ALL-IN-ONE products are common. Google lists all-in-one washer-dryer combinations, fitness programs, insurance policies, real estate opportunities, various types of stores, calendars, cereals and a myriad of computer items! Short-cuts to any task are attractive.Anytime a sportmom can get anything that will assist in multi-tasking she goes for it! With time and energy are at a premium, if she can accomplish more than one task with one trip, one phone call, one text, etc .then she considers her ALL-IN ONE effort well-spent.
Recently a very busy sportmom with 2 high school athletes to attend to shared this story: I didn’t know how I was ever going to do it…take my kids to each of their games (one right after another), be at both games, pick up supplies and the pre-ordered food and cake for a birthday party that evening, prepare the house for the party at 6:00 and all after working my morning part-time job with my husband gone! My thought-prayer was, “Oh Lord, please show me!” Okay, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”. Trusting Him I sat down with a pencil and paper and it took just a couple of minutes to map out a way to get it all done. I would leave the house just a little early to pick up the cake on my way to work since the bakery opened early and the cake didn’t need to be refrigerated. After work I would pick up both boys at school and go to each of their games altogether. The party shop is right between the two games so a quick stop for napkins and plates could fit in there. As soon as the second game ended we would take only a slight detour to pick up the food and be home by 4:30 in time to get the boys started on homework while I prepared the house for guests. Guess what…It all happened just like that. With just a little God-inspired pre=planning, all of the seemingly impossible and over-lapping tasks were accomplished and I feel like a super-blessed wonder woman! This fully-equipped Mom found great satisfaction in accomplishing the good work that was set before her. It became an ALL-IN-ONE effort as she depended on God’s Word. We too can be ready for whatever tasks we are called to do.
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God . . . that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
The word equipped means to “furnish or fit completely”. We will experience this as we know God’s Word and lean on it. The scriptures are active ingredients that make us mentally and physically furnished and fit …ready to tackle the God-given roll set before us with ALL-IN-ONE solutions.
GOD DOESN’T ALWAYS CALL THOSE WHO ARE EQUIPPED... BUT HE ALWAYS EQUIPS THOSE HE CALLS!I am very grateful for this promise as I look to accomplish all that is on my plate today...And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 Blessings…as you are fully equipped with ALL-IN-ONE solutions from your ALL-IN-ONE Creator. ©2013 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, OR 97224
Teams are a reflection of their coach. Whatever has been modeled, taught, encouraged, practiced or required of players comes from the heart of their coach. If you want to know what a coach is like, look at his/her team.
Dr. R.C. Sproul, a prolific author who helps Christians understand what they believe and why they believe it, offers thoughts on reflections. Referencing the moon’s reflection of the sun, he points out how the moon is cut off from the sun’s reflection as the earth moves between them. Then he likens that to what can happen in our lives. Just as the moon is made to reflect the sun, we are made to reflect the Son of God in all of His glory. When earthly desires move between us and the Son we become smaller, less effective and even unseen reflectors of Christ to those around us.
Keeping the desires of this world from crowding out the reflection of Christ in our lives requires constant attention. The Lord’s Prayer records Jesus’ desire for that reflection…
“…your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:10 NIV
Paul also writes about this reflection in his letter to the church at Colossi...
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature… as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience…Bear with each other and forgive one another…as the Lord forgave you… And over all these virtues put on love. Colossians 3:2,5,12-14 NIV
GOD DESIGNED US TO BE REFLECTIONS OF HIMSELF
PONDERING POINT :
If the world wants to know what God is like, can they look at me?
Instead of polishing and protecting our own image, we need to be guarding and reflecting the image of God, which is being perfected in us through Christ. Julie Ackerman Link
Blessings…as the Holy Spirit enables you to be a full moon REFLECTION of Christ.
