SPORTMOM E-votional

ABOUT THE CROSS

4/17/2019

God came to us through the birth of Christ - we come to Him through the cross. This holy week is ABOUT THE CROSS and Christ’s death and resurrection. By it we are bought back together and into full relationship with our Creator.

A coach carefully puts a team together while mentoring each player into the best they can be. He prepares a team for play guiding them through the game and making necessary corrections to ensure the most effective play. He is there. He knows each player and develops their skill for the team’s sake. His sacrifices make it possible for a team to win.

God does the same for us. He carefully teaches us how to be the best we can be by preparing us and guiding us through life. He is there. Sacrificing His only Son, Jesus Christ, on a cross turned out to be the great and final substitution for my sin and yours. It wasn’t the nails that held Jesus on that cross, it was God’s love for us. As a once-and-for-all pure sacrifice He carried our sins to the grave. The cross made it possible for us to be on the winning team…God’s!

“...God made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:21

PRAYER: Thank you for the power of the cross. It brought me to you, allows me to know you and makes it possible for me to live my life for You. Help me to carry your cross into the lives of others. In your Son’s name, Amen.

THE ONCE-AND-FOR-ALL CROSS...ONLY THE BEGINNING!

©2019 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 1514 Segovia Circle – Vero Beach, FL 32966

PSALM OF PSALMS

4/10/2019

In life there are certain pinnacles that we are privileged to reach. Whether it is a family goal, a job goal, a personal goal, a long-time-coming goal or an unexpected surprise event or circumstance, these carry us to a mountaintop of thrill and satisfaction.

There is a passage of scripture that brings me to that pinnacle as I read and absorb its message. It is the 23rd Psalm....the PSALM OF PSALMS!

As our 17-year-old granddaughter and I were driving along one day, we began to discuss the words of Psalm 23. We explored what it means to us and this responsive prayer was the result...

The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want...You watch over me and meet all my needs.
He leads me beside still waters...You take me to quietly refreshing places and speak to me there.

He restores my soul...You re-ignite my life with your purpose.

He leads me in the path of righteousness for His name sake...You guide me into right decisions for which I give you glory.

Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil...when tough times come, even those accompanied by great loss, I will face them with strength and courage as I trust you.

Your rod and your staff they comfort me...You will protect me and fight for me which brings me much-needed reassurance.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies...Your table of blessings is spread out before me even when I’m with my adversaries.

You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over...I am covered with your favor from head to toe as you fill me with your spirit.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life...Because of you, Lord, both good reports and overwhelming mercy will be my legacy.

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord, forever...When I move out of this body, I will move into your presence and live with you in timeless wonder.

MAY THIS PSALM OF PSALMS TAKE YOU TO LIFE’S GREATEST PINNACLE!

©2019 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 1514 Segovia Circle – Vero Beach, FL 32966

SHINE IN OUR HEARTS

4/3/2019

For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:6 NLT

Our heart is the center of control for our physical function. If it is interrupted all physical systems are affected and at risk. If it stops it ceases to provide life-giving blood to the body. A functioning heart allows us to SHINE in effervescent splendor – bright eyes to see the world around us, a viable voice to encourage others, strong arms to hold infants and sturdy legs to take us where we need to go.

God shines His light of knowledge and wisdom into our hearts...the very soul of our being. He wants us to know Him, be in relationship with Him and be the face of Jesus on this earth. As His very essence shines into and through us, darkness becomes light.

Isaiah, a prophet of God, spoke these words over the city of Jerusalem and I speak them over you today...

Let your light shine for all to see. For the glory of the Lord rises to shine on you. Isaiah 60:1 NLT

PRAYER: Thank you, Lord, for shining your light into my heart. Today I allow it to penetrate my soul. May the face of Jesus shine through me. In your Son’s Name I pray, Amen
THIS LITTLE LIGHT OF MINE, I’M GONNA LET IT SHINE!

©2019 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 1514 Segovia Circle – Vero Beach, FL 32966

RIPPLES IN LIFE

3/27/2019

The glassy stillness of a pond can be disturbed by a flying rock or falling tree. Although the picture changes it carries with it astounding beauty. The perfectly round ripples form and make their way to the shore becoming less and less and soon the pond returns to the peaceful mirror image of the surrounding trees and sky

Through the disturbances of life, we can watch for the perfectly formed ripples that form as a result of them. As we pray through them, we look for the lessons learned and take hold of the assurance that this too will pass.

Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live. I Thessalonians 5:16-18 The Message

There will be ripples of hope dancing in the sunlight of God’s love as we respond to our RIPPLES IN LIFE as God’s perfect plan for our lives.

We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 NRSV

This poem about was penned by my 92-year-old mother as her March 2019 poem-of-the-month...
RIPPLES
Ripples in the sunlight sparkle up the shore Of the muddy river, swollen by rains galore.
Refreshing, pleasant view for the passers-by...

