Leadership | Confessions of a Preacher's Wife, Robin Bryce

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Skill or Faith: The Success Key

June 15, 2009 in Confessions of a Preacher's Wife with 0 Comments

Have you ever felt like you didn’t have what it takes to be successful?

I often feel that I don’t have the skill to get things done in the right way. But at other times I’ve felt, “I got this” and flubbed miserably.

Does having or lacking skill really determine success? Sure, a lot of factors must weigh in to bring about great achievement. If skill alone is what we work for to make ourselves successful, we may be working ourselves right out of our desired accomplishment.

It’s a little oxymoronish to consider that too much skill could spell failure. Yet real success doesn’t lie in our skill or our resources. Certain goals and levels of triumph can be obtained by shear force. But to accomplish that which is outlandishly impossible, to achieve a dream that hangs on a thread requires more than determination. Lasting success requires faith.

At least that’s what I read in 1 Chronicles 5:18 and following. The Jewish tribes had skill. “They were skilled in combat and armed” to the hilt, no less. These guys were seasoned, experts in warfare, and ready for battle.

If I had all that going for me, I’d be taking them on, pushing forward, and relying on my own abilities. Why, isn’t that what God gave me the skill for? Aren’t we to use these skills to make what we aim for successful? My self-reliant attitude and the subsequent actions would set me up for failure, or at best provide a very short-lived success.

The next phrase in the Chronicles passage about the Israelites isn’t, “So they kicked tail and took names.” No. They had skill and resources all right, but their greatest asset was God himself. Listen to what they did. “They cried out to God during the battle, and he answered their prayer because they trusted in him.”

They were skilled, fit, ready, and from all aspects had it all together to get the job done, but they didn’t rely on all of that. They won the victory because of their faith, because they trusted in God! Their skill was put to use but it wasn’t the determining factor.

The implication of this truth for our lives is huge. We work so hard to try to be good, better, or best so we’ll have success. But it doesn’t matter if our skill is little or a lot, or if our resources are overflowing or not. What makes the difference is our level of “trust in God.” It’s the extent of our belief in God that plays the greatest role in our success.

Whew. That takes a heavy weight off my shoulders. I stress over my lack, both in my skills and in my resources. Although I’ll never have to worry about being over skilled and need to continue honing my abilities and developing my resources, I must keep all of that effort in perspective. My skill may be used, but it’s not the major determiner of my failure or success. I need to put the largest effort in learning to trust in God.

God loves to work on behalf of those who completely trust in him. Built within that trust is obedience. Even when the task seems irrational or unlikely to be successful, I must obey and trust. On a side note, I love the freedom to succeed or fail that I get when I trust God and do what he asks. The results are all his. Success is measured in faith not skill.

Check out how to be successful at Successful Life and Leadership and Stepping into Success.

* picture from personalbrandingblog.com

Clearer Vision

June 8, 2009 in Confessions of a Preacher's Wife with 4 Comments

I’m feeling a little down today. Tired. Dirty contacts messing with my vision. Girls gone to camp. Feeling alone…

Too much to do. Too much strain in my faith (that God would use me). My turn to whine.

Girlfriend calls. Wants me to fix lasagna for the fellowship tomorrow night. I want to stay home in pj’s.

Writing? How can I do that when I need to call every women’s ministry contact in God’s creation on behalf of Capture ME! ~ iGETitLIFE 2009 Women’s Event. At least I’m not laid up in the hospital with a spinal leak like the iGETitLIFE coordinator. She just had a baby and the epidural caused spinal fluid leakage (pray for Jamie). And I want to whine!

(sigh)
Look. It’s like this. I obey God and still I have troubles.

Clearer Vision Robin Bryce readjusts her vision (pic from gizmodo.com)

(picture from gizmodo.com)

I’m trying to not be despondent. I know God’s in control. I’m doing what he asked, but I just don’t see his hand at this time. My faith doesn’t require sight, but my sense of security sure likes it.

"If you will…firmly exhibit your faith at the precise moment, you can sometimes actually snatch victory from the very jaws of defeat… lifting your heart to God in a moment of genuine faith in Him can quickly alter your circumstances…He can turn defeat into victory in a split second, if we will only trust Him." ~Streams in the Desert

Going to cleanse my contacts for Firmer Faith and Clearer Vision.