©2013 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, OR 97224
Saavy sportmoms use the NOT-BUT solution to keep their children on the right path. Many-a mom has said the words ‘you cannot… but you can…’. Teaching our children about the “nots” of life prepares them for the “buts’ of what they will do.
Athletes often find themselves with NOT-BUT types of responses to their coaches. Thinking another way may be better, a team player makes the plea for another play then sets it aside acquiescing to the will of the coach. Team work is NOT about getting their way BUT about fitting in with the coach’s plan.
Jesus’ prayer the night before his death reflects the ultimate NOT-BUT attitude…
“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet NOT my will, BUT yours be done.” Luke 22:42 NIV
Knowing his Father’s perfect will, Jesus still made the NOT-BUT plea for a possible change of plan before God himself. He then acquiesced to the will of His Father. The result is eternal life for all who will believe in Him as the Son of God…
I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen. NOT only because I see it, BUT because I see everything by it. C.S. Lewis
The light of Christ opens our eyes to God’s will for us. Let’s plan big …NOT because we are so knowledgeable BUT because we have a big God. As we allow his Holy Spirit guide us we will acquiesce to His perfect will.
With God as our partner, we make our plans large, record them in pencil and keep an eraser handy!
Jesus reminds us today with the same words as he told his disciples regarding their appointed work...
"You did NOT choose me, BUT I chose you..." John 15:16 NIV
PRAYER: Father God, thank you for opening our eyes to who You are and showing us the work you have planned for us. May we NOT promote our will in heaven, BUT reflect Your will here on earth. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Blessings…as you accept the “nots” and live in the “buts”.
©2013 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, OR 97224
 Spring cleaning is upon us. It’s the annual ritual of removing the unwanted blemishes of winter in an effort to present a spot-free residence. Sportmoms desire that their children maintain their bedrooms in this same manner…but rarely see it! In business, there are areas designed for scientific research or processes that require a “clean room” free from dust or outside pollution…they must be SPOT-ON SPOTLESS.
Having a position on a team and maintaining it requires an athlete to be SPOT-ON! If their assigned area is marginalized the result can be points for the opposing team. Knowing where to be at the right time makes the player a valuable asset to the team effort.
Christ knew the importance of SPOT-ON SPOTLESS - a church that was clean clear through…
Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it… That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. Ephesians 5:25-27 NLT (portions)
Not only was the church as a whole given a SPOT-ON SPOTLESS standing before God through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, but we each have the opportunity to have a “clean room” before Him…
Meditate on the fact that if you’ve trusted in Him, His love covers your faults and failures and that you are clothed with His spotless righteousness. Romans 3:22-24
Just as the athlete maintains a given position, this passage tells us how to carry out our position as a Christ one. Trusting in Christ and His love for us cleans us up…making us SPOT-ON SPOTLESS before Him.
PRAYER: Father, thank you for going before me and picking up after me. I want to be spot-on spotless before you. Please help me to remember that it is my trust in you that covers my faults and failures making the rooms of my life clean before you. In your Son’s name I pray, Amen.
GOD GOES BEFORE AND AFTER US - THE KEY TO SPOT-ON LIVING
Blessings…as you let God show you the spots and trust Him to clean-up those you missed.
©2013 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, OR 97224
NOTE: The first issue of SPORTMOM E-votionals each month is dedicated to our word for the year - REACH!
To plan ahead is something we are taught early in life. It is a conditioned-response learning process that keeps us safe and takes us where we want or need to be. One of the first “plan in advance” decisions we make as a baby is to cry so that we can be fed. It’s the “do this so that I can have that” concept of living.
Coaches plan well in advance for their sport season. Before the season ends, most coaches have already scheduled a game or two for the next season. These are not randomly chosen…as in whoever wants to play us we’ll…but rather carefully chosen to benefit the team’s development. League game schedules are also planned in advance by a league committee. These ensure that all schools are scheduled for games that lead to a champion and ultimately a spot at the state tournaments. With the games in place, the coach plans each practice in order to REACH the goal of a win.
