Colour Conference 2012

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This years conference exceeded my expectations!! ... we heard  from the lovely Beth Moore and Priscilla Shirer, both women who are humble in spirit and who possess the exceptional ability to unpack the word of God in a contemporary and relevant way. This years theme centered around the thought ... 'A Revolution of Peace, Light and Love'. It made me think about how I can be these things in my own life and particularly in my sphere of influence, especially at home.


I love how the focus of this global movement of women across the earth is both local and global ... we get to see the big picture at home and on the global stage. As we look at what is in our hand (with our time, talents and treasure) we  can extend the hand of kindness to others wherever we go. We can use these things to bring change into our own world ... whether that is in the global arena or in our very own corner of the earth - our home! I am currently contemplating which cause I will devote my time and energy into supporting and have presented a few ideas to my work colleagues who are keen to join me in raising money for one of the amazing Sisterhood endeavours through the 'Five Hundred' project. (Check it out here)


On the home front however, I am endeavouring to bring a revolution of Peace, Light and Love to the people who live with me - my beautiful children. Being a single mother has obvious pit falls, all of which are covered by the never ending mercy, grace and love of a loving Heavenly Father, however despite my best efforts and good intentions I find myself walking an unexpected path with one of my children as they journey towards finding perfect health and wholeness. As a Mother there is nothing more painful than watching your child experience their own hurt, pain or loss. Not being able to alleviate the pain with a kiss and a bandaid is even more frustrating. The path I now find myself on is very overgrown and scattered with much rubbish and debris. The way through is not clear and obstacles seem insurmountable. It is a lonely journey, yet more than ever I am aware of the deep need to commit to unceasing prayer for my darling ... and as I do so, I commit to bringing a revolution of Peace, Light and Love into their world. 

The Colour Sisterhood is about .... 

PLACING VALUE UPON WOMANHOOD

so that we can arise from a place of strength and place value upon humanity...

It is A DECLARATION

About value and identity, purpose and mission.

A DECLARATION

that is intentional in reach and embrace. It transcends culture and creed, age and status, prejudice and preference...

A DECLARATION

that positions itself amid awareness and responsibility

CONCERN AND CARE,

injustice and solution.

A declaration ultimately concerned with the welfare...

OF THE WORLD

and her inhabitants. It has courageously woven its way through time and history.

It is ... ONE LOVE

there is no greater love, than when one lays down their life for another.

ONE HEART

keenly involved and committed.

ONE SISTERHOOD

empathy that one woman (or company of women) feel for another; to identify and feel loyalty towards.

visit the Colour Sisterhood here

Inspire me - Colour Sisterhood

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Walk for Freedom

One Love

One Heart

One Sisterhood

At Colour Conference this year we were given the little black t -shirt above as a gift. This month the Colour Sisterhood is focusing on walking for freedom. The Colour Sisterhood's initiative 'Be her Freedom' was birthed out of the Sisterhood's desire and mandate to place value upon womanhood.

Why?

because the crime of human trafficking cannot be ignored! The Colour Sisterhood is aligning with The A21 Campaign in raising awareness, rehabilitating rescued victims and changing legislation.

Because ...

Over 400, 000 Ukranian women between the ages of 15 and 27 have been trafficked in the past decade.

99% of victims are never ever rescued.

Estimates suggest that up to 27 million people are held in slavery worldwide.

Hard to imagine! ..... READ MORE here.

Christine Caine, a Colour Sisterhood girl began the A21 campaign from a desire to proactively address and stop human trafficking. Have you seen the movie 'Taken'? .... I was shocked to discover that this happens everday around the world and is especially prolific in Eastern Europe where young girls are eager to venture abroad and see the world. Many girls are tricked, drugged and abducted into this seedy world.

The A21 Campaign has developed a comprehensive prevention and awareness program which they want to roll out in the Ukraine to bring freedom to girls abducted and taken from their homes and communities. The program hopes to become established in high schools, universities and community centres, to ensure the next generation is aware and equipped to confront the risk of human trafficking.

CHECK OUT .... COLOUR SISTERHOOD.

Colourful Memories

Reflections of Colour Conference 2011

a few thoughts from conference....

