surface-level portrayal. 

One of the film’s most notable shortcomings is its treatment of Michael Jackson’s personal life. While his public persona was complex and often controversial, much of that tension is softened or omitted here. Joe Jackson is rightly depicted as a harsh and controlling figure, but Michael himself is presented largely as a misunderstood and isolated artist. The result is a narrative that feels incomplete—glossing over significant aspects of his life that shaped both his legacy and public perception. 

Ultimately, Michael plays more like a visual celebration of the artist’s musical journey up to the release of Bad. The soundtrack will undoubtedly evoke nostalgia for longtime fans, but the film offers few new insights or surprises. For those already familiar with Jackson’s story, it may feel like a missed opportunity to explore the deeper complexities behind the icon. 

What would you do for your family? 

Michael’s story highlights the complicated nature of family relationships. Despite differences, conflict, and personal struggles, there remains a deep bond that ties siblings and parents together. His commitment to his family is evident, though it often comes at a personal cost. 

Family can be one of life’s greatest blessings—and at times, one of its greatest challenges. For some, it brings joy and support; for others, it carries pain or tension. Yet, regardless of our experiences, family holds a unique place in shaping who we are. 

The Bible reminds us that love is at the centre of these relationships. Even when it is difficult, we are called to reflect the love that God has shown us. 

Perhaps the question to consider is this: have we taken the time to show appreciation and grace to those closest to us, even when it’s not easy? 

Article supplied with thanks to City Bible Forum.

About the author: Russ Matthews is a film critic at City Bible Forum and Reel Dialogue. He has a passion for film and sparking spiritual conversations.

Article supplied with thanks to Rise 96.5

About the author: Russ is a film critic and oversees the work of Reel Dialogue and God in 60 Seconds exploring the connections between visual media and the Christian faith. He provides reviews, discussion guides and resources that spark meaningful conversations about God and culture.

Feature image: Michael Movie Trailer Screenshot

As humans, we’re part of something vast and meaningful, even if we can’t fully understand it yet.

Before NASA’s recent mission, I didn’t realise how little I’ve really seen of the moon.

For something so familiar, so constant in the background of daily life, it’s easily reduced to something flat, pale and almost forgettable. And yet, watching the images beamed back from Artemis II, I’m confronted by how easily we mistake the known for the fully understood.

The moon has always been there. It hasn’t changed. But our ability to see it has.

It makes me wonder how often we live with the quiet assumption that everything can eventually be explained. That with enough knowledge, progress or discipline, the world will become something we can neatly understand and contain. And yet here we are, watching people who’ve seen further than most of humanity ever will, and their most truthful response seems not to be certainty, but awe.

Science can feel like the domain of specialists: astronauts are people trained to observe, to measure, to name and to explain with their own language, and infinite levels of precision and detail. And yet, as the Artemis II crew spoke about what they saw in orbit, their comments reached far beyond data alone.

These were people highly trained to make sense of complex and unfamiliar environments. And yet, when asked to describe the experience, there was a hesitation, as though language itself had reached its limit. It wasn’t polished reflection or triumphant clarity, but something far more human.

Emotion. Silence. Wonder.

Science and Faith

The idea that science and faith belong in separate places is a false divide we’ve inherited. The idea that science deals with facts, and faith deals with meaning. That one explains the world, while the other responds to it. But the Artemis II mission reminded us all that the two aren’t so easily separated.

Science allows us to look closely, to investigate, to analyse. Science gives language to distance, shape, movement and matter so we can weigh and measure them. It helps us notice what we’ve missed. But for Christians, that deeper understanding can also draw us back to God.

Because if creation is this vast, this intricate, this unexpectedly beautiful even in places we previously assumed were empty, what does that say about the One who made it?

Thanks to photographic advancements, the new images of the moon aren’t so much about discovering something new so much as learning how to see what’s always been there. The moon didn’t abruptly become more beautiful, but suddenly, we got to see it differently. What once looked distant, grey and flat, we can see is rich in colour, texture, variety and a quiet complexity. It had always been that way, but we couldn’t see it yet.

So much of God’s creation is like that.

Not hidden from us, but waiting patiently for us to pay attention. Waiting for us to look a little closer, move a little slower, lean in and recognise the beauty that’s always existed, even when it was hidden from our eyes.

There’s something profoundly humbling about the idea that we can advance so far, build the technology, train the minds, develop the capacity to reach beyond our atmosphere, and still find ourselves in a position of discovery rather than completion.

We aren’t arriving at the end of creation.
We’re really only just beginning to notice it.

And that, in itself, is awe-inspiring.

Even now, in a world that can feel familiar and mapped and explained, there are glimpses of wonder breaking through. Small reminders of intelligence and creativity are woven into the fabric of existence. More evidence that we’re not the authors of this story, but participants within it.

That is why awe matters.

Awe interrupts us. It humbles us. It refuses to let creation become merely useful, efficient or ordinary. It reminds us that the world isn’t simply something to be studied, managed or consumed, but something to be received and appreciated as a gift.

The more we learn about this universe, the more we’re led back to the One who formed it. Through colour, texture, variety, through vastness and intricate detail, we begin to understand not only what God has made, but something of who He is: His generosity, His creativity, His attention to beauty, His extravagant love.

Every detail, every discovery, every moment of wonder feels, in some quiet way, like an invitation. Not only to keep discovering what’s out there, but to allow it to reshape what’s in here. To let it slow us down. To let it humble us. To let it remind us that we’re part of something vast and meaningful, even if we can’t fully understand it yet.

Imagine if every new image, every discovery, every glimpse into the depth of creation led us toward wonder, humility and a deeper awareness of God.

Perhaps our eyes are still learning how to see.

Not just what is out there, but what has been here all along. To notice it. To sit with it. To let it lead us, quietly and patiently, back to the One who spoke it into existence.

Article supplied with thanks to Christian Media & Arts Australia.

Feature image: Canva