SPORTMOM E-votional

TO ABIDE = WAITING WELL

4/1/2020

Our word for 2020 is ABIDE. Sometimes this word carries with it the duty of "putting up with". It is also the concept of “resting in”. These days we are challenged to do both by WAITING WELL.

Waiting is a spiritual discipline often developed in times like these. The concept of WAITING WELL is frequently addressed in God’s Word as both in an anguished cry for help and as a patient stillness.

WAITING WELL requires my resolve to ABIDE in the Lord...
My soul waits for the Lord; He is my help and shield. My heart is glad in Him, because I trust in His holy name. Portions from Psalm 33:20-22

WAITING WELL includes ABIDING in the Lord’s steady, unwavering, and ever-reliable love, care, and protection...
You who dwell in the shelter of the Most High, who ABIDE in the shadow of the Almighty will say, “Lord, you are my refuge, my place of safety and strength, my very present help in trouble...in you do I put my trust.” Psalm 91:1-2

WAITING WELL brings promised rewards as we ABIDE in the Lord...
“...but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31

WAITING WELL results in Christ's presence...
Abide in me and I will abide in you. John 15:4

Our Lord does some of His most powerful and life-changing work in our times of waiting. He brings GLADNESS in uncertain times, STRENGTH to bear the added turmoil, daily RENEWAL in the effort, and new UNDERSTANDING that is only found in the waiting.

Are we just abiding, putting up with, these days? Or are we WAITING WELL?

TO WAIT WELL...ABIDE IN JESUS!

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

I AM...I WILL

3/25/2020

One of the most precious memories from my childhood is the sweet whisper “I’m here” from my mother or father during times of fear or injury. Being there was their job and my comfort. Leaning into their strength, I depended upon their assistance and needed their support.
Today it is my Heavenly Father’s sweet “I’M HERE” whisper that brings this comfort...

...do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10 NLT

Within His sweet whisper are these comforting messages:
My power abides in you! My assistance is ever with you! My encouragement will enable you!

PRAYER: My ear is turned toward you, Father, for you are the great I AM and my comfort is found in you. I open my heart to your power, your assistance and your encouragement. Thank you for your sweet and comforting whispers! In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

THE GREAT “I AM”... IS HERE FOR YOU!

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

SMILE?

3/18/2020

When our children came to us crying about a scratched leg or a mean playmate their sad faces always pulled at my heartstrings. Often their Daddy would rescue the situation with a tickle. It would only take a moment until their sad, tear-filled face would turn to a giggle along with a SMILE.

These days I find myself in need of that same sweet tickle. This old Jimmy Durante song comes to mind as, with a sad face, I contemplate our country’s current challenges...

SMILE, though your heart is aching - SMILE, even though it’s breaking... When there are clouds in sky ...you’ll get by.
If you SMILE through your fears and sorrow and maybe tomorrow... You’ll see the sun come shining through - for you.
Light up your face with gladness - hide every trace of sadness Although a tear may be ever so near.
That’s the time you must keep on trying - SMILE, what’s the use of crying You’ll find that life is still worthwhile.....if you just SMILE.

(click here to listen https://youtu.be/MX5mVBjZe6I )

Although this tune brings a quick and tickling SMILE to my face, even more precious is what God’s Word says to me...Why are you down in the dumps, dear soul? Why are you crying the blues? I will fix my eyes on God— soon I’ll be praising again. For He puts a SMILE on my face. He’s my God. Psalm 42:5 The Message

Not only is God the author of my SMILE, but His response seems to bring a SMILE to His face...You make him glad when you smile. Psalm 21:6 The Message

Let God’s SMILE be on you today...May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. Numbers 6:25 NLT
REMEMBER: SMILES ARE CONTAGIOUS TOO!
©2020 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 1514 Segovia Circle – Vero Beach, FL 32966

OUT HERE

3/11/2020

We are now facing serious current and shared challenges as wars surround us...there are the battles during our Presidential election process, the war on drugs remains serious and the fight against COVID19 fills our newscasts.   Rumors fly while faction’s battle, substance abuse is rampant, space between humans is being encouraged, self protection is foremost, pressures of our financial future loom and our knowledge of what to do next is limited.   We are definitely OUT HERE choosing the path that seems most appropriate. Will we choose what is right? Will it be enough? Will we be protected? Big question - what is the unseen purpose behind these challenges?

The answers to these questions and many more may seem hidden...but they are known to our mighty God. With loving care His word speaks to us...