* Jeannie Mayo
- "It's not what you do that makes your work sacred, it's why you do it!" - A Tozer.
- While living in a world of half-heartedness dare to live with passion....."The difference between passion and hype is that passion is energy of the soul and hype is energy without sincerity."
- Find something worth dying for.......Isaiah 55:12 "I will not offer to the Lord that which costs me nothing." (a thought from Martin Luther King - "If a man is not willing to die for a cause then he is not fit to live.")
- Endurance....."A diamond is just a hunk of coal that stuck to its goal and made good under pressure."

Love this thought about diamonds ... I have contemplated this very thought before and some time back thought about the fact that it is not until a diamond is cut in a myriad of ways that its true brilliance is revealed for all to see. Wow, the cuts and abrasions of life can reveal so much more about what is hidden beneath the vulnerability of the soul. It is actually possible that the messy details of my life ... the parts I don't like, the parts I wish to erase, the story I didn't want and the story I continue to leaf through can actually serve to reveal the shining magnificence of a merciful and loving God.

'Be Her Freedom' wall

* Craig Groeshell

- We are God's masterpiece......created for the masters purpose.

- You have everything already inside of you to accomplish your specific assignment.

- God uses everything in your life to bring about his purposes. Romans 8:28 - 'All things work together for good to those who love him and have been called according to his purposes.'

- Step through your greatest fear. "What you fear reveals what you value most and what you fear most reveals where you trust God the least."

An aha moment ... This one took me by surprise. Fear is the absence of faith! Could it really be true that what I passionately value most of all could also be where I trust God the least? ... the world stood still just for a moment. As a Mother I have always felt the full responsibility of the beautiful lives entrusted to me. My heart has always been to lead and guide my children along the path of life into the loving and open arms of a gracious and loving heavenly Father. As I watch my children grow and become the amazing individuals that they are ... I wonder and hope that they will passionately follow God as I do. I hope that they will walk into His embrace and not away. 

I hope that our single familyness does not scar too deeply. 

I hope that teenage pressures do not become overwhelming. 

I dare not contemplate the 'What ifs!' ... and there it is!

 I suddenly realized that I was not fully trusting my gracious and loving heavenly Father to do the leading and guiding. 

Did I really think it was my responsibility alone? 

Had I forgotten that he had their best interests at heart all along. 

He who formed and created them so intricately inside the womb. 

Why did it rest so heavily upon my soul? 

Was it possible that in the absence of complete and absolute trust 

a fear was now revealed?

My daughter.....time is passing way too quickly.

*Lisa Bevere
- The world is begging for you to be a hero - its in our DNA.

- A feminine heart brings solution and answers to the earth. It compliments and brings unity.

- Well behaved women rarely make history.....i.e Rahab, Esther, Ruth, Deborah and Jael....women who were not confined or defined by custom, religion, the law or man's expectations.

Jael strikes me as particularly shocking and fearless. So what makes a tent dwelling Kenite women strike a blow for the freedom of the Israelites from Canaanite oppression? (a story of intrigue, murder and betrayal ...the story of one women triumphing over an invincible and oppressive terror..... really worth a read. Judges 4:1-22)

* Christine Caine

- We are not a product of time, we are a product of eternity.

- The spiritual tectonic plates have shifted.... time to step up!

- Doubt will die unborn if it is never spoken.


I love that we are a product of eternity. We are not destined for this earth but are just passing through. We are here on assignment with a purpose, mission and mandate from a heavenly realm. So good!

Colour smiles

Colour Conference 2011

I can't wait for this years Colour Conference. Only 2 weeks away now. I have the privilege of taking my fifteen year old daughter with me and am looking forward to connecting with her away from the busyness of life. I am glad for the chance to get away for just one weekend where the things that usually demand my attention (like the washing, cleaning and gardening) can go unattended.  Time for just her, me and Sisterhood. I am excited about the opportunity to place value upon her womanhood as I continue to outwork what parenting a teenager looks like. Such a big job!! I'm learning to listen more and talk less. It never ceases to amaze me how quickly they grow. (so cliche I know) Just yesterday she wrapped her arms around me and gave me a hug. I was feeling the wait of the world and it was pressing in and squeezing hard. She is now much taller than I and it was her arms that enveloped me. I was overwhelmed. I who am meant to comfort was being comforted. Wow!....the power of an embrace. So determined to embrace more....... More Love * More Heart * More Sisterhood.