Rules for Engagement Twittering Small Groups

June 4, 2009 in Confessions of a Preacher's Wife with 0 Comments

Due to the response of Twittering Church, I’ve been questioning men to get their input on how twitter could help a men’s accountability group.

My husband suggested creating “Rules of Engagement.” Obviously, since twitter is social, the opportunity to a small accountability group is available.

But before I make suggestions for “Rules of Engagement,” I want to describe how I could see twitter working for a small group.

Runners: Small group in it together

I have a small group that can be mimicked. My group is my family. My husband and two older children twitter along together. We set our “devices” to “on” so we can see what each other are doing when we post.

My husband may tweet something about being frustrated at work, or how he had an awesome lunch meeting with someone. My kids may tweet “About to take a hard test,” or “Not feeling so hot today.” One may say something funny. One may ask via direct message (dm) for a deep prayer concern.

We laugh making no response. We pray for something mentioned. We respond with encouragement. We direct message our love, concern, and jokes directly into their circumstances in real time. (On a side note, my honey and I send “love” tweets too. Maybe I should write an article on how twitter can help your marriage.)

“Devices” are our cell phones that receive text messages. Twitter sends their tweets to our phones as a text message and we can respond via text messages in three manners.

A straight forward response goes to any and all who look at your twitter page on the internet and not directly to the one you want to respond to. Okay, but has the opportunity to be confusing to others not following along in the conversation.
Using @twittername (placing the name of the twitterer you want to respond to after the @ symbol) sends it to your twitter page for all to see as well as a community notice of saying it to your intended person.
Using d twittername sends a personal message directly to your intended person without posting your message to the social network. (A glitch may accidentally happen in twitterdom. I don’t advise getting too personal here. It may be a way to say, “Hey, call me at ###-####,” or “I got your back on this one.”)

There are more advanced methods such as creating groups and using hashtags (#), but the simple texting method keeps our family digitally connected and involved in one another’s life. I believe if your group creates “Rules for Engagement” and commits to increased digital accountability, twitter will greatly enhance your group.

(Twitter just hit Time Magazine’s front cover. Twitter is changing our culture. I really think the church ought to be involved and engaged in such awesome conversations.)

Twitter “Rules for Engagement” for group accountability and encouragement.

Meet face to face regularly – Keep your regular meeting times. Smiles, handshakes, and the necessary “three pat” hugs shouts concern to a much greater degree than the digital connection. Twitter cannot replace this! (Incidentally, I applaud each and every man willing to invest in another man’s life in small accountability groups. My husband has been in and started several over the years.)
Keep the most personal discussion personal in the face-to-face meetings. Never know when you might slip and forget to “dm” that detail resulting in shouting something meant “secret” to all internet eyes. And Twitter may accidentally put a “dm” in the main stream for everybody to see.
Commit to be involved in one another’s life making an effort to be an encouragement. Don’t make all the tweets self-centered. Send out encouraging quotes, Bible verses, and tidbits of learning you’ve received from your life struggles, as well as the what’s-going-on-with-you kind of tweets. If you’ve read an interesting article online, send a link using the link shortening tool in TweetDeck along with a short description of the article for your group to read. (TweetDeck.com and other applications are free downloads for your computer to make Twitter even more functional.

I welcome more input, especially from men who twitter and are a part of a small accountability group. Please respond for the edification of all.

Relax. Enjoy the Moment.

May 26, 2009 in Confessions of a Preacher's Wife with 2 Comments

Relax. Live in the Moment.

My life whizzes by in increments that seem like decades instead of minutes. Moments slip right by without even a nod. I’m too busy, preoccupied, or focused to relax and live in the moment. And I hate it. I don’t like how I’ve become. Are you like me, missing life’s little joys, or do you have a sure fire way to enjoy your moments?

This Memorial Day, it was all I could do to simply sit and enjoy the sun, family, and rest. My mind ran through all the stuff needing to be done. Writing projects. Speaking preparation. And event planning. The pace threatened to consume my moments relaxing with family. Guilt ridden, I managed to keep away from the computer and work, but when I relaxed I was horribly sleepy.

Robin Bryce's Girls walking on Water "look I'm Jesus"

Memorial Day Jesus Practice: My girls walking on the water . . .

I needed a “debriefing” after the previous two week run. Each day piled more stuff on the list, and left no time to accomplish anything I spent five days at the Colorado Christian Writer’s Conference and came home with lots of requests and new friends needing follow up.

