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What difference can simply showing up make? For over 40 years, a church playgroup in Melbourne has been bringing families together, building friendships and sharing the love of Jesus in ordinary, practical ways. In this episode, I'm joined by two beautiful women, Betty and Jane, who have spent years faithfully serving families through this ministry. We talk about friendship across generations, finding purpose in different seasons of life, serving when things aren't always easy, and why the little things we do for others can have a lasting impact. Having personally experienced their kindness and care with my own three boys over the past seven years, this conversation is particularly special to me. Whether you're serving in your church, raising children, caring for others or wondering if what you do really matters, I hope this conversation reminds you that God sees your faithfulness. A quick note about the video: Unfortunately, my camera stopped recording a few minutes into our conversation, so you'll notice some black spaces where my video should be. Thankfully, Betty and Jane's footage and our full conversation are still there! Thanks for understanding ❤️

Can you love God, trust Him and still struggle with anxiety? In this episode of This Is Our Village, Hayley sits down with Christian counsellor Sarah Clarke from Willow Wellness to explore the intersection of anxiety, mental health, faith and prayer. Sarah shares her own experience of seeking counselling, how anxiety affects our thoughts, emotions and bodies, and why struggling with anxiety isn't a reflection of our faith or God's love for us. Together, we discuss how counselling and prayer can work alongside each other, what healing can look like, and the role of professional support and medication. Sarah also guides us through a practical grounding exercise you can try yourself. A conversation full of honesty, practical wisdom and hope for anyone navigating anxiety while seeking to trust God. Connect with Sarah Sarah Clarke | Willow Wellness Website: https://www.willowwellness.com.au/ Instagram: @_willow_wellness Email: [email protected] Resources Mentioned in This Episode Breath-prayer book: Find it on Amazon Window of Tolerance: View resource The Amazon link is an affiliate link. I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. 5–4–3–2–1 Grounding Exercise Sarah guides us through this simple exercise to help bring our attention back to the present moment when we're feeling overwhelmed. Take a moment to notice: 5 things you can see 4 things you can touch or feel 3 things you can hear 2 things you can smell 1 thing you can taste Finish with a few slow, comfortable breaths. You can follow along with Sarah during the episode or return to this exercise whenever you need it. Understanding Anxiety Beyond Blue – Understanding Anxiety: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/mental-health/anxiety K10 Mental Health Check: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/mental-health/tools-and-quizzes/k10 The K10 is a short questionnaire that can help you reflect on your current psychological distress and whether additional support may be helpful. Anxiety statistics discussed in this episode: Australian Bureau of Statistics, National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing (2020–2022): https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/mental-health/national-study-mental-health-and-wellbeing/2020-2022 Need Someone to Talk To? Lifeline (24/7) 13 11 14 | https://www.lifeline.org.au/ Beyond Blue (24/7) 1300 22 4636 | https://www.beyondblue.org.au/ Looking for Professional Support? CCAA – Find a Christian Counsellor https://ccaa.net.au/map-search/ Medicare Mental Health 1800 595 212 https://www.medicarementalhealth.gov.au/ Important Note This episode is intended for general information and encouragement, not individual mental-health advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you need personal support, please speak with your GP or an appropriately qualified mental-health professional. The resources provided are not a substitute for professional care. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 000.

