SPORTMOM E-votional

ALWAYS PREPARED

7/7/2021

Preparation for anything requires attention, planning and often many “to-do’s”. I love to plan ahead but always with the understanding that changes may come.

God’s Word challenges us to be prepared…

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. 1 Peter 3:15

Being ready to answer keeps us on our toes. The key, however, lies in the words “when asked”. We can find ourselves answering a question that was not asked which can cause our unsolicited answers to be unheard.

We can also feel unprepared when called upon to answer a question. God provides others around us to remind us of the truth that we already know and He will always equip us with the answer.

So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have. 2 Peter 1:12

We can be ALWAYS PREPARED when called…

God doesn’t always call those who are equipped...but he always equips those He calls. (unknown)

Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always. Psalm 105:4

ALWAYS PREPARED BECAUSE HE IS THERE!

©2021 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 1514 Segovia Circle – Vero Beach, FL 32966

LIFESTYLE PRAYER ...ALWAYS!

6/2/2021

Prayer is for asking, for thanking, for praising… and for ALWAYS! A little talk with Jesus eases our walk…it is Lifestyle Prayer!

There once was a judge in a town who neither feared God nor cared about people. There was also a widow in that town who kept coming to him with a request to grant her justice against her adversary. The judge refused her request time and time again. Finally, he decided that although he didn’t really care about the situation, her bothersome and continual insistence drove him to grant her the justice she requested and now he was relieved from the woman’s constant and insistent plea. Jesus used this parable to teach his disciples this: If an unjust judge can honor a request just think how much more our just God will honor our prayers requests as we cry out to Him. He will see to it that we who belong to Him get justice, and quickly. He then reminded them to offer their prayers of petition and to never give up! (see Luke 18:1-8)

This is Lifestyle Prayer – Always petition and never give up!

Many definitions of prayer have been given. One of my favorites is this prayer of cooperation from E. Stanley Jones: “Prayer is co-operation with God. In prayer you align your desires, your will, your life to God and work them out together.”

Further he offers this Lifestyle Prayer directive…

“To talk with God,             “To walk with God,              “To wait on God,
No breath is lost –             No strength is lost -             No time is lost -
Talk on!”                              Walk on!”                               Wait on!”

This is Lifestyle Prayer - Always cooperating with God.

And finally, Lifestyle Prayer always includes our attitude. The Apostle Paul gives us this key, “In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy…” Philippians 1:4

This is Lifestyle Prayer - Always pray with JOY!

Jesus said, “Be always on the watch, and pray…”  Luke 21:3

LIVE OUT LIFESYTLE PRAYER – ALWAYS!

©2021 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 1514 Segovia Circle – Vero Beach, FL 32966

ALWAYS ON MY LIPS

5/5/2021

As we make our way through 2021, we continue to focus on our word for the year, ALWAYS.

Memorizing scripture was a regular and vital part of my growing up years. Today I am especially grateful to my mother for those words that were put into my very soul all those years ago. They continually guide me, comfort me, and protect me…may they ever be on my lips.

You have planted them, and they have taken root; they grow and bear fruit. You are always on their lips … Jeremiah 12:2

This scripture ends with “but far from their hearts.” Tough times come and go taking our hearts away from these words of comfort. Even so, the words that come from my lips must remain fruitful. David, the Psalmist after God’s own heart, was driven out of his leadership position by those in power. In this tough time, David spoke these words from Psalm 34 as he left his kingly post …

“I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips” Colossians 4:6

God makes a covenant with us today just as He did through the Prophet Isaiah…

“As for me, this is my covenant with them,” says the Lord. “My Spirit, who is on you, will not depart from you, and my words that I have put in your mouth will always be on your lips, on the lips of your children and on the lips of their descendants—from this time on and forever,” says the Lord. Isaiah 59:21

And finally, as we speak words that are “scripture-filtered” we have this reminder from Jesus himself…
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” Matthew 28:20

PUT YOUR LIPSTICK ON TODAY - SCRIPTURE-FILTERED WORDS!

