SPORTMOM E-votional

SEEING CLEARLY

4/18/2018

“Uh-oh, I can’t find my glasses!” is an exclamation quite common in my daily routine... and the search begins. First is the denial that they are anywhere other than where they belong. Next is the blame that someone else moved them. Finally the hunt begins and sure enough...they are always found exactly where I left them. Discovering where that is takes time, effort and persistence but it pays off in SEEING CLEARLY.

SEEING CLEARLY what a team may be capable of doing is basic to coaching. It requires a search of individual skill-sets...both strengths and weaknesses. Next, the players must submit themselves to the process of being scrutinized. Finally, a solid game plan emerges which will sustain the team through hours and hours of season competition.

Living our lives in synch with God’s plan also requires the on-going process of SEEING CLEARLY. In Psalm 139 we find King David putting himself before the Lord in his desire to clearly see himself.

First came THE SEARCH - allowing God to reveal his weaknesses and sensitizing him to his weaknesses...
Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Psalm 139:23a NIV

Next was THE SURRENDER – David opened his heart to change in order to move closer in relationship to his Heavenly Father and forward on his life path ...
...test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me... Psalm 139:23b-24a NIV

Finally, THE SALVATION came – David was sustained and overcame weakness as he trusted in the power of his Creator to lead him forward with insight and influence.
...and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:24b

PRAYER: Dear Lord, today I open my heart to your search of both my strengths and weaknesses. I want to see clearly who I am through your eyes. Thank you for examples like David that show me how to persistently remain transparent before you. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

TO SEE YOURSELF CLEARLY...
LOOK THROUGH GOD’S EYES!

©2018 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, OR 97224

INTERCESSION INTERRUPTED

4/11/2018

To intercede on behalf of another can mean the difference between success and failure, hope and despair or even life and death. “Going to bat” for someone when they are caught in an impossible situation is not only a much-needed help but also a distinct privilege. Sometimes this process is interrupted by a positive turn of events. It is a welcomed outcome accompanied by surprise and ecstatic joy!

Members of a sport team can be powerful intercessors. By consistently speaking positively to the coach or others about a valued team member can make a huge impact particularly when that person is experiencing inadequacy. This intercession is happily interrupted when the player returns to the game with the same vigorous play he or she is known to possess.

Prayer for one another is called “intercession”. Holding someone before the Lord when that person cannot hold themselves up calls for a true intercessor. Fellow believers did that for Peter, a disciple of Christ. While he was in jail and about to be put to death they were holding him up in prayer…

Constant prayer was offered to God for him (Peter) by the church... Acts 12:5

These earnest prayers of intercession were suddenly set aside when Peter walked through the doors of the room where they were praying…INTERCESSION INTERRUPTED! A violent earthquake had loosened his chains and an angel of God had escorted Peter from the jail…unharmed and free. Next he went to be with his intercessors.

(Peter) went to the house...where many people had gathered and were praying... when they opened the door and saw him, they were astonished. Peter...described how the Lord had brought him out of prison. Acts 12:12,16,17 NIV

Oh, that we would intercede on behalf of one another and experience divine intervention. What do you need to hold before the Lord on behalf of another? Have you been held before the Lord by a fellow believer?

PRAYER: Today, Lord, I intercede on behalf of (fill in the blank). Please provide them with (fill in the blank). Thank you for the privilege of being an intercessor and for those who have held me before you in times of great need. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

DIVINE INTERVENTION = ECSTATIC JOY!

©2018 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, OR 97224

PURSUING A SPACIOUS PLACE

4/4/2018

The first Wednesday of each month we focus on our word for the year - PURSUE.

Moving into a different home is often required when we need more space. We need more bedrooms or bathrooms, a bigger family room area or more yard space for the children to play. Pursuing a more SPACIOUS PLACE meets these needs.

All sports require plenty of space for competition and movement. Playgrounds, gyms, playing fields, and the great outdoors with mountains, valleys, rivers, lakes and oceans to explore all provide the space necessary to enjoy all kinds of sports in a SPACIOUS PLACE.

There are times when we need a place to stretch out our minds and bodies…a place to breathe away from the cares that can envelop us. The Psalmist, David, cried out for relief as he was being hunted down to be killed by his own father…

When hard pressed, I cried to the LORD; he brought me into a SPACIOUS PLACE. Psalm 118:5 NIV

It is in PURSUING A SPACIOUS PLACE of rest and comfort provided by our Heavenly Father that reveals and renews His perspective within us. He uses it both to ease and to remake our thoughts into the mind of Christ. (See Psalm 118:1-14)

“He lovingly uses our trials to grow our character into His likeness.” Joe Stowell

…we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character hope. Romans 5:3&4 NIV

PRAYER: As life bears in on me, dear Lord, I will cry out to you and rest in the SPACIOUS PLACE you have prepared for me. Thank you for your loving care and comfort as your Holy Spirit renovates my mind. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

GOD HAS A SPACIOUS PLACE FOR YOU - PURSUE IT!

