5 minutes with Kathy ...

A little about me:

I have just shockingly turned 60 ... how could that be? But now that the shock has settled, I am so grateful for all the blessings of this life, all that I have experienced and the love and grace I have been shown. I have 3 children, a loving husband, 5 stepchildren and 4 grandchildren between us, so life is never quiet or without incident of one kind or another!

Favourite Bible passage and why?

Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."

I have never thought of myself as particularly strong. Growing up I felt rather weak as I felt others judged me for my conservative attitude to life, based on my faith even as a child. I needed to lean on God and felt he was my crutch. Later I realized that this was how God wanted it to be but early on I felt I was not adequate in myself, which is what the world teaches you should be. I was scared to go against God. Whilst I wasn’t perfect and did wander during my teen years I soon learnt that the ways of the world didn’t give peace. My strength and courage is not my own but comes wholly from Him.

How do you keep your eyes fixed on Jesus?

Daily reflection on Jesus love for me. Usually I read a devotional with my husband when he brings me a cuppa in the morning and this has been the most wonderful blessing for me (and us!). It helps me get rid of my doubts and fears and wholly refocus. It always bothered me that I seemed to so easily drift, doubt or be distracted (once the early elated feelings of my conversion settled), but one day I read the Lords prayer and it struck me that “give us today our daily bread” was in essence a reminder of the manna in the wilderness. We need to eat of it every day, and we should not not think we can store it up for a week or two or indeed longer. The hardest times were with young children when I would be grateful for 2 or 3 days a week of “quiet” reflection. I am also in a women’s reflection group.

What would you like the next generation of Christian women to know?

Be mindful that circumstances can change rapidly, and that we need not fear, as God will always be there for us, no matter what. I have also found the writings of John Eldridge helpful especially his insight which goes something like this ... Things are not as they seem, there is more going on than meets the eye (think Job); we are at war (spiritual); we have a crucial role to play; Rise up, take courage, heal the broken hearted and set the captive free.

What’s one thing you love about your church?

We have just moved and changed churches, but the common thread of Jesus' love is strong and overcomes our varied backgrounds. The support of likeminded women especially is very powerful.

What did you learn about God at a time in your life you found hard?

I felt completely upheld in the palm of God’s hand when my Christian marriage of 24 years broke up suddenly without warning. I felt the truth of God’s promise to hide me under the shelter of his wings (Psalm 61:4). Since then I have had several “big” prayers answered and God has shown me his faithfulness. Currently there is a “big prayer” that I am longing for an answer for, and at times I still struggle with waiting for my prayer to be answered, and I go back to my need for daily bread.

What are you passionate about?

I am passionate about families, babies, child development, and marriages that stay strong. My husband and I have trained to deliver a seminar called “The Significant Marriage” and we look forward to taking the course around Australia when we are fully retired, hopefully sooner rather than later.

What do you enjoy doing when you rest?

I enjoy watching the ocean ebb and flow, spotting whales, walking in the cool of the morning, basking in winter sun, talking with my husband, children and friends about life and Jesus, reading novels on holidays, caravanning and enjoying red wine. Oh and doing Physie!! (Physical Culture for the uninitiated)