IT'S DIFFERENT THIS TIME! 

If there is one thing I know for sure about God it is that He is a RESTORER!

He restored the whole world to Himself through the sacrifice of His precious Son Jesus!  I want you to know, without a doubt, that God has a plan to restore to you what has been stolen, lost or messed up!  Nothing is impossible for God!

God cares for the desires of our hearts and is bringing them about in our lives through faith and patience. They absolutely MUST be conceived by the Holy Spirit or they are a work of our flesh.

Matthew 1:20  “ What is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit”

Hebrews 6:15  “And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.”

Is there any woman out there that has tried to bring about God’s promise in her own strength? Anyone tried to just “HELP” God out a little?

See girls, I had a desire to get married and have a family BUT I grew impatient so took things into my own hands.  I decided, out of sheer frustration, and disobedience to choose a husband for myself!  A short, sharp train wreck of a marriage to an abusive man left me heartbroken, devastated, and a single mum with two babies under two.  Shocker!

I had sold my inheritance for a bowl of soup!  To add insult to injury, the soup wasn’t even tasty OR hot!!!

God spoke and made me a promise that I have been holding onto for eight years now.

He said, “I am going to show you the difference between your way and my way”!

Having lived with the sting of disobedience I was determined to do it God’s way this time.  I decided to believe and act on every word in the bible as best I could. I was determined to live in victory.  I knew the key was radical obedience!

God is so committed to building our character. I thank God that He didn’t give me the guys I wanted and prayed for over the last eight years of being single because I was not making choices from the place I recently arrived at.

Just last month God set me free from a major blind spot. The Holy Spirit whispered in my ear, “You have a FEAR of submission!” 

Horrified at this revelation, I was instantly grieved that I had offended God with sin, as I knew that fear was not faith.  I said sorry to God, and as I did I had a vision of a wall made up of translucent bricks and it disintegrated before my eyes! I was amazed, I FELT the wall come down!

Here I was previously, fully convinced that I was “READY”, in fact I thought I was overcooked!  In a millisecond I realised, I wasn’t ready at all for God to bring my husband along. Who could possibly get through that wall that existed?  I have never found Spiderman that attractive so I was in trouble!

Ps Chris had delivered a prophesy last year that God was sending me a man of God into my life and that it was “safe this time”. Her words came back to me as the wall came down and I felt free and unafraid!  God has empowered me to make a healthy choice this time!

As women we battle fear in so many forms so this is not just about husbands but about all the desires of our hearts.  Maybe we should pray like David did in Psalm 139:23-24 “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

Might I inspire us to crave the character of Jesus crafted in us through faith AND patience so we might possess the capacity to receive God’s very best in His perfect timing!

Nothing can overcome our promises if they are conceived by the Holy Spirit!

Watch this space…you are all invited to the wedding!

It’s different this time!


Nicola is an ordained Evangelist passionate about introducing people to Jesus. She is a minister on Team at C3 Oxford Falls and the National Evangelist for Christians Against Poverty. In her personal sphere, Nicola's number one passion is being a great mum to her two fabulous sons, James and Lachlan.

Recently, Ps Chris made this one small statement that deeply resonated in my spirit...

‘The tree is in the seed.’  

The seed – it’s such a small, seemingly insignificant thing.  Within every seed though, is a treasure trove of potential and purpose that is lying dormant, waiting expectantly to germinate and to grow. I love what Jesus said about the mustard seed:

^“Again he said, “What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? ³¹ It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds on earth. ³² Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds can perch in its shade.” Mark 4:30-32

The principle of the seed encapsulates many Kingdom principles:

1.     Anything big always starts small.

2.     For a seed to grow it must be planted and nurtured.

3.     Trees (and our lives) are purposed to be a blessing to others.

4. We have a responsibility to steward the seeds that God has  placed within us.

5.     We are called to live fruitful lives for His glory.

In Mark 4 Jesus describes 4 different scenarios about what can happen to the seeds that the Father scatters. Seeds in this parable can represent so many different things...the gospel message...the call of God...desires in our heart...ideas in our imagination...the potential within us...vision in our eyes...unfulfilled prophecies. In a practical sense, the seeds can be ...the tasks God has asked us to do...the shaping of our character... people that we are called to influence...our gifts and talents developing...taking hold of new business or career opportunities...experiencing new adventures.