SUCCESS IN WHAT HAPPENS WHEN PLANNING MEETS OPPORTUNITY!
A choice not to plan in advance paves the way for possible loss rather than rolling out the red carpet for the sought-after win.
“Before you can win a game, you have to not lose it.” Chuck Noll, ex-Pittsburgh Steelers Coach
Planning is a part of God’s "in advance" character. The first book of the Bible, Genesis, gives an account of the orderly planning of this earth and its inhabitants. The Ten Commandments map out the plan to live by in line with God’s purpose. The sending of His Son to walk the earth as a man was God’s plan to bring us back into relationship with Him. He wants us TO REACH the goals He has PLANNED IN ADVANCE for you and me.
God has made us what we are. In Christ Jesus, God made us to do good works, which God planned in advance for us to live our lives doing. Ephesians 2:10
His plan for each of us is built into the very fabric of our being. The question is, are we taking advantage of the opportunity that God’s plan presents? Just as a coach plans and expedites team practices to reach the goal of winning a given game, God has an advanced plan for us. He has set our life schedule in place but it’s up to us to live our lives following it. As Paul the Apostle wrote…
“I do not mean that I am already as God wants me to be…I keep trying to reach the goal and get the prize for which God called me through Christ…” Philippians 3:12 &14 NCV
Blessings…as you PLAN IN ADVANCE to REACH the goals God has designed for you.
©2013 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, OR 97224
Stones are a part of living these days. We add stones to the interiors and exteriors of our homes, to our gardens, to our jewelry … in the 80’s we even had “pet stones” aka "pet rocks". My Grandpa tumbled stones that turned into beautifully shined agates a few of which are now displayed in a wedding dish at our home. Today we look at the impact of FIVE STONES from God’s Word.
#1 STONE OF HARMONY Jacob and his father-in-law committed to harmony with one another by building a stone monument as a reminder of their vow.
“This monument of stones and this stone pillar that I have set up is a witness, a witness that I won’t cross this line to hurt you and you won’t cross this line to hurt me.” Genesis 31:53
What relationship in your life needs mending? Place your stone of harmony first by offering a hand of friendship and peace.
#2 STONE OF REMEMBRANCE Each tribe of Israel placed a stone to build a monument reminding them of the power of God among them.
“In the future when your descendants ask their parents, ‘What do these stones mean?’ tell them, ‘Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground.’ He did this so that all the peoples of the earth might know that the hand of the LORD is powerful and so that you might always fear the LORD your God.” Joshua 4:21&25
Have you placed reminders of God’s power around your house for your children to see? Find the perfect place for your “stone of remembrance” so that all who enter will ask.
#3 STONE OF PROTECTION One small stone in David’s boyhood slingshot killed a giant enemy.
Then David took his shepherd's staff, selected five smooth stones from the brook, and put them in the pocket of his shepherd's pack, and with his sling in his hand approached Goliath. I Samuel 17:40 TM
The giant sneered at him but David bravely answered saying, “You come to me using a sword and two spears. But I come to you in the name of the Lord All-Powerful, the God of the armies of Israel!” And with that he hurled the final stone to its target, killing the feared giant and protecting the entire Israel nation.
What in your life needs protecting? Face the enemy with the confidence of David and in the name of our all-powerful God cast a stone of love toward someone who is attacking the gift God has placed in you.
#4 STONE OF FAITH Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of our faith. When questioned during his “trial” by religious the leaders, He referred to himself as the cornerstone referenced in their own scriptures….
Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes’? "
Matthew 21:42 NIV
Is Jesus the cornerstone of your faith? He can be by believing in who He is and what He did on the cross for you and for me.
#5 STONE OF FREEDOM The stone placed over the tomb was the final human act designed to close the life of Jesus. But heaven rolled it away making way for Him to be seen by many and providing the way for us to know Him and live with Him forever.
