Blog Archives

DON'T CHOKE

1/28/2015

To become nervous and unable to accomplish a task is often referred to as "choking'. It is something no one wants do but all of us find ourselves there from time to time.

In the world of sports it is quite common to hear the word "choke". Commentators reference nerve-induced mistakes such as a botched pass or an incomplete goal attempt as a “choke”. Like the weeds in our gardens that can prevent beautiful fruit from developing, a young athlete's nerves can easily choke out the rehearsed plays or even a proven skill. Parents and coaches offer a gentle 'Don’t get nervous!' reminder... in other words DON’T CHOKE.

Jesus spoke of not letting things and people around us smother the purpose within us sayings…

The cares of this world . . . choke the Word. Matthew 13:22 NIV

Here Jesus refers to seed of the Word of God falling among the thorns of worry or wealth. He warns that these thorns will choke out the Word of God in our lives rendering us “unfruitful”. These fruits of the Spirit can then become smothered…

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Galatians 5:22-23a NET

PRAYER: Thank you for the fruits of your Spirit that you offer to me. I promise to weed the garden of my life regularly so the seeds of your Word will be fruitful and flourish in me. I pray this in Jesus’ Name, Amen.

TO AVOID CHOKING THORNS - DON’T WORRY AND GIVE AWAY WEALTH!

©2015 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, OR 97224

GENTLE WHISPERS

1/20/2015

Dreaming as we sleep is the way our minds resolve conflict. Sometimes we remember our dreams and sometimes we don’t . Still, the job they do is vital to our well-being…GENTLE WHISPERS that work in mysterious ways.

One thing we most likely remember is how we are awakened from sleep. My mother would come up the stairs singing, “Good morning to you…” to the tune of the happy birthday song, or begin her violin practice which would certainly awaken anyone. But the most pleasant wake-up call was her GENTLE WHISPER saying, “It’s time to get up.”

It's the quiet, one-on-one moments between coach and player during practice or in a game that yield the greatest impact. Whether it brings an added bit of counsel or a quick word of encouragement the GENTLE WHISPER of a committed coach can calm the spirit of an anxious player.

The prophet Elijah experienced a GENTLE WHISPER from the Lord…

…Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. I Kings 19:11-12 NIV

The Lord’s GENTLE WHISPER to Elijah was much like my mother’s “it’s time to get up” whisper but it came in the form of a question …“What are you doing here, Elijah?” I Kings 19:13 NIV

It was time for Elijah to get up and face his foes so the Lord quietly spoke.

“If you’re discouraged because God hasn’t shown up in a blaze of glory, perhaps He’s revealing Himself with His quiet presence.” Julie Ackerman Link

Do you need a word of encouragement or direction from the Lord today? Be ready to hear His still small voice. It won’t be as thunder, howling wind or pounding rain but rather as a GENTLE WHISPER to soothe your anxious spirit.

GREAT STRIDES COME FROM GENTLE WHISPERS!

©2015 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, OR 97224

AIM FOR IT!

1/14/2015

“I didn’t aim to do it!” my friend said pleadingly after accidently kicking the ball into my 6-year-old face. It was the first time I had heard the word “aim” and had no idea what it really meant. I did, however, know that she was sincerely sorry. Later I asked my mother about that strange word. She explained that it meant that my friend didn’t plan or mean to do it on purpose.

Athletes are trained to focus their sights on the goal and AIM FOR IT. They skillfully complete passes, fearlessly set blocks and continually fix their intentions on the desired result which is to score. With fierce and competitive expressions on their faces they seriously execute their skills…with focused attention on the desired goal they purposefully AIM FOR IT!

As sportmoms we have life goals for our children that require certain tasks. By preparing healthy foods, providing safe, warm homes, teaching them God’s Word and continually supporting their efforts we purposefully AIM FOR IT. This aim is the assist they need to become strong in their own efforts and it is the task set before us.

Our focused aim results in our children’s fearless aim.

Our life journey must have one focused and fearless aim as expressed by the disciple John in the book of Acts…

…my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. Acts 20:24 NIV

PRAYER: Lord, help me to avoid the aims of this world that lead nowhere fast. I choose to purposefully focus on the eternal aim and complete the task before me as a testimony to your faithfulness. Thank you for placing that aim deep within me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

“Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in. Aim at earth and you get neither.”
C. S. Lewis

©2015 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, OR 97224

RESOLVE TO REMAIN

1/6/2015

Our word for 2015 is RESOLVE.  The first SPORTMOM E-votional of each month will be dedicated to it. RESOLVE is an operative word meaning to come to a definite or earnest decision about something and determine to do it.

It was a cold, wintry night that brought us to the little brown church in the wildwood during my childhood years. Through the snow-covered countryside we drove remaining forever faithful to our close-knit church family by gathering for Sunday evening service. We chose to face dark, icy roads to worship together for the second time in the day. My parent's resolve was to remain in that that fellowship no matter what it took.

Committed athletes have one thing in common…a deep RESOLVE TO REMAIN in their selected sport allowing it to penetrate their minds and bodies. They and their sport become as one and we may find ourselves saying that he/she eats, sleeps and drinks their sport. The essence of the sport does not let them down. It peaks their interest, feeds their skill and consumes their thoughts and they become known as productive athletes.

“Perform without fail what you resolve.” Benjamin Franklin

Our Christian walk also requires the RESOLVE TO REMAIN. We must decide that through the thick and thin of life circumstances we will allow Christ to penetrate our minds, bodies and spirits. We choose to walk in His steps.

“Remain in me, and I will remain in you.”  John 15:3 NCV

What a challenge for the new year! If Christ is to be in us, we are to stay in Him. Our resolve must be to know Him more and more…through His teachings - through His people - through prayer. By remaining in Christ we become productive followers.

“I am the vine, and you are the branches. If any remain in me and I remain in them, they produce much fruit. But without me they can do nothing.” John 15:5 NCV

As we RESOLVE TO REMAIN in Christ we can count on the Holy Spirit to produce amazing fruit in us.

… the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Galatians 5:22-23

RESOLVE #1: REMAIN IN CHRIST NO MATTER WHAT IT TAKES

©2015 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, OR 97224

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.

DON'T CHOKE

GENTLE WHISPERS

AIM FOR IT!

RESOLVE TO REMAIN

About the Author... JANET BROWN

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About the Author...
JANET BROWN