5 minutes with Ladeane ...
Tell us a little about you
I’m a wife, mum, daughter, sister, aunt, friend, teacher, recent tree changer, lover of Jesus.
What’s your favourite bible passage and why?
There are so many bible passages that challenge, inspire and comfort me, it is hard to choose a favourite. One verse, however, that I find myself reflecting on lately is Psalm 121,
‘I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;
indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
The LORD watches over you—
the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.
The LORD will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;
the LORD will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.’
My family moved to Bright about eighteen months ago. Bright is a beautiful town situated at the foot of the Victorian Alps. We are surrounded by mountains and I have come to love them! Their majesty and seasonal change remind me of God and draws me closer to him. I find myself recalling Psalm 121 as I walk around town.
How do you keep your eyes fixed on Jesus?
To be honest, there are times when I feel very connected to God and speak with him regularly, and others when I get distracted and find myself aloof, when I climb into bed realising that I haven’t considered God during the day. I think, overall, keeping my eyes fixed on Jesus is about knowing him. I find that if I read my bible or a devotion in the morning, it can help to shape my thinking and I’ll be reminded of it throughout the day – driving to work, talking with a friend, making a decision. However, at other times, I love to read my bible at night, when I find I have more time to spend in prayer too. Ultimately, I try to consider Jesus in all things and I pray that he shapes my words, my thoughts, my actions – that I might become more like him.
What would you like the next generation of Christian women to know?
How different our world would be if all women knew they were loved unconditionally; valued, gifted, with purpose – to see themselves through the eyes of Jesus. As women, we so often struggle with image. We can be our own worst enemies, as we try to be all things to all people in an effort to belong, to be good enough, to be accepted, to live up to expectations. I would love the next generation of women to know that they have an audience of one. That all that matters is their relationship with Jesus - that they might become all that he has called them to be, rest in his promises and presence and know that he offers hope and a future for each one of them.
What’s one thing that you love about your local church?
Our little country church is filled with broken people who love Jesus and encourage one another to grow in him. Church is family; people united, supporting and inspiring each other to love God and love others well. I love that our church is cross generational, where older people are actively living out their faith and provide such an encouraging role model to younger generations. I love that our church has a heart for the community and seek to love others in practical ways. I love that our church encourages all people to use their gifts, and supports new endeavours prayerfully.
What did you learn about God at a time in your life you found hard?
I always find it difficult when I feel God disciplining me, when I need to admit that I am not the person that he calls me to be. It can be hard to admit that I have become over-controlling, motivated by selfish gain, have spoken abruptly (again), or become overwhelmed and ineffective. These times are hard because the truth can hurt! Despite the growing pains, I have been assured of God’s love for me, his faithfulness and provision, and I am assured of the presence of his holy spirit.
What are you passionate about?
‘Passionate’ is a hard word….there are lots of things that I enjoy, dream of, aspire to. But the verse that comes to mind is, Luke 10:27, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’
I’m still learning, but being kind, generous and loving to others is very important to me. I certainly don’t always get it right! But I believe that small acts of kindness and generosity can make a big impact on others. Being passionate about something means that it becomes treasured, life changing. I pray that my love for Jesus changes me so that I can love like him.
What do you enjoy doing when you rest?
I love spending time with my family. I love our home. I love sharing a meal and laughing too loudly!
I love time in the garden! I’m such a novice, but am slowly learning the names of plants, how to prune, when to plant… I love the different seasons, although spring time is my all time fav!
I love spending time walking or relaxing by the river, visiting wineries with my husband, climbing on the back of his Harley and exploring the countryside together.
