Personal Development

Can you recognise the signs of favour and fear transmitted by children? Devyani Borade looks at what really happens on the playground.

Violence fuelled by alcohol is rising in Australia, but Geoff Youlden believes the media plays an equal part in the demise of values and virtues.

So often seen as a normal part of the lives of young people, binge drinking is increasingly putting those lives at risk. Victor Parachin reports.

Jarrod Stackelroth explores the life and faith of one ofthe world's bestknown and "gifted" neurosurgeons.

Winning Australian Idol 2009 may have changed the externals of his life, but inside it's already been transformed. Melody Tan chats to Stan Walker.

Just days after devastating fires ripped through rural Victoria, Adele Nash spoke with one family who'd lost everything. Almost.

Keeping up with the Joneses has become less expensive recently, with the shift of production to developing countries. However, there are hidden costs, as Kristin Thiele reveals.

According to Seth Pierce, martial arts training is in some ways similar to attending church.

I have often found the second coming of Jesus to be quite a daunting proposition. It somehow felt like Jesus’ return would actually stop me from achieving some of my personal goals.

We've all been told that what we think can determine how we feel. But Peter Cousins believes managing our lives goes much deeper than that.

Is an old hurt holding you back? Patty Froese Ntihemuka tells us how we can more readily accept a gift of love.

Stress is an acknowledged killer in Western societies. But to that there's a simple, God-given solution, says Cathy Ireland. You just need to be willing to try it.

Want to help children "succeed" and "do well" in life? Then cheer them on.

Samir Selmanovic considers the roles of "rules" and practice in the religious experience of falling in love.

My biggest concern is that my girls do not want to go to church with me anymore. They have thrown away the values I taught them.

A best-selling book with various celebrity endorsements is no guarantee of spiritual truth. Adele Nash considers the hype surrounding The Secret.

So how old do you see yourself? Turn back the clock and you just might live more!

Where do you get your strength? Glenis Lindley discusses the thoughts that plague many of us.

Is there anything I can do to prevent myself from becoming panic struck?

Live More! with Darren Morton

Lifeguide with family life counsellor Trafford Fisher

While the Australian road cyclist is at the top of his game, Braden Blyde discovers there's more to Evans than the sports-star stereotype.

Just how accurate are horoscopes and can they really tell our future?

I have no social life, and my children are growing up and will soon leave home. I am in urgent need of help.

Video games and violence have gone hand in hand since the first Space Invader was zapped 25 years ago.

In different ways, all Australians have been affected by drought. Daniel Reynaud ponders the meaning of hope amid the dry.

She wanted to end it all, but God had other plans.

Sister Pat, a Missionary Sister of Service, has truly become a CHIP evangelist.

In our time-poor lives, there seems never to be enough of the commodity. But is that true? Donald Wetmore tells how to make the most of the time you have.

Andrew Cate offers a refreshing perspective on loving your body in all its uniqueness. Gain practical tips for boosting self-esteem and creating a more positive body image that aligns with a fulfilling and healthy life.

“So what’s it like having a dead dad?” It's not a question you want to be asked shortly after losing your father.

A 20 year veteran of politics, Jeff Kennett sees his not-for-profit work addressing depression in Australia as more important.

Love is the most beautiful of gifts God has given to us. It’s worth taking a few minutes to figure out how to keep it alive. Let’s begin at the top . . .

Everybody makes mistakes. Kim Peckham offers his mistake ridden life as an illustration.

In a world where "for better and for worse" is an anachronism, this guy gives the case for real relationships a chance. And women love him for it, as Lifeguide columnist Trafford Fischer discovered.

There is backlash from both sides for the Christian man or woman who struggles with same-sex attraction but chooses to obey God’s law.

What happens when your private demons start hurting those around you? Jennifer Schwirzer, pictured, shares her journey of both spiritual and physical healing.

Carrying out ordinary tasks doesn’t make us insignificant, says Vanesa Pizzuto. On the contrary, that’s what makes us great!

Exploring the harder issues of life - and finding comfort

Kim Peckham shares his tips on how not to die too early.

You can still be nice and still set boundaries and say "No"

Optimism is the key to a joyful, successful and fulfilling life, recommends Bob Farrant.

We've all heard about the ills of the internet. But did you know it could affect our sense of empathy and compassion as well?

Overcoming his fears the sea helped Glenn Townend grow His relationship with God.

Reflecting on the significance of a day

"You’re a pastor’s kid, so you should really start behaving like one." Newsflash: having a parent as a pastor doesn't make someone a PK.

John Knight, aka media medic Dr James Wright, hitting 90, says he’s grateful after beating life-threatening cancer, twice.

The first step to becoming efficient and more productive in life is to get organised. This five-point plan will help you confront misguided thinking that says you can't.

We need each other. David Edgren explains how we can help others accomplish their true potential.

No longer just something you did with—or for—your children, adults now have a legitimacy in the world of the colouring-in book, a phenomena taking the world by storm.

I know God has not brought this anger upon me but I struggle to understand why He has not stepped in and been more visible in my life.