©2018 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, OR 97224

THE CROSS = CHANGE!

3/28/2018

This is a week of remembrance for the world…it is also a time of great celebration! It marks a great loss, an even greater gain and immeasurable change.

There are certain games and competitions in the life of an athlete that result in change. Often these crossroads involve a loss which, in turn, creates a new direction and ultimately leads to a brighter and more effective future.

This week we look at the cross - a symbol of change…

ON IT- the Son of God was put to death as the ultimate sacrifice for the sin of all…past, present and future.
Christ died for our sins… 1 Corinthians 15:3b NIV

WITH IT – the arms of Christ hung in power and raised up in praise and victory over sin and death wiping out defeat.
O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting? Corinthians 15:55 NLT

BY IT – a new and purposeful future was ushered in for those who put their trust in the One who hung on it…we are can count on being changed into His image.
So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image. 2 Corinthians 3:18 NLT

BECAUSE OF IT - we are promised and eternal home with Christ when our days on this earth are over.
In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. John 14:2 KJV
THE CROSS CHANGES EVERYTHING!

©2018 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, OR 97224

PUT OFF and PUT ON

3/21/2018

To PUT OFF requires discarding something. To PUT ON requires adding something. Getting rid of unused clothing is a necessary after adding new ones. We may need new ones to replace the old ones but in order to have room in my closet I must choose to eliminate old ones!

When a new season of a team sport approaches the coach must choose which type of play will fit the new and evolving team. A plan that worked last season may need to be discarded and a new plan implemented in order to get the best out of the team. The coach maps out the new plan however it is up to the players to execute it…old plans must be PUT OFF and new ones must be PUT ON.

To be effective in our walk with Christ, we are directed to PUT OFF and PUT ON…

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:22-24 NIV

A new life begins as the Holy Spirit opens our hearts to living within God’s plan and we have a choice to make. Will we PUT OFF our old ways and PUT ON the new ways God has for us? He has promised to give us the power to walk in His ways as we shed the old self and purposefully climb into the new and improved version He has set before us.

PRAYER: To be like you is my heart’s desire. I will continually climb out of my old self and into the new garments of righteousness that you have prepared for me. Thank you for offering me the opportunity to choose your ways and for your power in me that makes it possible. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

OFF WITH THE OLD – ON WITH THE NEW!

©2018 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, OR 97224

LOW-HIGH-LIFT

3/14/2018

Hiking is a popular sport these days. There is excitement and fulfillment in experiencing the low shady valleys and the high lifted peaks. The trails that lead to these awesome places are often rugged and dangerous. However, reaching the intended spot makes it all worthwhile.

The Bible tells us that a man named Job was taken to the lowest of lows. In just one day his farming equipment was stolen and his farm workers killed, then a lightening-kindled wildfire took out his sheep and those keeping them, his camels were stolen and the keepers killed, and finally, his children were killed in a hurricane taking down the walls of the house they were in. (see Job 1:13-19 NIV)

And what did Job do? He put it all in God’s care with praise and worship…

(Job) fell to the ground in worship saying, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.” Job 1: 21 & 22 NIV

What didn’t Job do? He didn’t blame God but rather praised His name.

We experience low days that bring difficult news or events when our tears of sadness can fill a valley of despair. During productive and fulfilling days we are lifted to peaks of happiness. Whether low in the valley or high on the mountaintop, we are called to remain on the path of trust in our ever-faithful God.

PRAYER: As I travel through the lows of valleys and highs of the mountaintop I will continually lift my voice in worship to you, dear Father. Please keep me in the heights of praise no matter my circumstances. Thank you for leading me to your intended spot. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

LIFT YOUR HEART IN WORSHIP...
AND YOUR VOICE IN PRAISE!

©2018 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, OR 97224

PURSUE UNDERSTANDING

3/7/2018

Understanding another point of view, a devastating event, a tragic loss or anything opposite of our expectation can be a difficult task. To PURSUE UNDERSTANDING is a life-long challenge.

When choosing a sport, an athlete must consider the rules that govern it, the expectations surrounding it and the lasting results from participating in it. To PURSUE UNDERSTANDING of the sport is necessary both before the choice is made and during involvement in it.

HERE ARE SOME WAYS TO PURSUE UNDERSTANDING:

Put aside the need to be understood...

