A minute with…

Emily

What do you do for ‘you’ time? (pre-COVID 19!)

I like to go for walks in nature. There are so many beautiful nature trails in and around Canberra, and I love being able to get away from the city busyness to a beautiful view with nothing (or very little) man-made. 

What’s your favourite place to eat out at in Canberra?

I'm so not up on the eating out scene in my current season of life, but a recent date with Hubby to Rizla was superb. For less fancy, our local Thai is great.

Were you born in Canberra? If no, what brought you here? 

Born and bred.

What’s the last thing you Googled?

Rizla  : )

Do you prefer winter or summer? Why?

Summer, because I intensely dislike being cold and much prefer feeling the heat of sun on my skin, going barefoot, and being hot and sandy at the beach (then diving under the salty water to cool off). I also looove all things Christmas, so Summer is the clear winner for me.

What book could you read over and over again?

It's hard to choose, but a couple of my go-tos are ‘Redeeming Love’ by Francine Rivers and ‘No Compromise’, the story of the life of Keith Green.

What Bible verse or passage has been your rock?

I have had many verses that God highlights to me at particular times when I need them, but over the last few years, Matthew 11:28-30 is one that I feel called back to time and time again. It speaks so much to me of who Jesus is and the life he came to give me. I love how the Message version puts it:

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

A minute with…

Claire

What’s one of your favourite memories with Redhill Women?

Taking a step of faith to organise the first women's retreat. It was a small log cabin, with spectacular snow-capped mountain views, and had an atmosphere of excitement, joy and tranquility.

What’s the last thing you Googled?

Classic worried mum: 'how to cure ezcema'.

Do you prefer winter or summer? Why? 

I consider myself lucky, as I enjoy both seasons. I'm an enthusiastic skier who followed winter and lived in Canada, and I immersed myself in minus-30 degree temperatures! Conversely, I then moved to the Gold Coast for uni and walked along the beach to get to uni everyday. 

What book could you read over and over again?

I'm a hopeless romantic. I have a small stash of romance novels which I love to revisit. 

If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

I’d go on an Alaskan cruise through the ice caps. There's something about snow and ice that brings my spirit alive! Only problem is, my husband hates the cold hahaha! So I assume he won't be accompanying me on that adventure. 

How can we as Redhill Women be praying for you?

I have a lot of ideas and plans in my head... Please pray that I can decipher what is an idea and plan from God, and only pursue those. 

A minute with…

Bea

What’s one of your favourite memories with Redhill Women?

My first contact with Redhill Church was to go along to a Writers’ Collective gathering. It ended up being just myself, Candace and Jill - so technically Redhill Women! We had such a great chat and I knew pretty much straight away that this was going to be my home church. 

Were you born in Canberra? If no, what brought you here?

I was born in Brisbane. I moved here in January 2019 to work with (documentary and factual) TV production company WildBear Entertainment. 

Do you prefer winter or summer? Why?

Autumn anywhere in the world, but maybe especially in Kyoto, Japan. Nothing beats those colours. 

What book could you read over and over again?

So many! I’m a book nerd from way back and my bookshelf is perpetually overflowing. It’s an obvious one, but I’ll definitely be reading the Narnia series to my (as-yet non-existent) children. 

If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

I am always drawn back to Scotland. I’ve been lucky enough to go a few times (including getting married there in 2018) but I can’t get enough of it! 

What is God teaching you in this season?

Definitely that ongoing, lifelong lesson about trusting Him and not listening to fear. And also the power of focus - on Him, and on selected important things - rather than letting my attention be scattered. 

What Bible verse or passage has been your rock?

Psalm 27 is a good one for this year. 

I remain confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the Lord
in the land of the living.
Wait for the Lord;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the Lord.

How can we as Redhill Women be praying for you?

My husband Kelvin and I are seeking God about the next steps for our future - buying a house, having children, and the need for Kelvin to have full time employment while we do those things!  

A minute with…

Jill

Were you born in Canberra? If no, what brought you here?

I was born and grew up in Sydney, then met and married a Canberran. Obviously we needed to choose a city, and I was ready for a change, so Canberra it was!

Do you prefer winter or summer? Why?

Winter. I love the freshness of cold air on your face and the freedom to be outside without being blistered by heat. I get quietly cranky when people pick on winter in small talk!

What’s one of your favourite memories with Redhill Women?

Lazing around in our big retreat house in the Snowy Mountains, with no agenda other than to be in each other’s presence while we read, eat, chat by the fire, walk and watch the sunset.

What’s the last thing you Googled?

It was thrilling stuff: breakout rooms in Microsoft Teams - yes it’s 2020, year of working-from-home (among other things)!

What is God teaching you in this season?

One is thankfulness - that I have so much to be thankful for, especially the ‘everyday’ things I would usually take for granted.

Another is His sufficiency - that I don’t need to work it all out or have it all together, because He does. I need to faithfully steward what I’ve been given to work with, but ultimately He’s got this.

What Bible verse or passage has been your rock?

This is one of them: 

“…In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 

Such a timely reminder that we live in these co-existing realities: the reality of brokenness and pain but also the reality of victory, healing and wholeness in Him.

How can we as Redhill Women be praying for you?

For energy and self-discipline to be able to do the things I need to do, and the wisdom to know when to let go or say no!

A minute with…

Hayley

What do you do for ‘you’ time? (Pre-COVID-19)

I absolutely love a good book, going for walks on sunny days while listening to music, doing some Pilates or watching a movie. I'm trying to learn how to crochet too but that isn't going very well!