It’s important for us to remember that seeds don’t automatically grow into trees. They need to be planted and watered so their roots can grow and bring strength and nourishment to the developing plant. In Mark 4 Jesus teaches about the different factors that both encourage and hinder the seed from blooming and flourishing.

1.     The seed falls on rocky ground and is eaten by the birds.

Wow! Before the seed can even find a place to be planted it is stolen and destroyed. I have read this parable so many times but recently I’ve been challenged afresh that we have to protect the seed. If the seed is gone, so is all that it represents. In this scenario the bird that eats the seed is Satan. Our enemy hates the seeds that the Father scatters into our lives and will do anything to stop them from taking root in our hearts. We have to fight to hold onto and protect the seed. If Satan can stop the seed from being planted he has won and there will be no tree. Too often the enemy of self doubt, insecurity or fear will be the rocky ground on which the seed falls.

2. The seed falls on rocky places, is scorched by the sun and  withers.

For the seed to germinate and to grow, the roots need to find deep moist soil otherwise the harsh sun will burn the vulnerable seedling. In this story the ground represents our inner strength; and the sun, the challenges and trials of life. All of us will go through times of difficulty but it is the strength of our character and faith which will enable us to remain standing. If we give into doubt, disappointment or even disillusionment the seeds within us can wither and die.

3. The plant grows but is choked by weeds reducing the production of fruit.

In this third story, a picture is painted of a plant that’s growth is restricted and its level of fruitfulness decreased due to being overrun by weeds. This is a sad scenario as it represents a Christian who has minimal influence and impact for the Kingdom as they have become complacent or distracted. One version of the Bible says ‘the pleasures and pressures’ of life are the factors that choke us. Interestingly the plant is not dead, it’s just not bearing fruit. This challenges me that it’s always a choice to make a difference and be a woman of influence.

4. The seed falls on good soil, produces a crop, thus multiplying the seed.

This is the plant and the life that God desires; one which is healthy, strong and fruitful. He yearns for us to nurture the seed by growing in Him, developing our character, being obedient to His voice, and serving others. When we water the seed and tend the plant our lives will be blessed and bear much fruit.

‘They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendour.’ Isaiah 61:3

 Amanda Antcliff

Amanda is on the pastoral team at C3 Oxford Falls, a lecturer at C3 College and together with her husband Pat, they oversee C3 Africa. Amanda is also a personal coach, mentor, trainer and speaker in both church and business spheres. You can read about what she does at www.amandaantcliff.com or www.mypersonalcoach.biz

“Good morning!

You’re beautiful with God’s beauty,

Beautiful inside and out!

God be with you!” 

(Luke 1:27 The Message Bible)

This was the Angel Gabriel’s greeting to Mary at the time she was told that she was chosen to be the mother of Christ!

But, I pretty much consider it to be God’s greeting to every single woman who looks to Him for the truth about who she really is.  This is God’s greeting to YOU today!!

God created you beautiful – inside and out – and He is longing for you and I to believe and walk in this truth.

In the City Campus we are busy preparing for our Everywoman Night 1 – In Full Bloom, on Wed 30 May and we are super-excited to be hosting a Fashion Parade – because most of us girls love to dress up!! But, even more exciting than the beautiful clothes we will see on the night will be the beautiful women of all ages, all shapes and sizes discovering a God who already declares them beautiful inside and out!

On the night the lovely Beck Stevens (Stylist and wife of the very lovable Jason Stevens) will be showcasing beautiful clothes and giving us some tips on what to wear and what not to wear to look our best and to draw out our God given beauty.  No doubt we will be all ears!