It’s a pretty foundational question for Christian faith — but perhaps one we don’t always stop to ask. In this episode, Jas and Kate are back for the first conversation in our mini theology series. We talk about what Christians actually mean when we say the Bible is the Word of God, how the Bible we have today came together, and some of the historical evidence that helps us understand its reliability. We also get into some of the harder questions: What about books that didn’t make it into the Bible? What do we do with apparent contradictions? How should we approach passages that feel brutal, confusing or completely removed from our modern culture? And is it okay to have doubts about God or the Bible? We talk about why context matters, why reading a single verse is very different from understanding the whole story of Scripture, and why we shouldn’t expect to master the Bible or have every question answered straight away. One of my favourite parts of this conversation is the reminder that we don’t need to be afraid of our questions. The Bible itself is full of people who wrestled, doubted and asked God to meet them in their uncertainty. Scripture invites us into a lifetime of learning — reading it in context, wrestling with things we don’t understand, bringing our doubts honestly to God and continuing to grow in our knowledge of Him. If you’ve ever wondered whether you can really trust the Bible, struggled with something you’ve read in it, or simply wanted to understand Scripture more deeply, I hope this conversation encourages you to keep asking, keep reading and keep looking to God. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Wesley HuffJas mentions Wesley Huff and his work exploring biblical manuscripts, history and the reliability of the Bible. His website includes his Can I Trust the Bible? material and other resources for digging deeper.https://www.wesleyhuff.com/ The Bible Recap — Tara-Leigh CobbleI mention using The Bible Recap as I read/listen chronologically through the Bible this year. Each day includes a short recap to help explain and connect what you’ve read.https://www.thebiblerecap.com/ Cultural Backgrounds Study BibleJas recommends this as a helpful resource for understanding the historical and cultural context behind Scripture — particularly when a passage feels strange or difficult from our modern perspective.https://link.amazon/B0if1FGQyAffiliate link — I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you Habits of Resistance — Elizabeth WoodsonJas mentions Habits of Resistance: 7 Ways You're Being Formed by Culture and Gospel Practices to Help You Push Back, which looks at the stories our culture forms us to live by and how the gospel gives us a different story.https://link.amazon/B0aQFXpSSAffiliate link Early Church FathersKate talks about discovering that many of the questions Christians wrestle with today were also being asked by Christians in the early Church. You can explore a collection of their translated writings here:https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/ The Dead Sea ScrollsWe talk about the Dead Sea Scrolls and what ancient manuscripts can teach us about the transmission of the Old Testament text. Explore the Israel Antiquities Authority’s Dead Sea Scrolls Digital Library:https://www.deadseascrolls.org.il/ SCRIPTURES MENTIONED 2 Timothy 3:16 • 1 Thessalonians 2:13 • 2 Peter 1:20–21 • Matthew 5:17 • John 10:35 • John 1:1 • John 5 • Leviticus 15 • Matthew 11:2–6 / Luke 7:18–23 • Mark 9:24 A NOTE FROM US Jas, Kate and I aren't presenting ourselves as theologians or claiming to cover everything there is to know about these questions in one conversation. Our hope with this theology series is to start conversations, encourage you to dig deeper and point you towards helpful places to continue learning. If this episode has raised a question we haven't answered, send it through. We'd love to know what you're wrestling with — and we'll do our best to point you towards people and resources that can help.

What does friendship look like after more than 40 years? In this episode, I’m joined by my mum, Beth, and one of her closest friends, Jan. They met at church as young married women more than four decades ago, and since then they’ve walked through so many seasons of life together — raising children, changing churches, grief and difficult family seasons, becoming grandparents, growing in faith and plenty of ordinary life in between. We talk about what has made their friendship last, the importance of honesty, being able to pick up the phone after months apart, and why good friendship doesn’t have to mean being exactly alike. Beth and Jan also share some beautiful stories of the ways God has met them through their friendship — praying for one another when words were hard to find, showing up in grief without trying to fix it, and even an incredible moment when God gave them both the same picture independently of each other. It’s a conversation about friendship, faith, prayer, church community and the gift of having people who will simply keep showing up through the different seasons of life. Links & resources mentioned Lectio 365Beth talks about using Lectio 365 as part of her morning time with God. It’s a daily devotional and prayer app from 24-7 Prayer. You can download the app or go to Lectio 365. In this episode we talk about:• friendship through more than 40 years of changing seasons• showing up when there are no words• praying for your friends — and actually stopping to pray with them• honesty and trust in long-term friendship• allowing your friends to be different from you• hearing from God and an incredible moment when Beth and Jan received the same picture• why friendship doesn’t need to keep score• the importance of church and Christian community• what Beth and Jan are seeing God do in their lives right now If you’ve ever been grateful for a friend who has walked beside you through different seasons — or you’re currently longing for that kind of friendship and community — I hope this conversation encourages you. This is our Village 🤍