During a brief unload, wash, and reload of my suitcase, I watched my super-organized daughter destroy all that was sacred about my office space as she “moved my cheese” to another room.

I tried to be organized with the hotel information in Dallas/Ft. Worth where I was headed, but I couldn’t find the name, address, or metro area of the hotel in which I was supposed to sleep. (Many thanks to Twitter friends and husband’s work associates who helped me find my way.)

Ready to Win with Thelma Wells Robin Bryce

Awesome Worship with Thelma Wells at her Ready to Win Conference

On the road again to Thelma Wells and the Ready to Win Conference, I spent three days with my dear friend Lou. We met more friends, experienced great worship, and yes, more stuff piled on. I can’t even see the top of the to do list any more.

Kindred Hearts: Lou and Tammy Trent

When I got home, I put my suitcase into another car along my family’s luggage and off we went for Memorial Day at the lake with my mom and brother’s family. One would think I would want to relax, enjoy the moments with my little nephew and other family members. And I did, but I couldn’t turn my mind’s switch off and never fully engaged the moment.

Did I tell you I hate feeling this way?

Now, I’m back at home in my new space that still has my “old cheese smell” with stuff piled high on this to do list. I want to throw the list away and start over. Can I ignore all that stuff on the calendar, the sticky notes, the promises to deliver, and e-mail alarms?

What’s this? A jury summons! (sigh) Maybe they’ll arrest me for contempt of court or whatever for not showing up. Then I can rest.

What helps you relax and enjoy the moments of life? How do you deal with life’s stuff that piles up stealing from you that little something precious?

Oh, by the way, I was instructed to “Relax. Enjoy the moment” in the Colorado Rockies when this two week run started. A shoot ‘em straight kind of girl shared pointedly that I needed to live in the moments, enjoy the mountains. She’s a truth-filled friend, Suzie Eller. You might want to look her up.

Suzie Eller (right), Renae Brumbaugh (center), and Robin Bryce (left), speakers and writers

Suzie’s the smiling one on the right, and Renae Brumbaugh, smiling in the center, is my roomie and the funny girl that has joined the platform for the iGETitLIFE events.

Suzie’s counsel was profound, but I’m still trying to figure out the how. I need all the help I can get. Please send me your tips.

Climbing the ladder to glimpse the top of stuff to do. . .Back to sorting the priorities and work . . .

If you got a moment (yeah, I know), please pray for me to live in my moments.

May the blessings of moments be alive and real for us all.

Stepping into Success

May 4, 2009 in Confessions of a Preacher's Wife with 0 Comments

Starting is “the first step toward success,” said John C. Maxwell, international leadership expert in business and ministry. Starting is the hardest step because it’s a commitment to begin something. Dedication is difficult. Our lack of risk taking and jumping off with that first step often causes success to elude us.

“False starts and weak foundations can be ruinous,” said Maxwell. We rehearse first impressions, opening statements, and initial handshakes because how we start is important. Here’s a summary of Maxwell’s five insights to a positive start.

Start with yourself. Practice. Prove to myself what I am made of through my commitments. As I successfully lead myself, others will follow my leadership and my success will be evident.
Start early. The longer I wait, the harder it is to change. Start early to develop good leadership qualities and disciplines to insure success physically, financially, spiritually, and all areas of life.
Start small. I can’t swallow the whole whale in one gulp. Take baby steps in the direction I know is right without intimidation of the big task or impossibilities of the vision. Starting small frees me to focus on the task at hand and leaves the whole whale cut into manageable bites.
Start with vision. My dream, passion, and life purpose fulfills me the most. Find a person who is successful in my field and learn from them, tailor my occupation to include what satisfies me. Pursuing my vision helps my success.
Start now. Do something today. Put together a long string of days doing some little something in the right direction. My success depends upon my discipline and follow through.

Now, where do we begin? Oh yeah, with myself. See you in success corner. Summarized from Maxwell’s post on the "Starting – The First Step Toward Success" on the Catalyst blog. Hop on over there to read his article and get started toward success.

Name Calling . . . Our Reality?