This addiction can damage the way you perceive life and other people, to the extent that no marital partner will ever meet your desires. This addiction is very real

During this Christmas season, Cat Thompson tells us why it's important to possess an attitude of gratitude.

This new digital paradigm is changing how we relate to society, families, friends and God.

Catriona Rowntree on words of wisdom from her grandmother

Exploring the impact of diet on this special mother-daughter relationship

Mood disorders affect us all to some extent. Lee Dunstan interviewed Graeme Frauenfelder, who experienced the worst—and won.

How much of your "stuff" could you live without? Kristel Rae finds a microcosm of her life in her bathroom cupboard.

James Standish's birthday isn't until June, but he already knows what he wants as a present. The answer may surprise you.

Consumerism threatens to destroy us and our world, warns Brendan Pratt. Here’s what we can do about it.

Medical Hotline with Dr James Wright

Trafford Fischer figures out what it takes to be happy.

As marriage increasingly eludes more and more people, an age-old competition may be escalating.

Problem gambling is becoming a problem for the whole society.

Obesity in childhood strongly predisposes to obesity in adulthood. Yet many parents are oblivious to the fact that their child is carrying around more than just puppy fat and they assume their child will simply grow out of it.

When I was a little girl, I would go stay at my grandmother’s house just to be away from home. My parents didn’t love one another.

Millions of overweight people around the world have above normal blood sugar levels, but few realise how dangerous this is.

Andrew Cate walked the Kokoda Track with six friends looking for adventure, and a better insight into a significant part of Australia's war history.

"Pirates who sail the seas aren't so different from the ones who slouch in front of screens. Both break the law and destroy lives . . ."

His life spiraled out of control. Then, about to crashland, he came to his senses. Tony Lungren describes his journey to God.

KT Marie Wallis finds the beginning and the end - and everything in between-of her life's projects.

You don't have to train like an athlete to enjoy the many benefits of exercise. Personal trainer Andrew Cate shows that the meaning of fitness is different for everyone.

Lifeguide with counsellor Deanna Pitchford

Organised walks and fun runs are a great motivational opportunity for getting fit and losing weight. Andrew Cate shows you how to get started.

A too literal view of heaven leads to conceptual difficulties. Better to keep it simple, suggests Kim Peckham, who has his own view of Paradise.

Open up and say ha ha ha ha. Doctor’s orders. By Julie Guirgis.

While regulators ignore appeals from the grassroots, the gambling industry continues to gobble up profits. All just harmless fun? Don’t bet on it.

The war against the enemy is so brutal that we need strong, heavy-duty armour.

Using his home's perpetual renovation as an allegory, the author explores the theme of personal and spiritual growth. Despite the visible disrepair and others' judgments, he focuses on the end result, paralleling how God views individuals as complete in Jesus, in spite of their ongoing development and imperfections.

Life can make you better or bitter. The children of divorced couples can be proactive with their empathy if they choose to do so.

Femininity creates a desire to be beautiful and to make the world a more beautiful place. Michele Howe explains.

While our smartphones might be convenient, Scott Wegener warns that we need to be aware of the potential problems they can create in our lives, if we aren’t careful.

God's Word holds many blessings. Victor Parachin explains the benefits of studying it regularly.

It’s easy to become discouraged when you try to overcome a sin, only to find yourself falling right back into it. But there is a solution.

Patience and kindness can heal a difficult relationship.

More than 10 years of sexual abuse—at the hands of a "good Christian man", no less—is more than enough to distort one's picture of God. “I know God is good," says *Rachel. "I just haven't seen any of it."

Kim Peckham asks about those fast-fading New Year's resolutions and offers advice to help you keep next year's.

Most of us will never kill someone else, but our hearts are not innocent of such thoughts.explores the thought life that leads to law-breaking.

We're often told to think big. But sometimes it's the simple ideas that prove the most successful (anyone remember the Pet Rock and the slinky?).

Understand the balance between material wealth and spiritual service as taught by Jesus, exploring the concepts of trust, provision, and the pursuit of righteousness over riches.

How to enjoy this holiday without the financial stress

At the worst of times, God often seems the closest. Glenis Lindley tells the story of one such day.

Take control of your life again, and break the smoking habit with 8 ways to help you quit

Confronted with her troubled past, Vicki finds solace in a pastor's reassurance of God's forgiveness, challenging her belief in the unpardonable sin and reigniting her faith.

Paul Fua's life has been much like his epic adventure around Australia on a jet ski. There have been many ups and downs, but—by the grace of God—it's been one heck of a good ride.

Devoting time to God requires more intention that first thought

The secret to being a real man, says Victor Parachin, is to learn the fine art of kindness.

The alphabet of parenting wisdom, starting with affirmation of a child's individuality to zeroing in on priorities, crafting a roadmap for a supportive, enriching family life.

Robert Drane talks with one of Australia's Olympic medal hopes about things that are important to her, on and off the running track.

Ebenezer Scrooge's three spirits of Christmas still live on if you let them. Gordon Botting suggests three ways to save money without losing spirit.