This week I sit down with Shana Kent, who moved from Michigan to Australia over two decades ago after falling for an Australian professional baseball player — who, at the time, had no faith at all. Shana shares what it was like to build a marriage and raise three kids while holding onto her own faith largely on her own, including years of church-shopping, loneliness, and quietly "planting seeds" with a husband who wasn't interested. Then everything changes. Shana walks us through the unbelievable series of events — a COVID lockdown, an unplanned move to America, and a chance introduction through her mum's hairdresser — that led to her husband's faith and eventual baptism. This one is honestly one of the most encouraging stories we've shared on the podcast. If you're praying for someone you love and it feels like nothing's happening, this episode is for you. Loved by Shana Shana mentioned she's been loving audiobooks on hearing God's voice, including The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery: Connecting Neuroscience and Faith to Radically Transform Your Life by Warren W. Lee, MD. She's also been leaning into really listening to her praise music rather than having it on in the background — including tuning in to ⁠89.9 The Light⁠ on Melbourne radio or on their app. 📖 ⁠The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery⁠ As always, any book links below are Amazon affiliate links — if you purchase through them, TIOV may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the show!

Today I'm kicking off a mini-series I've been dreaming about for a while — real conversations about theology, not lectures. And I couldn't think of anyone better to start with than Kate Thompson and Jasmine Crennan, who both featured as guests back in the original podcast (episodes 13 and 31, if you want to go digging). Before we get into any actual theology topics in future episodes, this one's just about getting to know Kate and Jasmine again — what life looks like for them now, how their love of theology began, and why they think it matters for absolutely everyone, not just people who've been to Bible college. We talk about the beauty (and the overwhelm) of theology, why community matters so much in working things out, and Kate shares one of my new favourite quotes from Saint Jerome about theology being shallow enough for a child to wade in and deep enough that none of us will ever reach the bottom. If you've ever felt like theology is a big, intimidating word that's not really "for you," I think this conversation will feel like an invitation rather than a closed door. Sending you so much love for this one. Resources mentioned in this episode: You Are a Theologian by J.T. English and Jen WilkenNone Like Him by Jen WilkenA World Without God by Chris PalmerBibleProjectKnowing Faith podcast with Jen WilkinAsk NT Wright Anything podcastThe Bible Recap with Tara-Leigh Cobble This episode contains affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you — thank you for supporting the podcast this way.

After four years away, This is our Village is back — and this time, Hayley's hosting solo. Fittingly, her very first guest is Amy, her original co-host and long-time friend, who joins to talk about everything that's happened in the years since they last hit record. Amy shares what life looks like now — four kids, a move to regional Victoria, her own podcast with her husband ("Honey We Need a Chat"), and how she found her way into life coaching almost by accident. The conversation moves through some genuinely practical stuff: how to catch the stories you tell yourself, why "what's actually going well" is a question worth asking even in hard seasons, and how much of what Amy's learned in coaching lines up with what the Bible has been saying all along. It's a warm, easy, catch-up kind of episode — old friends, a lot of laughing, and some real gold in between. A gentle, honest way to kick things back off. 📖 Mentioned in this episode: Hard Is Not the Same as Bad — https://link.amazon/B05Pe8TWc (This is an affiliate link — if you purchase through it, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.) Connect with Amy: 🎙️ Honey We Need a Chat — https://honeyweneedtochat.com/ 💛 Next Chapter Coaching — https://nextchaptercoaching.com.au/life-coach-for-real-change

Six years ago, Hayley and her friend Amy started This is our Village — and for two years and over 50 episodes, it was a space for sharing everyday women's stories. Then life shifted, the podcast paused, and Hayley wasn't sure it would ever come back. In this first episode of a new season, Hayley shares what brought her back — homeschooling three kids, learning her boys are autistic with a PDA profile, a season of real isolation, and the quiet, persistent sense that God was putting this podcast back on her heart. It's honest, a little unpolished, and a genuine look at what "capacity" and "gift" can look like in a full season of life. If you've followed along since the original podcast, or you're brand new here — this one's a lovely place to start. Sending you so much love as this new chapter begins. (next time, hopefully I'll learn what camera to look at!)

So… this is goodbye for now It has been an honour to have played through your ear buds or speakers, while you walk, drive, cook, clean or work over the last 2 years. We have so cherished every interview and every interaction with each of you! We have loved hearing stories of how God has worked through an episode, spoken to you or been the perfect gift for either yourself or to share with a friend. You guys have truely made this our village and we’re so so thankful for this community! Over the last 2 years a lot has changed - for all of us! In this episode we share how things have changed for us and why we have decided to pause the podcast here and what it means for us and our families. We reflect and remember together the things we've loved and learnt and what things that we are looking forward to in the future. We'll be honest, we're not sure if this is a break or the end. We're looking to God to lead us through this change and this season and know that he'll be with us each step of the way. Thank you for listening to us, for supporting us and for encouraging us. ❤️ We’d love to also hear from you! What has been your fav episode? What quote or thought has stuck with you from our amazing guests? Until next time!