Those splashing drops of water enhanced by sunny sky.
Think about God’s Son-shine rippling through our hearts. Pointing up to heaven...the Source where glory starts. ... DelRe..
.
OUR RIPPLES IN LIFE ARE GOD’S SPARKLING GEMS!

©2019 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 1514 Segovia Circle – Vero Beach, FL 32966

POWER DOWN

3/20/2019

Learning to drive a “stick shift” car was difficult. It involved the motion of both feet and both hands in order even get going. Then it required shifting to higher gears in order to run smoothly down the road. Speeding along was great but when a steep grade approached it was time to gear down allowing more control of the vehicle.

When we come to the “steep grades” of life we need more power infused and less speedy activity.

Running from his enemy, the prophet Elijah strove hard to get away encountering wind, rain, and fire. But God was not in the wind, rain or fire. Then came the still small voice of God saying, “Why are you here...POWER DOWN and know me!” (See I Kings 19:9-13)

Jesus invites us to stop our constant striving and abide in Him...to power ourselves down in stillness before Him.

“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46.10

The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:14
He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. Mark 4:39 NIV

Just as Jesus called the churning sea to be still, He calls out to us, “Quiet, be still before me.” We can POWER DOWN in undistracted stillness by putting our winds and waves in His hands.

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him... Psalm 37:7a NIV

PRAYER: Today I choose to exchange my constant striving for undistracted stillness before you, Lord. Quietly and confidently I POWER DOWN, for I know you are my source and deliverer. It is in your Son's name I pray, Amen.

ALLOW GOD’S POWER TO INVADE YOUR STILLNESS!

©2019 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 1514 Segovia Circle – Vero Beach, FL 32966

FAILURE ERASED!

3/13/2019

Have you ever had a failed attempt at something and felt like giving up? I have. ..many times!

One very impacting experience was learning to snow ski when I was 32 years old. Part of the process included multiple falls even on the easy Jack and Jill- type runs. There were times when I was convinced that becoming a confident, upright skier like those swooshing past me would never happen. Not only did I feel defeated but every muscle in my body screamed by the end of the day.

On the third day of grueling failures and after completing the beginner’s skiing class, someone on the hill was once again helping me up. The simple directive given to me by this person was this: When you begin to fall, go with it…then get your skis under you again and go again. I learned a lesson that day, the sooner I was unafraid of failure the less falls I would take. Great advice and it worked!

Following a game or competition, coaches spend hours “reviewing tape”. Often the players are also shown clips of game plays that were outstanding as well as those that need some work. The successful plays are exhilarating and enjoyable to review. But it is the failed attempts that become teaching tools and motivation for future success.

"It's fine to celebrate success but it is more important to heed the lessons of failure." Bill Gates

As followers of Christ, we bear His name even in our failed attempts. He will pick us up and teach us how to handle life struggles. ERASING FAILURE is His goal. . .

…God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5 NIV

Our response must be to learn through failure. When we are face down on the hills of life, remember to go with the fall for in the end our Savior is there to pick us up. He sends us forward in life with new understanding, new motivation, new confidence...FAILURE ERASED!

ERASED FAILURES ARE GEMS IN THE CROWN OF LIFE!

©2019 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 1514 Segovia Circle – Vero Beach, FL 32966

SHINE...IN THE DARKNESS

3/6/2019

Sometimes things happen that clearly reveal the darkness around us. We recently had such an experience.

With 2 big screen T.V.s missing after our household goods were transported, we contacted the moving company. The report of our concern was not well-received. Throughout 4 phone conversations they hung up on us, denied any responsibility, engaged in extreme efforts to intimidate us, and attacked our character with brutal and accusatory lies...a classic case of good versus evil.

How should we, as Christ-followers, respond to such treatment? We went through the gamut of "what- to-do-now" human responses. However, as we prayed it through, our verse for the year became real...

For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:6 NLT

We had lit up a very dark place with the truth. It was not received. We knew we were not to enter that darkness. With a prayer for these people we have left it in God’s hands.

Friends, do not avenge yourselves; instead, leave room for His wrath. For it is written: Vengeance belongs to Me; I will repay, says the Lord. Romans 12:19

It can be very difficult to let go when we have been wronged. Knowing that our mighty God sees all and will repay is both reassuring and restful.

PRAYER: Thank you for being our forever advocate as we walk through the darkness of this world. Please help us to shine for you even in the darkest places. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.
SHINE IN THE DARKNESS!

©2019 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 1514 Segovia Circle – Vero Beach, FL 32966

POWER PLACE

2/27/2019

We are each gifted with a place of power…power to decide, to accomplish and to effect change.

Doors of opportunity are opened when power is used wisely. Power appropriately applied is rewarding both for the one who has it and for those around them. Applied out of rage or pride it can easily result in defeat, disgust and disillusionment.

