‘New beginnings for me mean you’re leaving something and moving to something in the future you’re not quite sure about. So that can be a whole mixture of emotions.’

New beginnings can be stressful. Unknown experiences of changing jobs, a medical diagnosis, moving to a new country, or a life-changing experience of another kind can impact family life and our expectations. Listen as Richard, Clare and Tania share their experiences and what helps them cope through change.

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‘I take on more things, I'm so overwhelmed, I will end up sick or have some leave or take some time off. And then I have a little bit of respite and then I do the same thing again.’ 

Choosing to spend time resting is often the last of our priorities in what, for many of us, is a dizzying, fast-paced and busy life. But have you ever considered that maybe the solution to all our stress and constantly feeling overwhelmed is to intentionally put rest first? Listen as Lorrene shares seven types of rest and why it is so important to prioritise. 

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‘Ah, Christmas! Peace on earth and goodwill to all! They’re not very high expectations, are they? But we try so hard to get it right, to meet our expectations of what Christmas is about. We try to create the perfect Christmas.’

Listen as John shares a message that maybe Christmas doesn’t need to be perfect.

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A lot gets said about the true meaning of Christmas. But I wonder how God sees Christmas?

Do you look forward to Christmas with anticipation? Or do you wonder if you’ll experience the peace and joy that Christmas promises? Listen as James Winderlich tells the story of one troubled family, and a stranger in the rain. In a surprising way they all experienced the true meaning of Christmas. What does Christmas mean for you?

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The build up to Christmas can be really stressful and tiring - buying gifts, planning holidays and family get-togethers. Trying to get everything done before Christmas can be a nightmare. Listen as Richard shares how he struggles with trying to find the perfect gift for the special people in his life.

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What would a stress-free life look like to you? Everyone wants to have less stress – so why do we seem to fall into the same cycles of over-commitment and feeling overwhelmed? Listen as Celia, Anna and Janine chat about why it's so hard to get beyond the stress.

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“No one is immune to domestic and family violence”

*Content warning: contains description of abuse and violence*

This episode of Messages of hope is on the topic of family and domestic violence. It contains information that may be distressing. If you need to talk to someone about the issues raised in this program, call 1800RESPECT for free confidential counselling.

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“I thought the anger in me would blow up a building. After I realized that what was done to me was so wrong. This anger just woaah! I used to break things, like get a whole lot of plates and smash them. It was eating me alive.”

*Content warning: contains description of abuse and violence*

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Have you ever wondered what it's like to be a foster carer?

‘They say it takes a village to raise a child and it's the same in foster care. Every child that's come into our care, I know we've had a positive impact on, they've had good memories to take away with them. And I can only hold on to the hope that somewhere in there that God's had an impact in their life as well.’

Listen to Tanya sharing her story of 12 years fostering 33 children.

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‘It's important that it's not about you. You're doing this for the sake of someone else.’

There are around 46,000 children currently in foster care around Australia. Ben and his wife Kelly became foster carers to Madi when she was seven years old. Listen as Ben shares the joys and challenges of being a foster dad.

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