But, do you know, I believe that Holy Spirit has got the same tips for us concerning the clothing that we wear on the inside! There are some clothes that you and I wear that are not becoming to the beautiful woman that God created you to be – clothes like shame, intimidation, judgment, fear, insecurity, unforgiveness, jealousy, and the list goes on (like the list of clothes in my wardrobe that currently needs to be thrown out in the next declutter!).  We need to get really good (better than I am with my natural wardrobe) at decluttering our spiritual wardrobe.  We need to get really good at identifying the clothing that no longer fits the beautiful new nature that Christ has given us and we need to quickly chuck them.  Do not hold on to them for sentimental reasons!!  I repeat do not hold onto them!  You have a great counselor that loves to help in the decluttering process – His name is the Holy Spirit – and He uses God’s word to help identify what’s in and what’s out. If you are having trouble hearing Him ask a good Godly girlfriend – who sees the real you – to help you with some spiritual decluttering!

And the good news is – God doesn’t leave us naked – He has a stunning, unique and colorful wardrobe for us to discover and put on. It contains classics; such as the clothing of salvation and the robe of righteousness.  It has hardwearing garments like the clothing of strength, and strikingly beautiful garments like the clothing of dignity.  It contains garments made of beautiful and delicate fabric – like the clothing of compassion, of gentleness and kindness, and it contains bright colorful clothes like praise, boldness and love.  It has clothes made for all, and some clothes uniquely designed and custom made for you – amazing clothes that reflect your own unique God given personality and temperament – clothes to suit the woman that you are, that God made you to be.

And, yes, all of these items are available using the currency of faith when you travel to that secret little store that no one else knows about – the secret place of intimacy with Him.  I know what you’re thinking – I am dropping everything and going there now!  I know – me too!!

See you in your new wardrobe out and about soon! (And remember to permanently discard of those delcuttered items – no sneaking them back in the wardrobe!)

 A TRIBUTE TO MY MUM: RHONDA HOOPER AKA RONNIE 

Thank you Mum for all you have done for me!

I remember hours of book reading, Women’s Weekly birthday cakes (the swimming pool was a personal favourite!), one on one shopping trips for the perfect sports day outfit (mattered then still matters), buying me a dog as a remedy for school yard bullying, sending me to Germany 16 years old & embarking on an adventure), sending me to Sydney for C3 college (which literally changed the course of my life), sending me down the isle to marry a man so divine I swear he fell out of heaven, supporting me in child birth (literally eek), child rearing (sigh) and church building (one of the privileges of being born to a church builder is the heritage, the wisdom and the knowledge) Thank God for Mum!

I really appreciate all the years of love and investment. 

I love this Jewish proverb that so well expresses the value of a mother:

 "God could not be everywhere and therefore he made mothers."

It was the moment Sienna was born and I knew she needed me that I realised my value.  In that moment I didn't feel so invincible, I wasn't so blaze about sun protection or diet, because my life mattered more because she needed me. I wanted to be available to love and support and serve her as long as possible.

Motherhood is a story of the sacrifice of sleep, peace of mind and finances. Watching seasons unfold in the life of our children, highs and lows, victories and loss, each one of which we wear personally like a badge across our heart. They are a part of us, woven into the fabric of our soul, we carry them with us.

Albert Einstein said, "There are two ways to live.  You can live as if nothing is a miracle or you can live as if everything is a miracle."

I think we need this perspective in the home more than anywhere else.

I came across this great quote on a girlfriend’s fridge recently:

"How to really love a child:

Be there. Say yes as often as you can. Let them bang on pots and pans. If they're crabby put them in water. Read books out loud with joy. Go find elephants.  Kiss them. Encourage silly. Giggle a lot. Remember how small they really are. Search out the positive. Keep the glean in your eye.  Go see a movie in your pyjamas. Teach feelings. Realise how important it is to be a child. Plan to build a rocket ship. Stop yelling. Invent pleasures together. Surprise them. Express your love - a lot. Children are miraculous."