One Love * One Heart * One Sisterhood

"The Colour Sisterhood represents a company of down to earth, everyday women who desire to make a difference and make the world a better place - in essence it is a foundation seeking to place value upon humanity; a story of unity and alliance." - Colour Sisterhood.

 (Sisterhood Declaration)

I was so stirred at last years conference to the rise up moment for my life......the words 'be the change' went from a gentle whisper to a resounding shout. I could not ignore the restlessness within any longer....I knew this was my moment to do something. 

                                                            The story thus far

Never before had I been so sure of my next step.....I just knew that the orphans of Uganda was an initiative I wanted to align with. It was exactly where I needed to go to play my part. I love the thought that we have an irreplaceable role to play in the pages of a divine history.  I had been waiting for this opportunity for a life time. Watoto was everything I dreamed it would be and more. Each of us has a  part to play in bringing solution to the earth. We can all so something! 

                                               Current Initiatives

I am now expectant for the next moment for my life. I don't want to stop....this momentum, this heart change, this adventure. I want so much more but am wondering what that looks like?.....what lies ahead of me?.... I find the not knowing hard. Where to now? .....I'm not content to go back to my suburban life!.... I'm still trying to work out how a single mother can continue to change her world.

Sisterhood Fundraiser Night

My Daughter practicing her first solo event at our Sisterhood Fundraiser night 'Tribal Vibe' - Heart 4 Humanity. It was simply amazing!

What a fantastic night, we raised $3500 for the Watoto building fund and have a pledge of $3000 for a facial reconstruction. It was a night that left us inspired, deeply moved and eternally hopeful ... lives being changed and destinies unfolding. The night was a buzz with over 200 donations to give away and a lively performance by African drumming and dance group, 'Afrogroove'. Thank you to everyone who got behind this endeavour to 'Be the Change'. Our hearts and souls are forever imprinted with a resounding rise up sound, as we extend the hand of kindness and impact humanity for a cause greater than ourselves.

Inspiring lives

I am so inspired by the story of amazing women....big hearts and big lives.

* Marilyn Skinner - Founder of Watoto children's village in Kampala Uganda, inspiring a generation of people to be the difference.
"I believe in justice and change, but most of all, I believe in people."
- Unbelievable - check it out ...... http://www.watoto.com/projects/project-gulu
- Marilyn's blog...... http://marilynskinner.wordpress.com/

* Vanessa Hoyes - bringing soul to a city and solution to the earth.
"A day of miracles ... Anything can happen and I believe it will!!"
- http://www.hoyesinc.com/
- http://sisterhood.generation.org/

* Lynne Hybels - Dangerous women
"Nice girls don't change the world."
"A dangerous woman is alive! ......out of her fully alive heart, she radically engages with the needs of her world. " - Lynne Hybles
- http://www.lynnehybels.com/dangerous_women.asp

Orphans to rescue...sisters to come alongside

Heart 4 Humanity - Sisterhood Fundraiser (Fundraising idea no. 2)

Be the Change ...... Imagine what we can do

Orphans to Rescue
Baby Watoto began 2 years ago to care for the orphaned and abandoned babies of Uganda. Found on rubbish dumps and pit latrines, these babies are nursed back to health in a loving environment. Two further homes are being opened in 2010, one in Gulu, Northern Uganda and one at the current children’s village site at Suubi. We are embracing these projects to bring holistic solution to the children of Uganda.

Sisters to come Alongside
Watoto's Living Hope program is restoring dignity to vulnerable women of Uganda returning from abduction into the Lord’s Resistance Army. Many women have been tortured through facial disfigurement. Watoto are working with international surgical teams to rebuild their faces. The cost is approximately $3000 per surgery. We can restore their dignity and rebuild their smiles.

Our Response - To partner with Watoto


Sisterhood Fundraiser – Tribal vibe

……… She brings soul to her city and solution to the earth.

Thursday, 19th August

• Entertainment
• Silent auctions
• Prizes, gift stalls and much more

Doors open 7 p.m
11 Crown Court, Varsity Lakes
Register online from August at http://generation.org/
phone 55220905

Watoto Baby Shower

How cute is this outfit?

