"Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven."   Matthew 6:10 NIV  

The "Our Father" (as it is affectionately called) is a carefully-crafted prayer given to us by Jesus himself showing us how to pray. Today we unwrap the important component of God's work in and through us bringing heaven to earth.  

"YOUR KINGDOM COME" . . . Each moment we live is either step toward or away from God's kingdom coming to this earth.  As His children, we move through life following the way set out before us.  Decisions, opportunities, disappointments and changes grow us into our purpose here on this earth.  

" For in him we live and move and have our being. As some of your own poets have said,
‘We are his offspring' ."  Acts 17 :28 NIV  

PRAYER:  LORD, live and move and have your being in me!  

"YOUR WILL" . . . If there is one thing, other than ability, that an athlete must have it is the "will to win".  This is a strong and driving factor in the world of competition. The desire to win is obvious and can be readily seen as the player moves about the playing field or court and is often referred to as "fierce".  

God's will is not a secret . . . it can be seen, often fiercely,  as we move through the moments of life.  Some spend a lifetime seeking out the "will of God" while it remains right in their grasp.  It is not illusive, He wants us to know Him for in knowing Him we understand His nature and His will.  

"When God's will is your will and your will is God's will - all will be well."  Sheila Schuller Coleman  

Just as Christ gave himself over to his Father's will and died to cover our sins, we give ourselves over to God's will resting in the knowledge that all will be well for He has a "will to win".  Then with a settled heart we can say . . .  

"My heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord."  Psalm 112:7  

"BE DONE ON EARTH" . . . As Sportmoms we long to see our athlete child develop his or her skill to it's fullest.  We point them toward a noble and worthy sport and lift them up when the losses come. It is our will for them to succeed.    In the same way, God develops our will into His using everything around us to make us into His likeness making us ready for the work He has planned.  

"For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:10 NIV  

"AS IT IS IN HEAVEN" . . .The place where God lives is perfectly functional . . . no dysfunction there.  As followers of Christ, we have a built-in desire toward the eternal perfect place that is ours when this life is over.  But while we are here we are the hands and feet of Christ carrying out the will of our Father -doing earthly tasks for eternal purposes. Paul encouraged Timothy to do this when he wrote these impacting words:  

"I can't impress this on you too strongly. God is looking over your shoulder. Christ himself is the Judge, with the final say on everyone  living and dead...so keep on your watch...don't ever quit...keep it simple." 2 Timothy 4:1-2 (portions) The Message
 
As we welcome God's will we reflect heaven on earth...blessings!                          

For more click on the BEHIND THE BENCH BLOG above and view the post titled AND I HOPE YOU DANCE!  

©2011 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, OR 97224
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Today we begin a series on the powerful words of  "THE LORD'S PRAYER".  It is my prayer that through these next few E-votionals the words we pray to our Heavenly Father become a truer expression from our hearts to His.  As sportmoms we need clear and concise words that get to the point and prepare us for our busy days.    

"You are the best Daddy in the whole world!" our children would shout out.  This greeting (usually accompanied by a big hug) came naturally from the depths of their unbridled love for their earthly father.  Knowing him made it easy for them to approach him with exuberance.  

Scripture gets very real about approaching our Heavenly Father as it introduces the prayer template Jesus gave us in Matthew 6:7-9:  

"The world is full of so-called prayer warriors who are prayer-ignorant. They're full of formulas and programs and advice, peddling techniques for getting what you want from God. Don't fall for that nonsense. This is your Father you are dealing with, and he knows better than you what you need. With a God like this loving you, you can pray very simply." (from The Message)  

SIMPLE . . . that's what I like . . . which reminds me of these words from Laura Ingalls Wilder:  

"I am beginning to learn that it is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones after all." 

So let's start at the beginning -  which is a very good place to start . . . at the sweet, simple beginning of what we call "The Lord's Prayer". . .

 “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name . . . "  Matthew 6:9 NIV  

Hallowed???  I know that my Heavenly Father lives in a place far removed from this earth - we call it heaven (although I have a very fuzzy view of what it is!) but "hallowed" - what does that mean?  Websters defines it as holy and sacred!  So God's name is identified and praised right off the bat.  Another way of saying it might be, "Our Father who is in a place far beyond my understanding, your holy name is praised above all others."    

Here is a little exercise to enlarge our understanding of praise:  If I ask you to praise God,  what would you say?  Take a moment to gather your answers.  Were they words of praise to your God for who He is?   Were they targeted toward God for His attributes or for something He's done? Now try it again by completing this sentence: "God, You  are ______ " filling in the blank with words that describe His character - things like all-knowing, ever-loving, always comforting, a protector etc. ... the purest praise!   