This week we talk with Dr Monica D R. Monica is a Medical Practitioner turned business coach who's passionate about supporting women and mums in their life and business endeavours. In this episode we chat about the different seasons of motherhood and the overwhelm that can come from life as a mum. Monica shares tips on how we can support ourselves and the mums around us. We pray it may be a blessing to you! You can find Monica and her work here: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/monica.d.r/  Online https://drmonicadr.com/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/shethrivessisterhood/

Today we have the privilege of chatting to a returning guest Sheila Wray Gregoire, and her husband Dr Keith Gregoire about two books they have recently released- the ALL NEW Good Girls Guide to Great Sex and The Good Guy’s Guide to Great Sex. We’ve so appreciated Sheila and Keith’s work over the years in the area of marriage and sex, and in recent years their focus has focused in on some important gaps they’ve observed in common evangelical Christian teaching around sex. Sheila and Keith share about the importance of looking at these prominent teachings within the church, and the damage they have had on the marriages of many who have been exposed to them. From redefining what we mean by ‘sex’, realistically looking at how we use the term ‘lust’ and getting practical about how couples can revive their marriages and sex lives, we wholeheartedly believe this conversation will be an educational, challenging and important conversation for anyone who listens. Discover more about Sheila and Keith's work at To Love, Honor and Vacuum.

This week Amy and Hayley reflect on some fun and thought provoking questions about motherhood, to celebrate this Mother's Day. We'd love to hear your answers too! If you could go somewhere alone for a day, where would it be? What is the funniest thing your child has said recently? What’s your favourite guilty pleasure? What small gift did motherhood give you today?

This week we have the immense privilege Of chatting to Lisa Goins of GoinStrong. Lisa has worked in so many different roles, from being a missionary overseas with her husband, to becoming a holy yoga instructor and everything in-between and beyond- she has seen a LOT of the world and has a huge heart for the health and wellbeing of others! Lisa is the founder of GoinStrong- through which she engages her clients in “Whole Life” coaching, encouraging them to bring balance to their lives; physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually! She has seen lives change and she is passionate about bringing this transformational health to others. Today she shares about her journey, what led her to coaching and what God is doing in her life through these physical AND spiritual disciplines. We pray you’re encouraged by her story today. You can find Lisa at https://www.facebook.com/goinstrong.coaching/ or https://www.instagram.com/goinstrong.coaching/

A quick note- This week will be our last week of the In Between episodes. We’re planning to replace them with interactive, live ‘chats’ which you can watch and even join in! Watch this space for details on how, when and where! This week on the In Between, I (Amy) share a bit about my journey through miscarriage over the last few months. We want to give an important disclaimer/trigger warning that this episode could be triggering to anyone currently pregnant or that may have experienced a miscarriage in the past. We are so aware that every journey is unique and different, and that there are many aspects that each person will navigate differently, and this story is unique to me. I am someone who loves to share, even in the difficult times, but I’m very aware that not everyone appreciates raw conversation around topics like this- and that is perfectly ok! This episode may just not be for you ❤️ While walking through this loss, there are some things I’ve experienced and discovered that I would never have thought about previously, things I didn’t expect that caught me by surprise, and some I wish I had known before going through it personally. I’ve been left in awe of the female body, the way God has created us physically and emotionally and the way that He sustains us even in grief. My heart behind sharing today is to contribute to the shift I’ve seen happening in the culture around miscarriage, and to share what I’ve learnt in hopes it may help expand our empathy and understanding. ❤️

This week is our last episode of the mini series, and we have the privilege of hearing from two incredible mamas of 4, Joanna Craig and Doinitza Crispin. Jo and Doini share with us from their rich and full motherhood journeys, and was honestly such a blessing and encouragement to hear a bit about their stories and their heart behind parenting. They share about their faith, the ups and the downs and what has helped them the most in motherhood and life. We truely believe that this episode will uplift you, whether you have a large family or not. 🙏🏻