Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Girlfriends.....these are all mine!

What would we do without them? Just wanted to introduce you to my girlfriends, but also encourage you to think about yours.

Every year for the past 15 years, a dozen women from my church get away from laundry, work, dinner making, errand running and every day life as they know it, to escape for four days at the beach. Since I am working mom, who travels with her job, I have only gone on the girl's trip the last 3 years as my kids grew older.

This year only nine of us went, but we still had a wonderful time. We are all different but yet all the same. We are all still in our forties (two approaching 50 fast). We are all trying to stay thin, apply ample amounts of anti-wrinkle cream, and want to talk about our kids until midnight. Some of us work outside the home, some stay at home, some do both. One is already a grandmother, one is a single mom and one still has kids in elementary school. We cover the gamut in types of women and types of lifestyles. So, how can nine women get along for 4 days, in 2 cars, in one house and on one beach? Only the Lord!

As I look at this picture, I think about how God uses each of them in my life. Toni (front row far right) is my daily walking buddy. What is talked about with walking buddy stays with the walking buddy. Julie (one with the hat) is our hair fluffer and poser....you've got to have one in every bunch especially if picture taking is involved. Deborah (back row far right), is our comic relief who is not really trying to be funny but just is. Janet (back row second from the left) is a physical therapist and can stretch your legs out like no other after a brisk morning walk together. Each of them contributes greatly to the group and we are stronger for being in the group. We can handle anything as long as we trust in the Lord and have each other.

As you gather up your girlfriends for the Deeper Still event keep these things in mind...
Pray for each other before you leave…but especially when someone might get on your nerves...don't talk, just pray
Plan a group picture, coordinate clothing…it is so much fun
Be sure someone is assigned as hair fluffer and poser and someone is in charge of bringing the camera.
Love each other for your uniqueness and differences
Celebrate big with each other
Admit to each other that life is hard sometimes instead of trying to fix the problems
Pray for their families, husbands and especially the single Momma's.
Drive carefully and wear your seat belts
Relax and be flexible...go with the flow
Don't even attempt to all sit together at the event
Listen up, God will have a word for you!

Faith Whatley, Director of Training and Events at LifeWay AND member of the Gladeville Baptist Girl Pack

Posted by Michelle Hicks on May 7, 2008 at 04:55 PM