I often wonder when people truly know they are Christians. Many recall a moment of conversion. But for me, it wasn’t obvious.

Crossing into faith feels like crossing a border. Sometimes you see it clearly. Other times, you don’t notice it at all.

For me, I first knew I was a Christian when it actually cost me something.

When I was 17, I was obsessed with basketball. I competed across the state and came second. Afterward, I got an opportunity to train with the Wildcats’ coach.

I remember the call: “Great to have you here. Show up Sunday at 10:00.” Something inside me froze. It felt like a choice between basketball and Jesus.

I chose Jesus. It wasn’t easy, and it wasn’t glamorous. But that decision marked another step toward following Him.

If you’re unsure whether you are a Christian, try this test: When has faith cost you something? Does it still?

Faith always costs something. Yet despite the cost, it’s worth it. For me, those moments of choice showed me what it really means to follow Jesus.

Article supplied with thanks to Sonshine.

Feature image: Canva

Channel Seven’s AFL commentator Abbey Holmes recently gave birth to a healthy baby boy. She returned to work seven weeks later, a decision that drew both praise and criticism.

While many supported her, some online commentators questioned whether it was too soon.

Responding to Online Backlash

Abbey is currently working a two-day week under a part-time arrangement. Still, online critics raised concerns about her recovery post-C-section and whether she was prioritising her baby’s needs.

But Abbey responded with calm clarity. “If my baby hadn’t been healthy and settled, I wouldn’t have returned so early,” she explained. She also pointed out that every new mum’s situation is different: “There’s no one-size-fits-all guideline for new mums.”

With strong family support, Abbey felt ready and able to step back into work life even if only for a few days a week.

Parenting is a Team Effort

Critics also took issue with her husband being left on “babysitting duty.” Abbey was quick to shut that down. “Dads don’t babysit their own children. They’re 50% of the parenting duo.”

It’s a timely reminder that parenting is a team effort and one that looks different for every family. Some mums return to work early out of necessity. Others choose to stay home for years. Both choices are valid.

“We shouldn’t be shaming new mums as they try to navigate this. We all come from different walks of life and different stories,” Leah shared.

Other Stories

Sarah shared: “With our first baby, I barely scraped by with six months leave due to planting a church and tight finances. With my second and third, I managed a year off, though I deeply wish I could’ve afforded two.” She added that daycare and grandparent support have made all the difference.

Karen said: “I had three children. I took six months off for all of them. As a single mum, I had to go back to work part-time. I felt bad, but it was what I had to do.”

To that, a heartfelt encouragement – “To all the single parents out there, I honestly don’t know how you do it. You are just amazing.”

No two parenting journeys are the same. Support systems, financial pressure, and personal conviction all play a part in when and how parents return to work.

Article supplied with thanks to Sonshine.

Feature image: Canva

If you’ve been online lately, chances are you’ve seen it: the viral moment from a recent Coldplay concert where a couple was caught on the big screen… and what followed was an awkward, very public reveal of their affair.

The video shot around the world in hours, sparking memes, reaction clips, debates and plenty of laughs. But while the internet was busy pointing and laughing, some deeper questions started bubbling beneath the surface. Why are we so fascinated by these moments of public exposure? And what does it reveal about our culture, and ourselves?

Stephen McAlpine, respected writer and cultural commentator, who recently shared a thought-provoking piece about the Coldplay “kiss cam incident.” His insights gave us pause, helping us move beyond the viral moment to explore something deeper.

The Power… and Danger… of Exposure

“These moments are like watching a car crash, we can’t look away,” Stephen told Leah & Dan. “We’re fascinated by human behaviour, especially bad behaviour, when we’re not the ones caught in the spotlight.”

Stephen describes it as “theatre for the digital age.” A mixture of shock, humour, and judgment that plays out for a global audience in real time. “It’s part of the meme culture,” he says. “We take very tragic events and turn them into entertainment. But at some point, we have to take a step back.”

Is There Still a Place for Faithfulness?

Despite living in a “you do you” culture, Stephen believes the reaction to this public affair speaks volumes.

“There’s a little crack in the armour,” he says. “Despite everything we say about freedom and consent and living your truth, we still instinctively feel that covenant relationships, where we stick to our vows, are good. That they matter.”

And maybe that’s why this moment struck such a chord. It wasn’t just the drama, it was the public breach of something most of us, deep down, still value: trust.

What If We Were the Ones Exposed?

As easy as it is to laugh, Stephen encourages us to reflect before we judge. “What would it feel like if my worst mistake was shown on the big screen at a football match?” he asks. “Would I want grace… or ridicule?”

It’s a sobering thought, and one that challenges the internet’s instinct to shred and shame. “We don’t reflect enough on our own propensities,” Stephen says. “This might be a good time to do that.”