Were you born in Canberra? If no, what brought you here? 

No, I was born in Japan and moved around a ton growing up, so everywhere and nowhere was considered home. When it came time for university I could therefore go anywhere, and decided I liked the idea of Canberra. Once here I fell in love with the place and decided to stay.

What is God teaching you in this season? 

God is teaching me to trust Him in an entirely different way. Trusting Him with my new daughter is a whole lot harder than trusting Him with my own life.

What bible verse or passage has been your rock? 

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Philippians 4:6-7

I have a tendency to be anxious and this verse reminds me to put my trust in the Lord and He will give me peace.

How can we as Redhill Women be praying for you? 

For wisdom, strength and energy in adapting to my new life as a mum.

A minute with…

Jess

What do you do for ‘you’ time? (pre-covid 19)

I love to bake, go for walks with my fiancé, knit giant blankets, read, write and blog about neuroscience, meditate and do yoga. Me time is all about bringing peace and clarity into my body and mind, as I’m naturally a bit of an anxious person!

Were you born in Canberra? If no, what brought you here?

I was born in Sydney, and moved to Canberra in 2016 for a graduate program in the public service. It took me a while to settle in, but now I love the beautiful nature and walks, short commute time (when working in the office) and excellent brunch scene.

What is God teaching you in this season?

God is teaching me that his word and my relationship with him truly is daily bread. Even when I go just a few days without spending time with him, I start to forget all the promises and truths that keep me anchored and spiritually healthy, and that affects every part of my life. I’m learning to prioritise that time, and try and live my life out of overflow of that.

What bible verse or passage has been your rock?

“For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:5-6‬ ‭ESV‬‬

This is my daily reminder to watch my thoughts and make sure I’m renewing my mind through the Spirit, and keeping my eyes open to learn the way God sees things.

What are you most anxious about in this season?

The thing that has caused me the most anxiety in this season is planning my wedding. Restrictions are always changing so there’s no way to know where things will be at on the day, whether to postpone, whether to get married earlier, it’s been a roller coaster! It’s also been hard not seeing my family as they are all in Sydney, and not having them there to help me navigate.

A minute with…

Abbey

What do you do for ‘you’ time? (pre-COVID 19!)

Go to the gym (pop our son in gym creche), workout and have a loooonng peaceful shower - ha ha!

What’s your favourite place to eat out at in Canberra?

The Knox

Were you born in Canberra? If no, what brought you here?

I was born in Cootamundra and grew up on NSW south coast. I moved around bit for uni and work, then came to Canberra when our son needed to be in hospital, then moved back here after that taster of Canberra for work and community. 

Do you prefer winter or summer? Why?

Summer at the coast because of the beach and surf. Winter in Canberra as I absolutely love winter rugging-up.  

What is God teaching you in this season?

He’s teaching me to love and care for those around me from a deeper and more joyful level. 

What bible verse or passage has been your rock?

'Be still and know that I AM GOD; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth’. Psalm 46:10. 

This verse really ministered to me in a couple of very significant and challenging situations in my life. 

What are you most anxious about in this season?

Loved ones getting ill and not being able to physically care for them due to restrictions. 

How can we as Redhill Women be praying for you?

Pray for patience and more ideas to entertain our toddler at home!

A minute with:

Julie

Were you born in Canberra? If no, what brought you here?

I am a born and bred Canberra local. 

What’s your favourite place to eat at in Canberra?

My favourite dining out experience in Canberra is drinks at Tipsy bull (cocoa gin) followed by dinner at Black fire (suckling pig). 

Do you prefer winter or summer? Why?

I love summer. I love swimming-pool or ocean!

What is God teaching you in this season?

I think God is teaching me to slow down and enjoy what I have in front of me, i.e. my family, nature, His Word etc. I (like most of you) live a pretty busy life so I am enjoying the simplicity of life right now and the gift of time that we often lack. 

How can we as Redhill women be praying for you?

I’d love prayer for divine opportunities and for boldness in sharing my story of salvation with others. Also for wisdom to assess what things I don’t need to bring back into my schedule!

A minute with:

Jisoo

In non-COVID19 times, what do you do for ‘you’ time?

Go to the gym, chuck on a podcast and workout! Or chuck on some YouTube videos while cooking/baking.

What’s your favourite place to eat at in Canberra?

There's many but I'd say Akiba tops the list.

Were you born in Canberra? If no, what brought you here?

I was born in Seoul, South Korea. My family moved to Sydney when I was two. We moved again to Perth when I was five. I grew up there and consider myself a Perth gal. I moved to Canberra in 2016 with no job and no real plans other than to complete a political internship, do my best and let God do the rest!

Do you prefer winter or summer? Why?

Autumn in Canberra, but summer anywhere else (except for landlocked spots). I grew up around the ocean and absolutely nothing beats getting salty everyday under a golden summer sun!

What is God teaching you in this season?

Undistracted devotion to a Sovereign King.

What bible verse or passage has been your rock?

Psalm 18:16-36. It really ministered to me at a pivotal moment in my life, particularly verses 16-19:

He reached down from on high and took hold of me;
    he drew me out of deep waters.
He rescued me from my powerful enemy,
    from my foes, who were too strong for me.
They confronted me in the day of my disaster,
    but the Lord was my support.
He brought me out into a spacious place;
    he rescued me because he delighted in me.

What are you most anxious about in this season?

A loved one falling ill in a bad way.

How can we be praying for you?

As I live alone and away from my family, protection and peace during this time for all!