THE PRESENT BATTLES: And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars; see that you are not alarmed; for this must take place, but the end is not yet. Matthew 24:6 NRSV

THE PRESSURE:   Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be content with what you have; for he has said, “I will never leave you or forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5 NRSV

THE PREPARATION: 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... I Peter 3:15 NIV

THE PURPOSE: For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:9 NRSV

THE PROTECTION:   Protect me, O God, for in you I take refuge. Psalm 16:1 NRSV

THE PROMISES: His huge outstretched arms protect you— under them you’re perfectly safe; his arms fend off all harm. God’s your refuge (and) He orders his angels to guard you ... (from Psalm 91:1-13 The Message)

The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. Psalm 91:14

THE PRAYER: “God, you’re my refuge. I trust in you and I’m safe!” Psalm 91 TM

JUST BE OUT THERE TRUSTING GOD!

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

TO ABIDE - ALLOW GOD TO GUIDE

3/4/2020

First Wednesday Focus is on our word for 2020 - ABIDE.

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5 NRSV

Guidance is an interesting subject. Giving it can be much easier than receiving it. In my career as an Executive Administrator the process of giving guidance was a never-ending task. On the other hand, receiving guidance could be challenging. The temptation was to take it as simply pointing out a personal weakness, a failure of some sort or dismissing it as a lack of the givers understanding of my intentions. In light of this it was easy to reject the guidance that was being offered. Thankfully, I would quickly make the choice to accept it as for my benefit discovering that it was laced with useful directives and an abundance of encouragement. Guidance spurred me on to valuable growth and development...but I had to ALLOW the guidance in order to experience it.

God guides in many ways. He provides leaders to guide us (Genesis 33:15). He provides nature to guide us - a cloud and fire (Exodus 13:21). He provides a father’s good advice and a mother’s teachings to guide us (Proverbs 6:20). His Word is our steady guide.

GOD GUIDES BY WATCHING OVER US: I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go: I will guide you with my eye. Psalm 32:8

GOD GUIDES LOVINGLY: In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling. Exodus 13:15 NIV

GOD GUIDES US ALWAYS: The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. Isaiah 58:11

Allowing God’s guidance requires choosing to serve Him on His terms not ours. He wants to encourage us and spur us on to all that He intends for us to be and do. This choice enables His plan to unfold before us rather than in spite of us. Left to our own devices we may reject or not recognize it. As we ABIDE in Him by allowing His guidance, His loving presence permeates our lives.
GOD WILL GUIDE AS WE ABIDE!

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

A SPACIOUS PLACE

2/26/2020

Last year, after much consideration, we let go of our large house with its many nooks and crannies and downsized into a smaller house. Although the size of our home would be greatly reduced the spaciousness increased as the areas that had previously gone unused were eliminated. The living areas that we use most are now the largest....it is A SPACIOUS PLACE.

The Psalmist David found himself crowded into a corner by his enemies. His circumstance was not only life threatening but it also held his "life-giving" will captive. His Heavenly Father heard his cry for help and it was granted in a way that only God could arrange (see Psalm 18:1-19). Here is David’s response...

He reached down from on high and took hold of me; He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me... Psalm 18:16 &19

Will you cry out to God asking Him to reach down with his mighty hand and remove you from the nooks and crannies of life...from the life circumstances that have crowded you in and rendered you paralyzed? Can you also believe that He has A SPACIOUS PLACE for you ...a place He has already prepared for you?

The same God that brought David out of his situation is there for us and waits for us to cry out to Him when our life-giving will is threatened by stifling circumstances.

PRAYER: When I find myself boxed in by circumstances of life I will cry out to you. You and you alone, are my rescuer. You will bring me into A SPACIOUS PLACE of freedom and enlarged understanding. Thank you for delighting in me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

CHOOSE TO MOVE OUT OF THE NOOKS AND CRANNIES OF LIFE
AND INTO THE POWER OF GOD’S DELIGHT...A SPACIOUS PLACE!

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

JUST THE SAME

2/19/2020

“Do it just like you did before!” This was the reminder my Mom used to give when we kids would say we couldn’t do something. Usually we had done the task before but found it difficult so we would use our lack of ability as an excuse. Her wise response kept us moving in the right direction as we accomplished tasks JUST THE SAME as we had before.

Repetition is a cornerstone for athletic skill development. Practice time is filled with doing JUST THE SAME routine over and over.

“The importance of repetition until automaticity cannot be overstated. Repetition is the key to learning.” Coach John Wooden, UCLA

Paul the Apostle wrote in his book to the Hebrews about the solid sameness of Jesus. He reminds them that Jesus will not change and will repeatedly be there for us ...

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8

Jesus is there for us just like he has been, like he is right now and promises to be in the future whether we access Him or not. He is teaching us, comforting us, preparing us, guiding us, loving us, encouraging us and reminding us that He will do it just the same as He has before...