©2021 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 1514 Segovia Circle – Vero Beach, FL 32966

April 06th, 2021

4/6/2021

ALWAYS ALL
E-VOTIONAL 4-7-21

Then Jesus came to them and said,

“ALL authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Matthew 28:18

…go and make disciples of ALL nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit... Matthew 28:18

…teaching them to obey ALL I have commanded you." Matthew 28:19a

This passage of scripture maps out the 3 ALL's for living a Christ-centered life…

Believe that Jesus had and has ALL authority over everything.
Give Jesus your all in all ways…give Him full reign over your life.

Receive Jesus’ call to go to ALL nations (people) with His message of love.
Give Jesus your all in all ways…saturate your world with His love.

Weave lives that reflect our attempt to obey ALL of Jesus’ teachings.
Give Jesus your all in all ways…let Him bring you into obedience with Him.

Jesus closes this passage known as “the great commission” with these words of encouragement…

“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:20
The Holy Spirit remains with us to guide us and grow us into ALL we are meant to be.

PRAYER: You are my ALL, Lord Jesus. I will live my life with you and for you now and ALWAYS. In your name I pray, Amen

"NEVER THE TIME" prevents the ALWAYS ALL!

©2021 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 1514 Segovia Circle – Vero Beach, FL 32966

ALWAYS MORE...

3/3/2021

Our first Wednesday E-votional focuses on our word for 2021 - ALWAYS.

"I keep my eyes always on the LORD. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken."

In this nation of plenty it seems that there is ALWAYS MORE to be gotten. Even with the current “slow down” we continue to find a way to get what we need and often more of what we want. Even though we may spend less time on the road searching for our desired purchases, we satisfy these desires with on-line shopping and door-step to door- step delivery services. The ALWAYS MORE lifestyle lives on meeting our needs while driving us toward our wants.

In the world of sports, ALWAYS MORE wins are a certain preference. Competition is built on this innate desire. This “will to win” is what counts even when the “skill to win” is lacking. In the losses valuable life lessons are learned. Handling defeats with grace builds strong character into the lives of players.

“Be MORE concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.” Coach John Wooden, UCLA

God wants the combination of His steady, constant calling and warm, personal counsel in scripture to come to characterize us, keeping us alert for whatever he will do next. Romans 15:4 The Message

The word “MORE” is used 542 times in the NIV Bible. It is used in the scripture below reminding reminds us that God is the author of the “MORE” in life. As we trust Him for our needs and leave our wants at his feet a balanced lifestyle emerges…

If God is for us, who can be against us? In all these things we are MORE than conquerors through him who loved us. Romans 8:31 & 37 NIV

PRAYER: Dear Lord, I want to know you more as I grow in you. Thank you for reminding me that you are on my side. I put my trust in you to fill the “ALWAYS MORE” in my life as you build my character with your conquering spirit. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

MORE OF YOU TO KNOW – MORE OF ME TO GROW…ALWAYS MORE!

As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you MORE and MORE. Psalm 71:14

©2021 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 1514 Segovia Circle – Vero Beach, FL 32966

ALWAYS DRAWN...

2/3/2021

This month we celebrate a day to express our love…Valentine’s Day. One of the first signs of love is being DRAWN to someone. While American English has one word for love, the ancient Greek language uses six words to describe different types of love. Today we will focus on Pragma which means longstanding love that draws us to and holds or bonds us together.

Being DRAWN together is ALWAYS a cherishing moment whether it is in friendship or in Holy Matrimony (male and female). As it grows we see one another more clearly and we love more deeply. God’s Word gives us a peek at what this kind of love looks like…

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. I Corinthians 13:6-7 NIV

We are also DRAWN to God Himself through Pragma love…

I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have DRAWN you with unfailing kindness. Jeremiah 31:3

He faithfully draws us back to Himself when we are in distant places physically, emotionally or spiritually. He remains faithful to His longstanding love which goes beyond our faults to meet our needs.

PRAYER: I want to love with your love, Lord. Please teach me to live out the list of what love “always” does in my marriage, in my friendships and in my world. Thank you for your longstanding love. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

ALWAYS DRAWN – ALWAYS PURSUED – ALWAYS LOVED
BY CHRIST WHO FIRST LOVED US

©2021 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 1514 Segovia Circle – Vero Beach, FL 32966

OUR WORD FOR 2021...ALWAYS

1/6/2021

What a wonderful way to begin a brand new year...