At that time there was a strong earthquake. An angel of the Lord came down from heaven, went to the tomb, and rolled the stone away from the entrance. Matthew 28:2 NCV
As a believer, what stone needs to be rolled away from your life so that others can see Jesus in you?
Blessings…consider these FIVE STONES then celebrate our Savior's triumph over death with harmonious remembrance of His protection and faith that bought our freedom.
©2013 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, OR 97224
 Ever been stuck between hope and despair? On one hand you can see a light at the end of the tunnel and on the other hand you fear that it may be an on-coming train! Finding myself suspended BETWEEN TWO opposing emotions like hope and despair is quite an uncomfortable and perplexing place to be.
While sitting in the stands of a close game, there are times when I feel suspended BETWEEN TWO sensations. The score tells me there is hope for a win but with a minute to go in the game the desperation of a possible 3 point basket by the opposing team coupled with an untimely foul by us is ever present.
Our Savior, Jesus Christ, found himself BETWEEN TWO in the hours before his death and resurrection. “Christ was crucified, not in a cathedral between two candles, but on a cross BETWEEN TWO thieves.” George F. MacLeod Two others also, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. Luke 15:33 Finding himself BETWEEN TWO criminals, Jesus listened to their final and revealing words. One challenged who He was with despairing remarks. The other asked Jesus to remember him showing a strong sense of belief and hope.
Jesus…caught BETWEEN TWO thieves yet not finding it perplexing or emotionally uncomfortable. He simply answered the one who had hope reassuring him with these words of comfort, “Today you will be with me in paradise.”
Both the hopeful thief and Christ himself found the darkness of despair swallowed up by the brilliant light of resurrection hope. And we too can hold onto this same hope celebrated even when we find ourselves caught BETWEEN TWO.
…let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23 AT THE EDGE, WHERE FEAR LOOMS, VICTORY AWAITS!
It is our "BETWEEN TWO" places that take us to the cross of Calvary for comfort, guidance and solace…to the great and mighty One who keeps it just scary enough to bring us to Him!
Blessings…as your BETWEEN TWO is swallowed up with unswerving resurrection hope!
©2013 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, OR 97224
 NOW? NOT YET? NEVER?
When to speak is a decision we all must make. Sometimes we speak without thinking and wish we hadn’t. Sometimes we think without speaking and wish we had. Sometimes we don’t even think about when or if we speak or not..This dilemma takes us to our subject for today – SPEAK WHEN?
ANNONYMOUS SPEAK:
There is a one-word guideline for sharing our thoughts with the stipulation that they should not be repeated. It is NEVER.
“Some say that anonymity is the last refuge for cowards…if you don’t want to be identified with your words, God probably doesn’t either.”
Julie Ackerman Link
SPEAK WHEN…our words could be heard by anyone.
ANGRY SPEAK: It has been said that if we speak when we are angry, we will make the best speech we’ll ever regret. The Apostle Paul penned these words as a counter to angry responses…
When you are angry, do not sin, and be sure to stop being angry before the end of the day. Ephesians 4:26 NCV
The opposite of angry speak is encouraging words. These can slide off of our tongues as easily as anger-filled responses if we allow our hearts to be saturated by the Holy Spirit.
So speak encouraging words to one another. I Thessalonians 5:10 TM
SPEAK WHEN…we can use encouraging words in a discouraging moment.
AUDITED SPEAK: What comes out of our mouths when we open them to speak reveals our heart condition. If our hearts are right before God, our speak will reflect it.
It’s not what goes into your mouth that taints you; you are tainted by the words that come out of your mouth. Matthew 15:11
Chatter or clatter, what will it be -
when with our friends we speak open and free?
Ladies like chatter, to hear and to say,
just need to be careful - leave clatter away.
So in our speaking let this one thing show:
"Say something nice, let chatter glow."
It honors the Lord when the tongue is in place;
Through His Holy Spirit comes speaking with grace.
