By Janine Parkinson, Scripture Union

I grew up in a volatile home, love was scarce and smacking and shouting was plentiful! I can’t pin all the blame on my parents as my father came from an abusive home; the eldest of six children who then buried his head into the royal marines which left him even harder and unable to show love. My mother was a war baby adopted from birth in 1945 and has suffered with her mental health ever since. So really, circumstances hadn’t been kind to them; both introverts trying to bring me up - an extraverted, touchy feely, desperate for love girl. I probably wasn’t the easiest child to relate to.

by Fiona Walton, primary school teacher, author, Mum and Grandma

As adults perhaps a question we are inclined to ask is, “Where is God to be found when I need him?” or as children might put it, “Where does God live?”

What does the Bible say?

by Susan Box, illustrator and Designer “Conversation Starters”

Ask most people what advent means to them and you’ll hear mention of chocolate shapes behind cardboard doors, ordering turkeys or rushing to get the last “must-have” toy.

But, as followers of Jesus, advent is a time of watching and waiting. It’s a season all of its own, and we’re missing out if we treat it as simply a stepping stone to Christmas Day.

by Ashley Davidson, Mum, Pastor and Author

I believe our children’s generation is one that is destined to walk in the supernatural gifts of God. I have heard so many prophetic words about their generation seeing revival, seeing God’s glory and a move of the Holy Spirit so great that it changes our world. Because of this, my heart is to raise my kids in an atmosphere where they daily experience God’s tangible presence, receive His blessing and have shared experiences and encounters with each other and Holy Spirit.

by Celeste Majcher, Author.

Do you know how hard it is to be a Christian and suffer from depression? 

The entire world tells you that your faith should be enough, that God should heal you and that feeling depressed is ungodly. 

In fact, any kind of negative feelings are often characterised as unchristian. Anger? Anxiety? Fear? Jealousy? Sadness? All wrong according to the worldly expectations of our faith. 

by Alice Deanie, Mum, retired nurse and Head of Togetherness at Around The Box

There is a place and time for everything, but what does that look like as a busy mum to four in a new season?! I love the passage in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, as it empowers me to have healthy boundaries and recognise that my life goes through seasons. I can rest in knowing God is in control, to lean into the season and to discern the leading of the Holy Spirit.