I’m currently in that ‘middle’ age, and I like it! I’m not as young as I used to be, but I feel young, in that I’m still learning so much about myself, God and people. It’s also so good to be free enough to try new things (such as knitting and ice-skating), to choose to have fun, laugh and cry. I love to encourage others along the road of life, and it’s really cool to realise from time to time that I have experience and wisdom to pass on.

I was born in country NSW, lived in and around Sydney, and have now lived for most of my life in Brisbane. Though I don’t identify as much with belonging to a particular state or barracking for one or the other during popular sporting competitions, I am passionate about being an ambassador of Christ locally in my everyday life, and I love the beauty of the body of Christ in Brisbane, across Australia, and globally.

I’m married to Tim, who is generous, isn’t afraid to state an alternative opinion, and is pretty good at fixing things (no matter how long it takes). We have four children, one of whom is yet to pass me in height, and they all often bless me with technological know-how, advice about meals, hugs, a willingness to help out and come along for walks and drives, grace towards those visiting for coffee, and regularly putting a smile on my face with their good humour.

Defining moments in my life have been when my preconceived ideas have been challenged, like when I attended a conference in my early 20s and witnessed the power and authority with which a small group of older women prayed. I’ve been blown away in our family when I’ve been at a loss of what to do, but one of my children made a simple statement or suggestion that solved a problem. During a Streams course at Riverlife, I had an encounter with Jesus that proved to me His complete authority and power were more than a match for any fear or worry. And my heart grew strong through the grace and truth from friends when I thought I’d made a mistake that couldn’t be redeemed.

I look forward to seeing the young people I get to hang out with these days become the community, business, family and church leaders of future generations.  I can’t help but make the investment into the lives of these young men and women, who already are being loved and led by Jesus, and will encourage many others to do the same.