It is with this simple opening sentence of THE LORD'S PRAYER that Jesus shows us how to bring immediate praise to the One whose name is above all others.  It is God-praise for who He is ... it is pure and it is powerful!  

Blessings . . . as you greet your Heavenly Father exuberantly!

Select the BEHIND THE BENCH BLOG tab above to view the post titled HOW TO HAVE A DAILY PRAYER-POWER EXPERIENCE.  

©2011 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, OR 97224
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Eye-opening experiences often become hallmarks of life.  They may also be known as reality checks or wake-up calls.  Through these both expected and unexpected turns of life we glean a clearer and more accurate view of ourselves, others, and life in general.     The unexpected can bring necessary clarity. 

When our athlete children describe their up-coming opponent it may seem like they know what they are up against.  But after the game - particularly a loss - the description most likely changes. In the process of playing the game a more accurate understanding of the opponent emerges.  This reality check can produce a description of the opponent that is quite different from what it was prior to the actual game experience...an eye-opener for sure!  

"For people who live on expectations, to face up to their realization is something of an ordeal."  Elizabeth Bowen, Irish-form British novelist and short-story writer  

Our country is involved in an "eye-opener"!  What we have experienced in the housing market, the job market and the money market has been a wake-up call for us as individuals and as a nation.  In history-future it will be a hallmark that is yet to be described.  

Eye-opening experiences cause us to gain a clearer and more accurate view of God Himself.  Popular author Phil Yancey suggests  that "sometimes we confuse God with life".  Life brings with it natural outcomes - some good and some not so good. God intervenes working it for our good and opening our eyes to the truth within the circumstance.  

An old hymn-prayer captures the essence of today's subject with these words: "Open my eyes that I may see glimpses of truth thou hast for me" .   This was taken directly from the heart-felt prayer of the Psalmist David  . . .  

"Open my eyes so I can see what you show me of your miracle-wonders."  Psalm 119:18 The Message  

We can count on the purpose that God has in mind for us to be fulfilled through the reality checks of life.  The life experiences we collect "in all things" become true EYE-OPENERS as God infuses them with His goodness.  

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, whohave been called according to his purpose."  Romans 8:28 NIV  

Blessings . . . as you live with your eyes wide open!        

©2011 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, OR 97224
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Do you live in the land of the easily amused?  I have a dear friend who abides there!  She regularly giggles at her puppy with the "schmoopy" face and finds laughter in other animals too - like the duck-billed platypus, or the albatross that with the large wing-span for gliding finds walking on the ground very awkward.  

I often ask myself what makes something funny to one person and not to another?  Personally, I laugh when I trip or see someone else trip or stumble in some way.  As long as there is no injury my giggle continues.  The unexpected always gets to me!  

As sportmoms, the benefits of laughter in our homes is vital. It is always more fun to laugh with family and friends than to laugh alone . . . but be sure to laugh!   

"Even if there is nothing to laugh about, laugh on credit."Author Unknown   

 I am not suggesting that you find the latest joke (and try to tell it only to forget the punchline if you are like me!) but rather look for things to laugh about...particularly at yourself.  There is a television comercial currently running that has Divine Design host Candace Olson saying, "I am very serious about my job . . . but I don't take myself seriously."  Good advice for all of us.
 
Doctors recognize the benefits of laughter in the recuperation of their patients. This quote from an editorial in the New York Times underlines the medicine of laughter:  

"A good, real, unrestrained, hearty laugh is a sort of glorified internal massage, performed rapidly and automatically.  It manipulates and revitalizes corners and unexplored crannies of the system that are unresponsive to most other exercise methods."  Author unknown  

As we all know, it takes more facial muscles to frown than it does to smile so to avoid the sad-sack lines smile and let it turn into laughter . . .  

"Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face."  Victor Hugo

  A word from The Word underlines the value of this God-given medicine . . .
 
"A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones."  Proverbs 17:22  

"There is a right time to cry and another to laugh . . ."  Ecclesiastes 3:4 TM  

God intends for us to see the humor He created all around us.  Let's look for it today.  

Blessings . . . as your mouth curls upward!  

For another smile go to the BEHIND THE BENCH blog titled "LAUGHS AND ALLIGATORS".   

YOUR COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED by clicking on "COMMENTS" at the top right of this entry.

  ©2011 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, OR 97224
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Being "at the ready" is required for the military, for any sport competition and for facing each new day of life.