Quote by Sarky

I just got a bedside call from my 5 year old as I'm sitting down to my soup supper.  Part of me wants to finish it in peace.  Oh forget it! The soup and I are going bedside! I want to mother like my Mum did! Buckets of love!

Think of your Mum today, if she is still with you give her a call, if she has gone home raise your tea cups in a toast to the women that brought you into the world, the women that raised you and loved you, the women that championed you on! 

Thank God for Mums!

Happy Mothers Day,

Love Nat xx

 LETS GET TOGETHER 

“Everyday they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes & ate together with glad & sincere hearts.” Acts 2:46
Do you recall opening night at Presence conference recently when Pastor Phil reminded us about the power of connect?  He visually demonstrated this by bringing one couple to the stage who had started a connect group many years ago. One by one, couple by couple, the stage began to fill with people who had found connections to one another through a connect group community.

It reminded me of one of my very first women’s connect group. A gorgeous young mum arrived one Tuesday morning in 1985 with a bouncing baby boy in a bassinet.  That mum and bub was Deb White and her son Nathan. Fast forward 27 years and that connection has seen us start many other connect groups and even churches not to mention that the bub grew up to marry our youngest daughter Sasha!

I love this quote by Henry Ford -
"Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success."

COMING TOGETHER. When we physically meet up with others it defeats isolation and loneliness in our lives. We are social beings and we need each other.

STAYING TOGETHER. This can be tough and we will find ourselves in various battles but if we can stick it out with people and work through differences we will make progress both personally and corporately.

WORKING TOGETHER. Success is achieved when we hit this third level of working together for a common purpose. Together we can do more, be more and accomplish more than we ever could on our own.

Working together to build a family.

Working together to help a community.

Working together to grow the church.

I am a fan of TOGETHER!

Recently I received this note from a mum who attended our MUMSPACE meeting…she wrote;

“Hi, Just wanted to say a big THANK YOU for this morning. You have no idea how much it was exactly what I needed. I felt like the whole morning was put on just for me :-) So rejuvenating just to be around a gorgeous group of likeminded mums! Connecting is truly cathartic. The space had a beautiful vibe and the people and words were refreshing. Thanks for the breath of fresh air! My batteries are recharged again.”

I just love what happens when we get together!

Our primary need is friendship with God but we also need friends “with skin on”.  So don’t isolate, or hide away…let’s come together, stay together through the good the bad and the ugly and let’s purposefully engage to see our communities transformed by the power of loving generous connections.

Until next time we blog may you be blessed in all your connections and don’t forget to join us at our next Everywoman Night on Wed 30 May! Click HERE for details

Lots of love,

Bernie xx

I’ve been single for most of my life (until the age of 47 in fact), and although I have been happily married for just over a year – I look back on my time as a single person with fondness and thankfulness. Being single has infinite opportunities and joys associated with it if lived out from the right perspective. So here’s three bits of advice for single people.

1.  Make the most of your life as a single person. Don’t wait for life to “start” when you’re married.  Start it now. Do those things you’d like to do with a husband (except have babies J). I always wanted to learn how to play golf. I went for it, I joined a golf club patronized by ALL married people, most of them much older than me. I had a grand time and no one seemed to care that there was just me. I made a point of playing with the ladies, not a good idea as a single woman to just play with their husbands. And a few of the older guys took me under their wing. I went to the social events, even when I felt awkward. Everyone appreciated my love of the game and that I didn’t let being single stop me from participating in group activities. It was an amazing experience. Some of the best games I had, though were on my own. My club was on an island with rugged green hills, ancient oaks trees and the smell of salt in the air. In the summer the light alternated between a shimmering gold and a moody, overcast gray. There were seabirds from Argentina and in the evening little rabbits and foxes and deer would venture out to play. It was a bit of a dream and I loved walking the course, just me and me, trying to perfect a game I would never really be good at, and loving the aloneness and solitude.  I had equally good times living in the heart of New York City, stopping into a little Korean bar, ordering a wine by myself and watching the cavalcade of smartly dressed people pass by.  If you can embrace this season of your life you’ll find the magic in both the exceptional and the mundane.  The first time I really spent time with Simon, my future husband, was Christmas Eve—I hosted his family in my apartment on Fifth Avenue.  It was a lovely time; he has the MOST incredible family.  But the best part was waking up the next day on Christmas, alone, in my pretty apartment, just feeling relaxed and thankful for my life. That cup of coffee on your own in the morning can be one of the best moments of your week, you just have to see it that way.