-By DelRe
SPEAK WHEN… our hearts are filled with God’s Word.
PRAYER: Lord, walk beside me with your arm on my shoulder…and your hand over my mouth.
Blessings…as you SPEAK WHEN your words are God’s words.
©2013 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, OR 97224
To agree is definitly sublime! In our families, at work and at play, with friends, in our neighborhoods or wherever we find ourselves, to be in agreement with those around us is what we all hope for but don't always experience.
The handling of opposite opinions is almost an art form which sportmoms have had ample experience in developing. TO AGREE requires such things as diplomacy, negotiating skills, listening ears, compromise, lots of time and most of all the patience of Job!
"The two most powerful warriers are patience and time." Leo Tolstoy
Patience and time are certainly key to agreement which can be a tough assigment as this little story shows:
A man walking along a California beach was deep in prayer. Suddenly the sky clouded above his head and, in a booming voice, the Lord said, "Because you have tried to be faithful to me in all ways, I will grant you one wish."
The man thought for a moment wanting to ask for something big. Finally he answered, "Build a bridge to Hawaii so I can drive over anytime I want."
The Lord answered with offering this rational response, "Your request is very materialistic. Think of the enormous challenges for that kind of undertaking...the supports required to reach the bottom of the Pacific - the concrete and steel it would take! It will nearly exhaust several natural resources. I can do it, but it is hard for me to justify your desire for worldly things. Take a little more time and think of something that would honor and glorify me."
The man thought about it for a long time. Finally he said, "Lord, I wish that my wife and I could agree so we could be truly happy.”
Without hesitation the Lord replied, "Do you want two lanes or four on that bridge?"
AGREE WITH EACH OTHER: Although this is a spoof story, it underlines the enormous effort it often takes to come to an agreement. Patience, time and energy are required TO AGREE together. The road to peace begins with the decision to "think in harmony" followed by diplomacy, negotiation, listening, and compromise.
Agree with each other, and live in peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you. 2 Corinthians 13:13 NCV
AGREE BEFORE GOD: Jesus instructed us TO AGREE about an issue of concern and ask for the Lord for it…
Again I say to you, that if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. Matthew 18:19
PRAYER: Thank you, Lord, that I can choose to think in harmony with others and with you. Please give me a fresh mind and a fresh heart that I may more easily come into agreement with you and with those around me. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Blessings…as you seek TO AGREE with both God and others.
©2013 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, OR 97224
How incredibly brilliant we are these days! Our technology has surpassed our time to use it and our time is spent trying to keep up with the available technology … oh my!
A coach is often said to be “brilliant” when he/she provides a plan for a team to execute and it works! Being labeled as such by news reporters, peers, friends and parents can certainly cause one’s head to swell. HUMBLE BRILLIANCE, however, recognizes that true value isn’t in the accolades one may receive, but rather remains in the plan and execution that produced a successful outcome…and that it is not of themselves!
“When we do things for Christ, it’s not about us but about His glory. The less obvious we are, the more brilliant He becomes.” Joe Stowell
Just as God’s grace is a gift outside of ourselves…so is our brilliance.
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God. Ephesians 2:8 NIV
Being aware of who provided us with the capability to establish an applauded solution is the cornerstone of HUMBLE BRILLIANCE. As we live in God-given wisdom provided to us by the Holy Spirit, we experience the brilliance of His presence and work in us.
Men and women who have lived wisely and well will shine brilliantly, like the cloudless, star-strewn night skies. And those who put others on the right path to life will glow like stars forever. Daniel 12:3 TM
OUR BRILLIANCE IS BUT A DIM REFLECTION OF OUR CREATOR’S SPLENDOR
I see God moving … His brilliant splendor fills the heavens, and the earth is filled with his praise. Habakkuk 3:3 NLT
Blessings…as you walk in the HUMBLE BRILLIANCE of Christ.
©2013 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, OR 97224
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