February 10, 2009 in Confessions of a Preacher's Wife with 0 Comments

God calls names. Hard to believe, but in both the old and the new parts of the Bible he called people names. He called the righteous, "sinners"; wimps, "mighty heroes"; and stones, "big rocks" (Lk. 18:9-14, Jg. 6:12, Mt. 16:18). Each time he is stating something that is, but is not yet revealed or seen. God calls an Ace an Ace, whether others see the spot or not. The ones being named don’t see it in themselves and often no one else sees it either. I guess if the name-calling is to point out reality or truth as God does, it’s okay.

Bad kid, or creative genius?

God sees our reality better than we do and guides us to realize it ourselves. While hiding from the enemy Gideon must’ve felt much more like a wimp than a “Mighty hero” (NLT, Jg. 6:12). Gideon didn’t jump up out of the winepress with inflated chest instantly becoming a great leader, but he trusted God enough to begin obeying him. Gideon’s transformation or step into his reality didn’t happen overnight. But in time and through daily obedience to God he found himself full of the Spirit of God and leading the people of God victoriously—a mighty hero.

Since each Christ follower is called, what is that God whispered into your spirit? What has God called you? Leader. Follower. Encourager. Warrior. Pray-er. Speaker. Server. Helper. Writer. Mentor. Teacher. Are you trusting him to make it real to you by daily obeying his promptings? If so, like Gideon, one day you will look back in amazement, wondering how cool it is to trust God and see that he’s done amazing things in and around you.

Daily trusting and becoming . . .

Twittering Ministry!

December 27, 2008 in Confessions of a Preacher's Wife with 3 Comments

Can twitter give your ministry’s effectiveness a step up? The church could learn alongside businesses that social media matters, because word of mouth can build or destroy a company or ministry’s PR impression, how people view them. Word of mouth is, after all, the way in which the gospel is spread—one beggar telling another where to find the Bread of Life.

It’s time for beggars to unite and network with others socially, offering something of value. For goodness sake, don’t enter the networks with a, “ya’ll come now, you hear?” attitude. This isn’t a place to issue blanket invitations to a church service or gathering. We’ve got to enter into a relationship with those we want to reach. Offer ourselves, friendship, a listening ear, an encouraging word, a big kudos for a job well done. Offer helps, tips, whatever, as long as it’s of value.

Should a church or ministry have a social media minister? Since businesses find great potential in social media as a cutting edge way to do business, it might benefit ministries as well. A ministry can make relevant connections and impact lives through social networks. I’m not saying all ministries or churches should engage social media as a method of reaching and touching people, but it’s a great way for ministries to engage and relate with those they want to reach and give them something valuable.

Here’s a video worth looking into. It’s Laura Fitton’s, @Pistachio, keynote address about twitter titled “Twitter for Business.” If I could rewrite the script, I would title it “Twitter for Ministry” and have every mention of business rewritten as ministry.

Think of

the ways a ministry team could benefit with instant communication,
the knowledge and understanding of the people you work with and those you want to reach, and
the opportunity to share your vision and keep focus on your mission.

After watching the video, please share your opinion of the benefits social media can have on your ministry. Have you seen a social network ministry be effective, build relationships with opportunity for life change?

To view @Pistachio’s power point presentation.

I look forward to hearing your ideas.

Successful Life and Leadership

November 4, 2008 in Confessions of a Preacher's Wife with 1 Comment

I plopped face first in a pile of emotion. Near tears, but refused to succumb. What would the kids think? I felt overwhelmed, unworthy, and unable. Pick an area of life–any area. I was totally unfit to accomplish anything I was supposed to do in all areas of my life. I had so many good and necessary tasks to carry out and fulfill God’s calling on my life, but looming over me was a sense of utter inability and sure-fire failure. This feeling was all in my head . . . or was it?

I had the same twenty-four hours as others to accomplish the actions items that overloaded my table. What to do first? Do I have what it takes? What if I mess up? Living life was frightening. Dying seemed a respite of peace. But before dirt is thrown in my face, would anything I’ve done, said, or stood for be considered beautiful, jaw dropping, or worthy? I was called to share the encouragement of Christ, but there were so many steps, means, and ways to do it that confusion and frustration concerning my lack took over and I found myself in need of the encouragement I was to give. I wanted to hang it all, find a hole in the sand and stick my head in it. It was too many things to do, too many choices to make, and not enough of me to go around.

Since I was a leader, speaker, and writer, and my life an example (at least to my kids), I did what any powerless leader might do. I lay in an emotional heap, bare before God and open before his Word for the day’s reading. God spoke . . .