Athletes know that positioning themselves is key to a successful performance. Being in the right place at the right time has powerful results – great blocks, passes, goals and assists.

Positioning ourselves in life is basic to a life worth living.

“The most powerful position on earth is kneeling before the Lord of the universe.” Unknown

God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. James 4:6

Humbly positioning ourselves before the Lord is our POWER PLACE...

"He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6

PRAYER: I give myself to you, Lord...you are my POWER PLACE. Please accomplish in me that which you desire. Thank you for the power of your Holy Spirit who guides and leads me in wisdom and purpose. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

THE PLACE TO GAIN POWER IS ON OUR KNEES!

©2019 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 1514 Segovia Circle – Vero Beach, FL 32966

HIGH BEAM

2/20/2019

Darkened roadways traveled at night require headlights on HIGH BEAM. In an instant our way is light so we can avoid what otherwise could not be seen both near and far away. The risk of night travel without this option can result in catastrophe.

It was a cold winter night as my family returned home from Sunday evening service at church. Asleep in the back seats of our station wagon, we were suddenly awakened by an abrupt stop accompanied by a jarring and loud clunk...we had hit a deer. With the headlights on dim, my father was unable to see clearly what was ahead – the HIGH BEAM lights weren’t on because they were not working!

The darkened roadways of life require a HIGH BEAM option. It is the light of God’s Word that provides the necessary illumination to negotiate the twists and turns that come our way.

Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path. Psalm 119:105

Keeping our HIGH BEAMS in good working condition is the answer. Read God’s Word daily, apply God’s Word readily, and following God’s Word constantly. It is illuminating our lives with God’s Word ever at our fingertips and hidden in the fiber of our souls.

I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:11 NIV

PRAYER; I choose to hide your Word in my heart, dear Lord, for then the path you have laid out for me will be clear. Thank you for your guiding Word. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

AVOID RISK - TURN ON THE HIGH BEAM OF GOD’S WORD!

©2019 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 1514 Segovia Circle – Vero Beach, FL 32966

IT'S TIME!

2/13/2019

...TO ANSWER God’s call - which is above all!

“There are few bonds as strong as that of hearth and home. Yet, the call to follow Jesus is one that allows no other allegiances.” Timothy George

We are preparing to leave Horizon Christian High School as Dave retires from 51 years of coaching. Each assignment has been home for us and the bonds are strong. Now IT’S TIME to follow God’s lead and trust His plan for a new ministry adventure.

...TO SAY GOOD-BYE to the amazing Moms of Horizon Christian High School athletes, the coach’s wives and the staff where this SPORTMOM E-votional ministry began.

Good-bye, friends. Love mixed with faith be yours from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, our Lord. Ephesians 6:23 TM

You will be forever in our thoughts, prayers and hearts.

...TO MOVE across this great nation to another place that God has prepared for us.

“...the most important changes of address happen on roads of the heart.” Mart DeHaan

This change of address was first written on our hearts by our Heavenly Father saying, “IT’S TIME to retire and re-inspire.”

...TO REMAIN in weekly devotional ministry both on Facebook’s SPORTMOM E-votionals and through email notifications.

Remain in Me, and I in you. Just as a branch is unable to produce fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in Me. John 15:4 HCSB

Thank you for remaining in Christ as faithful readers of this publication. We are blessed to serve you in this way and look forward to continuing this ministry.

In Christ,
Coach Brown and Janet

©2019 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 1514 Segovia Circle – Vero Beach, FL 32966

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About the Author...
JANET BROWN

As a veteran coach's wife, Janet invites you to join her in "Changing the world for Christ...one athlete at a time".Through the language of sports and life experiences, Janet uniquely exposes the character of God and His desire for "sportmoms" to WIN BIG in life. Her behind-the-bench view invites us into a world of triumphant wins and tragic personal loss.

LIFE EXPERIENCE

From being a mother of 2 to a spiritual mom to many, the road of life for Janet includes these hallmarks:

- Gave her "heart to Jesus" at 6 years old
.
- Studied Education/ Psychology at a Christian College

- Enjoyed earning her wings and flying as a Flight Attendant

- Is the wife of Coach Dave Brown since 1967.

- Involved in ministry to women for 30+ years including: Retreat Facilitator and speaker, Bible Study leader, National Women's Ministry Leader

- Held an executive position in the corporate world for 35 years.

- Developed and taught Pre-married and Marriage classes with her husband for 12 years.

Currently is a writer, grandmother to 4 and a coach's wife.

ABOUT THE CROSS

PSALM OF PSALMS

SHINE IN OUR HEARTS

RIPPLES IN LIFE

POWER DOWN

FAILURE ERASED!

SHINE...IN THE DARKNESS

POWER PLACE

HIGH BEAM

IT'S TIME!

About the Author...
JANET BROWN

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About the Author... JANET BROWN

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About the Author...
JANET BROWN