2. Be thankful for what you DO have. So often, we focus on what we don’t have and forget all the lovely things in our world—our friends, our health, the benefits of where we live. Just take a moment and consider those less fortunate than yourself and hopefully that will set your head straight.  Single or married, I have to do that everyday. I’m embarrassingly self-focused, at times. It’s SO easy to get caught up in our own world, little or small, and think what is important to us is the most important thing. It’s usually not, a sobering reality. Yes, I was single and a bit lonely, but I had gorgeous friends, people who really cared about my wellbeing and had my back. I’d be surprised if you don’t have the same.  And if you don’t, start putting yourself out there and help someone else, that will create a friendship worth having.

3. Remember you are not alone. You might feel alone, but you’re not. Once you’ve made Jesus the number one thing in your life you do have a friend—for life. He really makes a difference. Through all my really dark days I never felt truly alone. I’ve been through some perfectly tragic moments in my life. Some perpetrated on me, some that I willing walked right into. When I met Christ, even when I was desperately sad, when my heart was breaking, when I woke terrified in the middle of the night, I knew that no matter what, I truly had someone who had my back. Call it what you want, I call it the best reassuring force in the universe. I call it someone who knows me much better than I know myself. And more than anything, I call it a lover who will always love you, no matter what you’ve done to push them away. If you don’t know him, I’d suggest you give it a try. He is someone who will love you more than you can ever imagine. “The Lord is my shepherd, I will NOT, NEVER, EVER be in want.” He’s got you covered. Especially when you’re on your own.

Valerie is married to Simon McIntyre and together they pastor C3 London and oversee C3 Europe.  Valerie also runs her own business founding Brand Building Communications in January 2007 in NYC and launching her LA office in 2008. In addition to pioneering a WOM practice, she created a community-based news platform, 24Savvy.  She is currently a Board Member of charity:water– an influential non-profit providing water for communities throughout the world.  You can check out other blog entries from Valerie at simonmcintyredotnet.wordpress.com

Life at times seems overwhelming but my constant is my hubby.

After 27 years of marriage, I'd say this commitment to each other is like a favorite old pair of shoes.  We hear this saying often and yet it's true.

Favorite shoes are worth reheeling or resoling.  We put some work and money into them because we want to keep them longer.  We polish, care and protect them because they provide comfort.

Sometimes we look at the new trend but in marriage, the temptation to discard the old for the new, only leads to major life upheaval. The blisters from the new pair of shoes are not worth the pain and heartache that accompany the discarding of the old pair of shoes.

Marriage with all its ups and downs is a lifetime of initially breaking in the new pair of shoes, going through pain and discomfort, so you will not have to do this again.

Consistency and comfort and heart connection only grow with time.  With a few scuff marks, worn out areas, mud on the soles and the occasional repair, all provide the great feeling of favorite shoes.

Marriage over time has its own scuff marks, repairing moments and muddy soles.  Ultimately, it's worth it because that feeling of comfort and security is unmatchable.  Let's stick with that old pair of shoes.  They may not be new and shiny but they're comfortable, tested and, if we care for them, last for life.


Check out Jill’s blog for her thoughts on many great topics – www.jillsweetman.com