Friends and colleagues...being the change.

So many gifts  :)

What a lovely afternoon to celebrate a baby shower for little african babies. Sue Colloty (an amazingly big hearted colleague) held the little gathering at a local Park boasting magnificent coastal views. A gathering of open hearted girls turned up with an assortment of clothing and blankets to be sent to the Colour Sisterhood @ Hillsong for shipping to Watoto.

The current babies home in Kampala, Uganda has had over 72 babies in its care since 2009 and has graduated 49 toddlers to the Watoto Children's Villages. The exciting news is that they are opening two further homes in 2010, one in Gulu, Northern Uganda and a further one just outside Kampala at the current children’s village site at Suubi. In order to fit out these homes they have compiled a list of requirements. What a privilege to be a part of this endeavour.

Read about this endeavour at - Colour Sisterhood Baby Shower

Generation Sisterhood - Teen Challenge Walk

What a glorious afternoon as we set off from Tallebudgeera Surf life saving club for our 5 kilometre walk. The sun shone brilliantly…high in the sky its rays bounced and radiated brightly off the sea, warm and resplendent, reminding us of the last vestiges of summer. A refreshing breeze rose to greet us as we walked, gulls flew overhead as 100 women walked around the Burleigh headland for the ‘Live Free Walk’. One hundred sisterhood girls united in heart and spirit for an amazing cause – The 'Teen Challenge - Live Free Walk'.

As we wound our way around Burleigh hill, a path of jovial and somewhat chatty girls snaked its way around the hill. Laughter filtered down from those ahead. Young girls eagerly ran ahead hoping to be the first to make it to the finish line….. Well done to my daughter and friends. Young girls hoping to be the change and longing to make a difference. Some of us powered ahead while others of us strolled along enjoying the opportunity to be together. All of us intent on supporting an amazing cause – the building of the new teen challenge facility in Toowoomba, QLD.

As we walked I glimpsed a view of hope and love in action… a sisterhood of girls walking united in cause…longing to restore dignity to a hurting world. Finally we descended the steps to our destination, making it to the end of our walk we were greeted by a colourful array of brightly coloured balloons, children happily bouncing on a jumpy castle and the delightful aroma of a bbq wafting through the air, all heralding the end of our ‘Live Free’ journey. What a privilege to be involved with such a worthy cause and have the opportunity to be able to make a difference.

Arise and Awaken....be the change

Heart and Soul is a part of an amazing Sisterhood of girls around the globe - a company of everyday girls desiring to make a difference and make the world a better place. Having been awakened to the cry of humanity it is my time to rise up and bring eternal significance.... I personally am taking on the call to arise and awaken and go beyond, beyond ..... I am 'HEART AND SOUL', "I AM SISTERHOOD'. In the Colour Sisterhoods words, 'It is a foundation seeking to place value upon humanity - A story of unity and alliance.' The current 'Colour Sisterhoods' initiatives are fleshed out on three fronts; Orphans and children to rescue, sisters to come alongside and nations to believe in. Heart and Soul is aligning with this global fight against injustice - with all my heart and soul I intend on being the change.


Two of the 'Colour Sisterhood' initiatives that I personally seek to align with are 'Baby Watoto' and 'Be her dignity - facial reconstruction'. Watoto are starting two new baby homes in 2010, in Gulu and Kampala for abandoned and orphaned babies.


Watoto have also been working with a significant problem that emerged from the war crisis. The LRA used disfigurement as a method of torture. Many women have been horrifically disfigured. It costs only $3000 to restore someones smile and give back their dignity. (Detailed info about Watoto is under 'my cause' tab)

 I am a woman on a mission - I am  Sisterhood .....a global movement of girls around the earth!  (Sisterhood Declaration)

We can all be a part of the CHANGE - by aligning personally with a gathering of amazing women and girlfriends we can bring hope and healing to a hurting world. In the near future I plan on assisting at Baby Watoto with a few of my girlfriends and look forward to raising the funds necessary to go towards building a new babies home and reconstructive surgery for a Ugandan women. On the global front, the opportunity to be a part of the change is coming soon to the Gold Coast......would love to have you along for this amazing journey.

'We can't do everything, but we can do something!'