If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ (Oh yes. Lord, I have much encouragement from our relationship.), if any comfort from his love (Yes, your love and acceptance is great comfort in my inability and insecurity.), if any fellowship with the Spirit (How sweet is the fellowship with you, your Spirit, and your word! It is better than life, and makes life worth living.), if any tenderness and compassion (You are tender and compassionate with my frailties and shortcomings. I will be filled with the same for others.), 2 then make my joy complete (Thank you! Because of your work in and through me, you make me completely joyful.) by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose (In unity of mind, love, spirit, and purpose with you, I can be and do all you call me to do.). 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. (Yes Lord, I will not consider anything related to myself, rather relish in your love and acceptance and build others up.) (Phil. 2:1-4, NIV).

I learned five essentials to a successful life for overcoming mountains of insecurity, conquering heaps of responsibility, and fulfilling God’s purpose for my life.

Humility. Effective leaders are servants. Servants consider those they serve as more important than themselves. Leaders place their needs aside to serve the needs of others. Authentic leadership doesn’t seek to make a name for themselves, but to build up those they serve. Genuinely effective leaders are created in time spent with God.

Prayer. Effective leaders are in constant communion with God. They know their power to lead comes from God alone, and without prayer their leadership is less powerful, original, and creative. Prayer makes a good leader better.

Word. Effective leaders find guidance and direction in God’s Word. They know without the truth of scripture there is no hope, no point to work towards. Servant leaders search God’s word for direction and leadership for their own lives then translate what they learn to lead others.

Follow Through. Effective leaders lead. They follow through in all the ways in which God leads. That sounds elementary, but this is where the well intentioned remains only intentions. They don’t do it all perfectly. Authentic leaders are not only willing to lead, but honest enough to understand not everything they try will work. Good leaders are quick to evaluate, try a new tactic, and keep at the job in the face of failure. Thomas Edison said, "I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work." Follow through is key to success.

Assistance. Effective leaders look for ways to include others. They know their limitations and "staff" to their weaknesses. God provides helpers to complement our weaknesses. "Look to the hills from whence our help comes" (Psalms 121:1). Good leaders know the more they empower and include others to serve the more creative and effective are the outcomes.

My near tears of discouragement turned into joy and compassion. I gained a renewed purpose to continue working at the increasing load on my table knowing that it is God who called and he is able to finish what he started with me, his imperfect instrument (2 Tim 1:12). With God all things are possible (Matt. 19:26). "Pay attention to the ministry you have received in the Lord, so that you can accomplish it." (Col. 4:17, HCSB). I am eager to watch God move this mountain of responsibilities, inabilities, and frailties to make a splendid wonder out of my nothing. How great is our God!

previously posted on July 29, 2008 at www.VondaSkelton.com
"I’m so excited to introduce our guest blogger, my friend, author and speaker, Robin Bryce. Robin and I met years ago in Knoxville, TN, when we both attended a CLASServices seminar for speakers." Vonda Skelton

Blog Talk Radio topics

October 7, 2008 in Confessions of a Preacher's Wife with 0 Comments

An Interview with Eric Canaday at Christianity Unplugged:

Blog posts with related topics for discussion are below. You can read them, get to know me a little and make comments.

Living Free from Fear, Religion, & Expectations

Ordinary Gains Sacred

iGETitLIFE 21 Day Challenge Wins 20 Day Reunion

Successful Life & Leadership

My Time, My Way, & My Best Interest

I Have a Dream

Striving vs. Well Done

September 3, 2008 in Confessions of a Preacher's Wife with 0 Comments

Wow, I read an incredible writing this morning. It inspired me and directed my busyness. Read and enjoy . . .

Straining and striving does not accomplish the work God gives us to do. Only God Himself, who always works without stress and strain and who never overworks, can do the work He assigns to His children. When we restfully trust Him to do it, the work will be completed and will be done well. And the way to let Him do His work through us is to so fully abide in Christ by faith that He fills us to overflowing. . . .

There is no straining effort in an overflowing life, and it is quietly irresistible. It is the normal life of omnipotent and ceaseless accomplishment into which Christ invites each of us to enter—today and always. From Sunday School Times as written in Stream of the Desert, September 3.

Maybe the title should be Overworked vs. Overflowing. May we all obtain balance, purpose, and passion in fully abiding in Jesus!

Live well and hear “Well done.”

Robin