I keep my eyes ALWAYS on the Lord. With Him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Psalm 16:8 NIV

This gorgeous sunset recently marked the end of a busy day. It was ours to behold as the fleeting moments of 2020 were coming to an end. The New Year of our Lord 2021 arrived bringing new hope, new challenges and new opportunities that are ALWAYS BEFORE us.

Sport teams have good games and not-so-good games. No matter the outcome, the best is to be taken from each. The coach is fully aware of the practice time needed for each game and the possible outcome of it. The players need assurance that their coach is ALWAYS BEFORE them leading, guiding and preparing them for challenge ahead. They will not be shaken!

The apostle Paul penned these encouraging words...

I saw the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence. Acts 2:25 & 28 NIV

This truth has become particularly clear to Coach and I over the past few years…our God truly is and has been ALWAYS BEFORE us! He is far ahead of us, preparing the way ahead and readying our hearts and lives for what is to come…we will not be shaken.

PRAYER: Thank you, Lord, for always going before me. I will move ahead on the path you have set before me. You have prepared prepared the way and will lead me in it…I will not be shaken. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

OUR GOD IS ALWAYS BEFORE US!

©2021 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 1514 Segovia Circle – Vero Beach, FL 32966

December 29th, 2020

12/29/2020

ABIDE…our amazing word for 2020 for the difficult year ahead!   This God-inspired word seemed rather encouraging, but for the times that were to come it became a necessity. Living it out has been both challenging and comforting. We say “good-bye” to this unusual year with a quick review of our focus each month on this prophetic word:

JANUARY Our ABIDE verse-of-the-year gave us a peek into our source for the unknown year ahead…Jesus said, "I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing." John 15:5 NRSV
  WANT 20-20 VISION IN THE YEAR 2020? ABIDE IN CHRIST!

FEBRUARY Our ABIDE focus closed with this “sneak peek into the future...” Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Colossians 3:17 NIV
ABIDING IN CHRIST PREPARES US FOR THE FUTURE!

MARCH - To ABIDE calls for us to serve God on His terms not on ours…I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go: I will guide you with my eye.  Psalm 32:8 GOD WILL GUIDE AS WE ABIDE!

APRIL - Our Lord does some of His most powerful and life-changing work in our times of waiting. WAITING WELL results in Christ’s presence…"Abide in me and I will abide in you." John 15:5 NRSV WAIT WELL...ABIDE IN JESUS!

MAY – When stuck… ABIDE! Remember: Jesus was stuck on the cross and our salvation is the fruit of it. “apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 NRSV MAKE YOUR STUCKNESS COUNT... ABIDE IN CHRIST!

JUNE – The ‘if’” ushers us into an ABIDING relationship with Christ...If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14   GOD RESPONDS WHEN WE ABIDE IN THE “IF”.

JULY – Christ’s word abiding in us allows us to ask. “if my words abide in you, you shall ask what you will, and it shall be done unto you." John 15:5 NRSV
ABIDE AND ASK ... in that order!

AUGUST – Total abiding happens as we find our perfect placement, constantly abide in prayer, and enjoy Christ’s presence and let Him love you! Once again we must believe what Jesus said…"for apart from me you can do nothing."   John 15:5 NRSV
STRIVE+PURSUE+ENJOY= TOTAL ABIDING

SEPTEMBER - Watch for Him, walk with Him, wait for Him. Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Ephesians 3:20 ABIDE - GOD IS AT WORK!

OCTOBER – CONTINUE to ABIDE in Christ once again remembering His words, “apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 NRSV   ABIDING IN CHRIST IS OUR PEACE!

NOVEMBER - To ABIDE with meekness requires total dependence on Christ through all of life’s circumstances. Then the best outcome is possible…He is Lord of all or He is not Lord at all! God blesses those who are humble (meek), for they will inherit the whole earth.  Matthew 5:5 NLT BE MEEK - BEAR FRUIT - BE BLESSED!