Coach often tells this story about his first football training.  As the team lined up for practice his coach belted out for them to "get in their stance".  Then he walked down the row illustrating the defect in some stances and the correctness of others.  As he came to one with his feet very wide apart, he ran past with the football asking that player to catch him.  In the time it took for the player to get out of his too-wide stance the coach and ball were long past him.  Moving on the coach gently bumped a player whose feet were not far enough apart causing him to lose his balance which compromised his "at the ready" stance.  The coach's point was understood - in the right stance a player is at the ready allowing the player to withstand the hits and the ability to respond to the ball.  

Just as an athlete dons the appropriate stance for the required play, we sportmoms must  be "at the ready" for whatever the plans are for this day.  Is your stance lined up with those plans?  Being ready for what we know is coming means more than half of the day is won!  

Our worship also requires an AT THE READY stance.  Thankfully, it is built into our very being propelling us toward our God.  As coach Joe Gibbs said in one of his Game Plan for Life devotionals, "People are naturally wired  to worship."   Worship is adoring, bowing before in reverence, showing intense love or admiration.  This longing to worship is evidenced by our insatiable desire to glorify our winners. This desire, however, can only be fully met as we give praise and adoration to the One who made us . . .  

"God gave them the law of Moses and the right way of worship . . . (He) is God over all. Praise him forever!"  Romans 9:4-5 NCV

 Our worship doesn't need igniting just redirecting.  Finding that natural stance for worship may begin in the pew at church but it is designed for every move we make in every place we find ourselves . . . AT THE READY for ultimate worship of the One our souls truly long for and the only one worthy of our extreme worship - God Himself.  

Jesus was taken to the mountaintop and tempted by his adversary, Satan.  When He was asked to give his allegiance to other things, he spoke these words directly from the prophets:  

"As it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only'."  Luke 4:8 NIV  

Be "at the ready" to worship Him today . . . His presence is in all you do and everywhere you go!  

Blessings  . . . as you step up to ultimate worship!  

YOUR COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED by clicking on "COMMENTS" at the top right of this entry.

©2011 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, OR 97224
 
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"Flourish"  is my 2011 Word for the Year.  By January 1st of each year the Lord graciously provides a word of focus for the year.  I began asking Him for this 5 years ago and the words ENJOY, CONSIDER, REFRESH, EXPAND and now FLOURISH have become both a source of strength and encouragement. 

The common definition for the verb flourish includes to thrive - to be at the peak of development - to prosper - to succeed and(my favorite) "to grow vigorously".  Wow!  What will this year bring?  The word also brings a certain measure of excitement along with a healthy dose of fear. With preparation and maintenance in place, I set my sites beyond what is seen in order to thrive, succeed, prosper, be at the peak of development . . . FLOURISH! 

Advertising giant David Ogilvy's challenge comes to play here when he said,  "Don't bunt, aim out of the ballpark!"  

To flourish requires an aiming-out-of-the-park type of focus which is beyond ourselves and out of our perceived reach.   

"The only way of finding the limits of the possible is by going beyond them into the impossible."  Arthur C. Clarke 

The word flourish is often used in connection with soft-scape . . . trees, bushes, flowers and the like.  As a plant turns it's leaves toward the sun to soak up the rays or to the heavens to receive the necessary rain, the result is lush foliage, gorgeous flowers and delicious fruit.   

In the same way, we turn our hearts toward our loving Creator absorbing all of who He is which in turn fosters a lovely presence that exudes beauty from within and produces the fruit of the Spirit all around us... we FLOURISH!
 
"Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God."  Psalm 92:13 KJV

Our Heavenly Father is focused on us with the targeted purpose of causing us to thrive!  The Psalmist David, a man after God's own heart,  records this prayer . . .
 
"May the LORD cause you to flourish, both you and your children."  Psalm 115:14 NIV

 And here is His promise for prosperity made to Abraham through an angel . . .

"I'll bless you—oh, how I'll bless you! And I'll make sure that your children flourish—like stars in the sky! like sand on the beaches!" Genesis 22:15  The Message  

Yes, even our children will reach their peak of potential through His blessings of love poured out on us. So when all is said and done, to flourish is God's desire for us ... it is His intention and His will.   

Today let us embrace the same resolve to flourish as my niece so eloquently expressed in these words, "When my life here is finished, I want to die empty, having used every ounce of potential God has given me and having fulfilled all of His purposes for me on this earth.  May 2011 be known as the year I pour out just as quickly as God pours in!"  

"So this is my prayer: that your love will flourish and that you will not only love much but well."  Philippians 1:9  The Message

 Blessings ... as you flourish - loving much and loving well on the courts of life!

YOUR COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED . . . click on "comments" at the top right  of this entry or send them directly to sportmoms@comcast.net

©2011 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, OR 97224
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