“Seek not to be understood but to understand.” St. Francis of Assisi

Though good advice lies deep within the heart, a person with understanding will draw it out. Proverbs 20:5 NLT

Realize that’s it is through God Himself that our understanding deepens. The Psalmist David penned this prayer...

“I will pursue your commands, for you expand my understanding.” Psalm 119:32 NLT

Consider what God-given understanding offers us...

Want to prosper?
He who cherishes understanding will soon prosper. Proverbs 19:8b NIV

Understanding...festoons our days with beauty   Proverbs 4:9 The Message

Want a strong household environment?
By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established. Proverbs 24:3

Want happiness?
Happy are those who find wisdom, and those who get understanding... Proverbs 3:13 NRSV

FINAL WORD...    In all your getting...get understanding! Proverbs 4:7b KJV

PRAYER: Dear Lord, through your Word and by the power of your Holy Spirit may the wisdom you have given me be filled with understanding. It is in Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen

   UNDERSTANDING GIVES WINGS TO WISDOM!

©2018 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, OR 97224

GRASP IT!

2/28/2018

While walking with my children when they were small, I would place their tiny hand in mine. As they would GRASP IT there was a sense of security...we were connected. Often they would try to wiggle loose but holding tight was necessary for their well-being and mine!

Laying out the game plan for a team is crucial to serious play. However, it’s when the players GRASP IT that the plan comes alive on the field or court. The result is playing cohesively and at their best.

God offers a game plan for us to experience His great love and wants us to GRASP IT!

And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ... Ephesians 3:17-18 NIV

In this passage of scripture Paul, the apostle, prays that as people of God we will catch a-hold of how extremely wide, how immeasurably long, how endlessly high and how unfathomably deep God's love is. He extends His secure hand of love to us and wants us to GRASP IT!

PONDERING QUESTION: Do I sometimes wiggle loose from Christ’s secure hand of love?

PRAYER: Dear Heavenly Father, may your love be rooted deep in my life so that your power can work in me. Thank you for tightly holding my hand even when I don’t think I need it. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

GOD’S LOVE...GRASP IT!

©2018 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, OR 97224

MY ROCK

2/21/2018

In 1975 I was the recipient of the newest hot item... a pet rock. My rock came in a box where it “lived” and did next to nothing. It was easy care since there was no walking, feeding or clean-up. However I could softly stroke its smooth surface and having it allowed me to proudly let my friends take a peek at it.

As sport teams experience the ups and downs of a season the coach becomes their rock – an immovable, steady place of perspective beyond the immediate fray.

My pet rock is long since gone and I now depend on the true “rock” of my salvation...the Lord Jesus Christ.

I hide behind Him for protection from danger...

The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? Psalm 27:1a NLT

He provides me with shade when the heat of difficult situations rises...

Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes. Psalm 37:7 NLT

I take a seat of rest on Him when exhaustion sets in...

My people will abide in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places. Isaiah 31:18 NRSV

I climb up on His strong shoulders to gain perspective beyond the immediate...

He makes me as surefooted as a deer, enabling me to stand on mountain heights. Psalm 18:33 NLT

JESUS IS MY ROCK!

PRAYER: You truly are my rock, Dear Lord. I will forever plant my feet on your Word... trusting, depending, and resting in you. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

©2018 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, OR 97224

A BOX FULL

2/14/2018

In the 1970’s newspapers began publishing the “LOVE IS...” comic written by New Zealander, Kim Grove Casali. My husband immediately spotted them, began cutting them out and leaving them on the counter for me - often with his own words added. We have A BOX FULL of them stored for safe keeping in the heart box shown above.
Valentine’s Day is a good time to share a couple of these precious gems of love with you.

I knew Coach Brown truly loved me when he helped me wallpaper the kitchen ceiling in our first home. The “LOVE IS...” below came out sometime later and we had a good laugh even though we nearly cried the day we were trying to do it.

Coach and I celebrated 50 years of marriage last year - this “LOVE IS...” means more today than it did in the 90’s when he left it on the counter for me!

Our love is just a mere reflection of the great love our Heavenly Father has for us. Today we celebrate both our love for each other and God’s love for us.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. John 3:16 NRSV

MAY YOUR DAYS BE FILLED WITH A BOX FULL LOVE – BOTH GIVEN AND RECEIVED!

©2018 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, OR 97224

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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.

SEEING CLEARLY

INTERCESSION INTERRUPTED

PURSUING A SPACIOUS PLACE

THE CROSS = CHANGE!

PUT OFF and PUT ON

LOW-HIGH-LIFT

PURSUE UNDERSTANDING

GRASP IT!

MY ROCK

A BOX FULL

About the Author...
JANET BROWN

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About the Author... JANET BROWN

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About the Author...
JANET BROWN