Finding Forgiveness in a World That’s Quick to Cancel

So, what if you’re living through your own “kiss cam moment”? Caught, exposed, and unsure what to do next? Stephen, speaking from his Christian faith, offers a word of hope. “Jesus knew people better than any kiss cam ever could,” he says. “He saw the mess in their lives and still offered them forgiveness and a fresh start.”

It’s a reminder that there’s a difference between internet culture and kingdom culture. While one cancels, the other offers compassion. While one laughs at the fallen, the other kneels beside them.

If you’re facing the fallout of a mistake, whether public or private, know this: exposure can be painful, but it can also be a turning point. A moment to choose humility… a moment to seek grace… a moment to start again.

Article supplied with thanks to Sonshine.

Feature image: Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash

Six months ago, we bought a puppy—a three-month-old bundle of energy. Now, six months into dog ownership, life has been busy, fun, and completely changed. One of my main goals has been to train this puppy well—essentially, to “raise a dog in the way it should go.” While doing so, I’ve discovered surprising lessons about following Jesus.

I recently read a book by a dog trainer named Doggy Dan, titled What the Dogs Taught Me About Being a Parent. He explains how training dogs taught him valuable parenting lessons. Inspired by that, I realised my dog has also taught me two key lessons about discipleship.

1. Trusting God’s Lead

One of my biggest challenges is stopping my dog from pulling on the lead during walks. She tugs in every direction—wanting to sniff here, explore there, and dart after anything that catches her attention. Meanwhile, I’m holding the leash, thinking, If you would just walk with me, I’d take you somewhere good!

Isn’t that how we are with God sometimes? Psalm 23 says, “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters.” God has a good path for us, but we often pull away, eager to follow our own desires. If only we trusted Him, He would lead us to peace, joy, and fulfilment.

2. Obeying When Called

Another goal for my puppy is to teach her to come when I call—every time, not just when she feels like it. Right now, she loves chasing seagulls on the beach. If I call her, she’ll sprint toward me… and then run right past like I don’t exist! I realise this is exactly how we sometimes treat Jesus.

Jesus calls us for a reason—to guide, protect, and lead us in love. Yet, how often do we rush past Him, distracted by our own plans? Just like I call my dog to keep her safe, Jesus calls us because He knows what’s best. Our greatest response is simple: obey.

Walking in Faith

If you’re a dog owner, you’ve likely experienced the joys and struggles of training a puppy. But beyond that, maybe God is using those moments to teach you something deeper. He wants to lead you beside still waters, to guide you on the right path, and to call you for a purpose.

The best thing we can do? Trust Him. Follow His lead. And when He calls, come running.

Hopefully, the next time you hear from me, my puppy will have made some progress. But in the meantime, may we all grow in walking faithfully with Jesus!

Article supplied with thanks to Sonshine.

Feature image: Canva

Parenting comes with countless responsibilities. From being a driver to a doctor, an advisor to a school counsellor, parents wear many hats. But one role stands out as non-negotiable: being the gatekeeper.

“Parents, especially dads, need to step up and set boundaries,” said Pastor Joel Cheliah, a former kids pastor with nine years of experience. “It’s not an easy job, but it’s crucial.”

Joel shared that his journey into parenting was humbling. “I thought I knew everything about kids before I had them. I used to give advice to parents as a kids pastor. Then we had our first child who broke every rule and pushed every boundary,” he said with a laugh.

What Does It Mean to Be a Gatekeeper?

Joel drew inspiration from the book of Exodus, where parents were instructed to mark their homes with lamb’s blood as a boundary against harm. “As parents, we set the boundaries for what enters our homes,” Joel explained. “It doesn’t matter if you’re the fun dad or the cool dad. You still have a responsibility to protect your family.”

Challenges Dads Face

Being the gatekeeper isn’t always met with applause. “You’ll hear things like ‘I hate you’ or ‘Everyone else’s parents let them do it,’” Joel admitted. “But every parent hears that. It’s tough, but it’s your God-given authority, and your kids will thank you later.”

Joel reflected on his own children, now aged 21, 19, and 17. “They actually thank us now for the boundaries we set, especially when they see friends who struggled because their parents didn’t,” he said.

Practical Tips for Parents

For those wondering where to start, Joel offered practical advice. “We monitored the music our kids listened to. If they broke the rules, there were consequences,” he shared.

Phone usage was another area. “We checked their phones and didn’t allow phones in their rooms overnight when they were younger,” Joel said.

He also emphasised the importance of knowing your kids’ friends. “We encouraged friendships we approved of and made alternative plans when we weren’t comfortable,” he added.

Parenting is challenging, but being the gatekeeper is essential. As Joel put it, “You’ve got to protect the gate.”

Article supplied with thanks to Sonshine.

Feature image: Canva Pro