DECEMBER – Continue to ABIDE in the vine of Christ all day, every day, and enjoy sweet fruit. “Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit.” John 15:5 NRSV SIMPLY ABIDE IN CHRIST!

©2020 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 1514 Segovia Circle – Vero Beach, FL 32966

THE "AWE" OF IT ALL

12/23/2020

The stands fill with shouts as THE AWE OF IT ALL ignites the crowd…the team has just pulled ahead on the scoreboard! As invigorating and captivating as those moments of wonder are, when troublesome times in a game come fear can take over both for the players and for the stands with a little less wonder and a little more fear.

THE AWE OF IT ALL happens each day of our lives. It comes when both fear and wonder take over simultaneously. Some things seem to be going great while others are challenging and we are awestruck by this dichotomy.

In the good and in the not-so- good circumstances, God’s Word encourages us to be filled with reverent and awe-filled worship before our Him.

The kingdom of God cannot be shaken so let us be thankful, and worship Him acceptably with reverence and awe! From Hebrews 12:28 NIV

Let us enter into these holy days of celebrating our Savior’s birth with reverence and awe…in fear and wonder! Then, with hearts of joy, we will shout “hallelujah” as we bow at the manger knowing His kingdom cannot be shaken.

“Shout Hallelujah…adore Him…He has never let you down, never looked the other way…He has been right there, listening.” Psalm 139:13-16 The Message

TURN “THE AWE OF IT ALL” INTO A HALLELUJAH!

©2020 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 1514 Segovia Circle – Vero Beach, FL 32966

BELIEVE WITHOUT SEEING

12/16/2020

As a new coach takes over a team, the very first words spoken are to assure the players that they are each important – already chosen for this team and for this time. For the players, a yet unknown future lies ahead with the nagging question, “How will this all work out?” The coach carefully lays out the practice plan affirming the players. The players, in turn, respond putting their trust in what they have been told…they BELIEVE WITHOUT SEEING...and the coach continues to assure them that they are in this together.

In Luke chapter 1 a similar process takes place…

Verse 28: The angel went to Mary with these reassuring words, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”
Being greeted by an unexpected Angel of the Lord and told she was ‘highly favored’ must have been awesome as well as frightening for her.

Verse 29: Mary was greatly troubled at (the Angel’s) words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. Mary was now beyond wonder...she was “troubled” about what this meant.

Verse 31: The Angel explained to Mary what was about to happen, “You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.” Mary took this in but was left with a nagging question.

Verse: 34: Mary then asks, “How can this be?” Mary can’t begin to comprehend how this can happen since she is a virgin.

Verse 35: The Angel reveals the plan to Mary, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you…the Holy One to be born will be called the Son of God.” Mary’s question was answered…she BELIEVED WITHOUT SEEING.

Verse 38: Mary’s humble response was, “I am the Lord’s servant…May your word to me be fulfilled.” God’s perfect plan for our salvation begins to unfold. Verse 45:

The Angel affirmed Mary’s total trust with this blessing, “Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” God blesses those who BELIEVE WITHOUT SEEING!

CHALLENGE: Is there a plan that has been put in your heart by our Heavenly Father? If so, you may have troubling questions about it. Ask Him the nagging question, “How can this be?” God will speak comfort and assurance to you about His plan and provide the information you need to…BELIEVE WITHOUT SEEING.

PRAYER: I believe without seeing, I am yours and I am ready to serve. Let it be to me just as you have made known. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

NOTE: FOR AN INSPIRING STORY AND MUSIC GO TO YOUTUBE.COM AND ENTER CHRISTOPHER DUFFLY-OPEN THE EYES OF MY HEART.

©2020 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.

ALWAYS PREPARED

LIFESTYLE PRAYER ...ALWAYS!

ALWAYS ON MY LIPS

April 06th, 2021

ALWAYS MORE...

ALWAYS DRAWN...

OUR WORD FOR 2021...ALWAYS

December 29th, 2020

THE "AWE" OF IT ALL

BELIEVE WITHOUT SEEING

About the Author...
JANET BROWN

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About the Author... JANET BROWN

Archives

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About the Author...
JANET BROWN