PRAYER: Lord, teach me to trust in your sameness...the repetition of your constant love for me. You are true to your Word and will do it over and over. Thank you for reminding me of who you are and for always being JUST THE SAME. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

TO MOVE FORWARD PRACTICE TRUSTING IN THE SAMENESS OF CHRIST!

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

BE ON GUARD

2/12/2020

Our grandson recently joined the Coast Guard. His responsibilities include guarding the vessel to which he is assigned. Learning how to effectively do this requires the support and encouragement from higher ranking personnel who entrust the vessel and its protection to him and others.

Whether it is on the high and rough seas of the Eastern Pacific or in the calm stillness of the waters of the base, it receives a 24-7 guard. These ON GUARD watch assignments ensure the ship’s safely at all times making it ready for critical use at a moment’s notice.

In the Apostle Paul’s letter to Timothy he first establishes Timothy's trust in God and then challenges him to carefully guard it...

...I know in whom I have believed, and am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him...Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us. (See 2 Timothy 2: 12 & 14 NIV)

In this same way, we must stand guard over those who may be new to the faith or who may have faltered in it. We protect those who know less, teaching and encouraging them in the ways of the Lord.
Will you accept an ON GUARD assignment today? Protecting our own faith, and the faith of others as well, is our on-going duty and forever responsibility. As we allow the Holy Spirit to guide and teach us, we will be equipped to guard our hearts which is the vessel of our faith in Christ Jesus our Lord.

PRAYER: I take this assignment seriously, Lord. I want to be a trustworthy guard of the faith you have entrusted to me and other believers. Please prompt me by your Holy Spirit when protection is needed. Thank you for your ever-present guard whether on the calm seas of life and in the rough ones. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

BE READY - BE WATCHFUL - BE COURAGEOUS - BE ON GUARD!

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

ABIDE IN CHRIST

2/5/2020

FIRST WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH BRINGS OUR FOCUS ON OUR WORD FOR 2020 - ABIDE!

The dictionary gives us this primary definition of ABIDE: It is a verb that means to accept or act in accordance with - to obey, observe, follow or keep to. As we were raised in our homes, most likely there was a set of standards that we were taught to ABIDE by - the “do’s” and “do nots” of family living. It was for our protection, for our direction and the key to living peaceably with one another.

So, what does it look like to ABIDE IN CHRIST? As His followers we have been given strong directives regarding this “how to”. One of the most clear and concise of these is given in Colossians 3:1-17. There we are reminded of the “do’s” and “do nots” for abiding in Christ - acting in accordance with God’s intention for us.

The “do nots” of Abiding in Christ... Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.  Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Colossians 3:5-10 NIV

The “do’s” of Abiding in Christ...                          Let (allow) the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. Therefore, 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 if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Colossians 3: 12-16 NIV

Remember... And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17 NIV

A 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. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Colossians 3:17 & 1-4 NIV

  Abiding in Christ ushers us into Christ himself.

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

EXTRAORDINARY STRUGGLES

1/29/2020

Struggles are a fact of life. Some are more difficult than others. Some end in the success that we imagined. Others leave permanent scars. Whatever the outcome, struggles cause change. The heartbreak of EXTRAORDINARY STRUGGLES requires God’s extraordinary measures.

God’s Word gives us a powerful picture of this process and provides us with those extraordinary measures.

STEP 1: TRUST GOD GOING INTO THE STRUGGLE
Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always. 1 Chronicles 16:11
I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13

STEP 2: DEPEND ON GOD DURING THE STRUGGLE
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Isaiah 40:29

STEP 3: PRAISE GOD AFTER THE STRUGGLE
When Moses led God’s chosen people out of Egypt Pharaoh’s army began to close in on them and there seemed no way out. But God delivered them safely out of the hands of their enemies. It was Moses’ trust and dependence on God that took them through and Moses immediately turned praise back to God with these words:

The Lord is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him. Exodus 15:2 NIV

When stuck in a struggle it is time to step into God's strength for the struggle.

PRAYER: I thank you for my struggles and for your extraordinary measures. I will trust you when I enter the struggles and depend on you during them. Help me to always acknowledge you after the struggle. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

WITH GOD TODAY’S STRUGGLE IS TOMORROW’S STRENGTH!

©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.

TO ABIDE = WAITING WELL

I AM...I WILL

SMILE?

OUT HERE

TO ABIDE - ALLOW GOD TO GUIDE

A SPACIOUS PLACE

JUST THE SAME

BE ON GUARD

ABIDE IN CHRIST

EXTRAORDINARY STRUGGLES

About the Author...
JANET BROWN

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About the Author... JANET BROWN

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About the Author...
JANET BROWN