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.

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.)

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.

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’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.

Ready to win? We have opportunity to gain the encouragement we need to rise above, get over the hump, and get out of the slump. We’ll find inspiration to take charge of our lives. And it’s FREE! Let’s go, girlfriends.

On May 22-23, 2009, join Thelma Wells at her Ready To Win Conference in Garland, TX (Dallas area). It’s free! Register for your free tickets and get more information at ThelmaWells.com.

Thelma’s the real deal, an authentic Christ follower that’s been in the slump, at the bottom of the hump, and in need of rising up. She knows how to win in difficult situations. Come join in, if you’re Ready To Win. You’ll be blessed.

I’ll be there. Tweet me @RobinBryce, and we can have a Tweet-up for fun. if you’re unsure what Twitter is click Twittering Church? for links of explanation. Look forward to seeing you there.

iGETitLIFE Ladies Event breakout session leader speaks out.

Last Sunday I heard Anita Onarecker Wood present the question, “What to do with the miracles in your past?” Wow, what power, presence, and purpose she displayed as she shared her journey with God and the miracles worked in her life. She challenges us to consider God’s work around us and our response.

Anita models her challenge. She shared years of ministry with her late husband, Dick Onarecker. She accompanied him on the Trinity Bridge that fateful day written about in 90 Minutes in Heaven when Dick prayed for Don Piper. After Dick’s passing, she felt challenged in her ministry and pursued a seminary education. She began a speaking ministry and is taking God’s past miracles, putting feet to faith, and stepping out believing God’s lead.

Anita serves in ministry to women as the Southern Baptist of Texas Women’s Ministry Team Regional Representative and travels speaking to audiences of all kinds. She is heading to Brazil for a ministry of evangelical speaking and is scheduled to bring a vibrant message as a breakout session speaker at our iGETitLIFE Ladies Event September 18-20, 2009. You won’t want to miss her authenticity as she shares her blind step of faith. Register now so you won’t miss it.

Our other speakers are way-out awesome as well.
Our Keynote, Vonda Skelton, is a national speaker and author of Seeing Through the Lies and many other books.

Breakout session leaders are
Renae Brumbaugh, author of Morning Coffee with James and "Coffee Talk" columnist
Anne LeGare, speaking to the heart of singles; and
myself, Robin Bryce, speaking to the hearts of those wanting more out of life.

Sessions include topics for creative cooks, painters, singles, and teens (those attending event with a responsible adult). There’s a little something for everyone and boocoos of encouragement and fun for all.

Register now for a life changing iGETitLIFE Event. Limited space. Registration completed before March 31, 2009 places name in a drawing for a personalized Seeing Through the Lies book from Vonda. You want to be there. Grab a friend and register quick before the space is gone.

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 . . .

Ordinary, local girl gets a talking to. (Not uncommon for this girl. I know her. She gets into stuff.)

A news reporter interviewed me because I was invited to speak on a Christian Caribbean Cruise. Talk about an ordinary girl getting to do awesome things. The invite and interview filled me with awe over what God can do. 

Check the story out online in The Courier: Houston Community Newspaper. Information about the March 30th – April 5th cruise is included in the article.

If that interview wasn’t cool enough, Eric Canaday of Christianity Unplugged asked me to be a special guest on his Blog Talk Radio Show. (Yeah, I know. Unbelievable isn’t it. The only thing special about me is the stuff I get into!)

I look forward to visiting with Eric and discussing what it means to live free from things like fear, religion, and expectations of others. (Do you think a preacher’s wife will have any confessions on those topics?) For some of the discussion points click here.

Tune in and check it out on November 11th at 7:00 pm Central Time. Listener questions will be received and answered in real-time. Ha, what fun.

I’m amazed at the willingness of God to use ordinary me.
 

Related event

• Speaker: Robin
• Date: Tuesday, November 11th 2008
• City: Robin in Online
• Venue: Christianity UnPlugged Radio Interview
• Country: United States
• Notes: Topic: Freedom in Christ.
• Add to Google Calendar | Download iCal

When: November 7 & 8, 2008
Where: North Point FWB Church
17018 FM 1314
Conroe, TX 77032
936-697-0786

Accommodations: Drury Inn & Suites
28099 I45 North
The Woodlands, TX 77380
281-362-7222

Cost: $40.00 for Retreat and Meals
See Registration for Special Room Rates!

www.iGETitLIFE.com

Contact info: Robin@RobinBryce.com
936-449-5571

When: Hurricane POSTPONED to

Saturday, October 4th, 5-7:00 pm

September 20, 2008, 10:00 am – 12:00 noon

Where: Dacus Baptist Church

5403 FM N 1486

Montgomery, TX 77356