Doing the Girl Thing- God's Way!

Recently,a new reality show  aired showcasing pastors and pastor's wives,called Sisterhood. From everything I have seen it is truly not what I would call sisterhood at all.  Since it's first show, there has not been a week that has gone by that I have not been approached by a member of my church or co-worker or another pastor/pastor's wives about the validity of that show. While I can not speak for the ladies portrayed in the show, I can say that what is shown is not MY experience of the pastors' wives/pastors I am in fellowship. Funny thing though, one of the ladies in our group was approached about appearing on the show and she refused. Had we known what we know now, perhaps some of us should have gone on to show another side... or just show our side.Annually, for the last three years, my spiritual mom organizes a retreat for pastors’ wives by invitation only, my sister, Lady Kameshia and I call it, “Doing the Girl Thing, God’s Way!” About a dozen of us are invited. It's a time of spiritual and natural recharging!   I have come to look forward to it every year.The first year I received the invitation, I was quite distrustful. (I did not realize how controlling and cynical I could be when I am not in charge, smh-shaking my head).  As a pastor's wife, I am used to  organizing events for our church members, so when it was my turn to be the recipient, I found myself asking 1001 questions, and wanting to know all of the details upfront.   I promise to take this all in consideration the next time I plan an overnight retreat. :) Growth time! However in hindsight, I realize the Lord was teaching me a lesson of trust. Ultimately, it is God who is in control of my life.  Proverbs 3:4-5 reads, "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thy own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct your paths." If I am going to trust God with my whole life I will have to let go and recognize that God’s got it! He really is in control. This is true even in little things. Many times it seems like we have already learned this lesson until we are thrown into another new situation, then the lesson begins again. :O) Nevertheless, we have gone to Pine Mountain/Calloway Gardens, a gorgeous resort area. This past fall we went to Chateau Elan Resort/Winery.   We spend time before the Lord worshiping, hire a personal chef, pray on the mountain early in the morning, enjoy horseback riding, go-carting and sight-seeing at the Wild Animal Safari (without children). I don’t think I have ever laughed so hard in my whole life. Just imagine a bunch of elegant pastors’ wives riding on horseback (some for the 1st time), riding bicycles (some for 1^st time since childhood) and careening around a racetrack at full speed in go-karts. The thought makes me crack up, I'm laughing out loud as I think back.As you can probably tell, we are not anything like what Sisterhood portrays...at all! Thank God! I guess if we were on television we might not get the same rating as Sisterhood because we have less drama.  Even still, I highly rate our time together; it has become my most favorite even in fall. I get to revel in  all the beauty and splendor of the season during the balmy weather while enjoying the fun and fellowship of my sisters. What a stress reliever! So fun! I guess you could say we are #TheRealSisterhood doing the Girl thing, God's Way!

Mona Brawley is a teacher, Mom of three amazing children and Pastor/Pastor's wife at Canaan Land Church International(the church she and her husband, Don planted nearly 20 years ago.)  She is a coach for pastors wives, coach trainer, and speaks regularly at Women's Conferences in the US and abroad.  She may be contacted by email at Mona.Brawley@gmail.com.

 

Lady Lisa ready for dinner. 

My bedroom with all the little gifts and goodies Dr. Nina leaves
in our room upon arrival.

Lady Miriam, Lady Kameshia surfing the web for music

Lady Charla relaxing after our 10-mile bike ride. 

Lady Kim having a quiet time and enjoying the view!

A view of the lake outside our  house. Simply Gorgeous! 

Lady Charla dressed up for dinner  

Me at Calloway Gardens 



Dr. Nina, Lady Kameshia, Lady Marie enjoying our delicious meal prepared by  the chef!

The ladies taking a break from the ride 2011

Poor Winners of the Guesstures tournament 2011!!!

View from the back of the house! 

Just hanging out relaxing in big out at Pine Mountain.

Lady Lisa -Dinner at the Winery -Chateau Elan 2012

View from the top of the Villa we stayed at Chateau Elan.

Lady Hannah- new to our fellowship this year 2012! 

This was a setup. We ended up doing 13 miles in the woods with hills. 

Ready to ride- little did I know it would
 be 13 miles that day! 

Me waiting next in line! 
M

Outside the Butterfly Center!

Morning Prayer!

Butterfly Count that week.

There was a sign that says, " Don't touch the butterflies!" What about butterflies touching you???

Lady Kameshia  saying, "Be nice. "

Get Ready, Get Set, Go!

It didn't say the butterflies could not touch you!

It  keep crawling up and up! IT'S REALLY TICKLING!

Now its getting a little personal!  

Family Lodge where we stayed.

Vroom! Vroom! Vroom!!

Ladies outing at the Chateau Elan Winery

Fall in Georgia!

Watch out this lady is Dangerous! She almost ran over the guy running the track! 

The Lake.

                                                       Marie and I.

View from the top of The Butterfly Center

Sitting and Chilling.