Blog Archives

THE APPROACH

1/31/2018

How we express ourselves and how we respond to the expressions of others are wrapped up in THE APPROACH. Whether wanting to share our views or listening to another share theirs, the usefulness of our words is most often determined by how and when we do it.

“I am practicing the discipline of not having to have the last word.” Dallas Willard

Coaches have what they refer to as their “philosophy” regarding their approach to teaching and mentoring their players. Knowing the game is the first requirement followed by wrapping that knowledge in character and purpose. Effective coaches are able to express this knowledge accurately and consistently to a team…it’s all in THE APPROACH.

We are given directives in the book of Ecclesiastes regarding our approach as we learn about God and communicate with Him …

Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Go near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong. Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few. Eccl.5:1-2 NIV

Carefully listening and purposefully expressing ourselves to Him is the key … it is all in THE APPROACH.
When we can’t find the words to express ourselves to God, we have the Holy Spirit who intercedes for us directly from our heart to the heart of God…

And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. Romans 8:26 NLT

PRAYER: May my words be few and my heart be heard as I come before you. Thank you for hearing me and knowing me as I approach you. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

THE HONORABLE APPROACH NEEDS NO LAST WORD!

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

ENOUGH TO KNOW?

1/24/2018

“I know you know…now do it!” This encouraging directive was given in various ways by my Grandmother. Watching her crochet and helping her cook was intriguing but doing it myself was something quite different. It wasn’t enough to watch and observe. I was both challenged and enriched by being in her presence, learning her ways and then doing it myself.

The sidelines of sporting events are filled with coaches who, in one way or another, call out this same directive to their team. It’s one thing to go over a play in practice and quite another to do it during the pressure of competition. When this is accomplished, the game takes on new possibilities. It’s not enough to just know the plays, the team must do it.

It is not enough to know God. The Apostle Paul wrote these words to the church in Rome about the plight of mankind...

For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Romans 1:21

As Christ followers we may easily say that we know God. However, this “knowing” must turn into “doing”! Living it out each day is a challenge that will enrich our lives. Giving God the glory for all of life and thanking Him for our many blessings comes easily when we know God and follow His ways…not just knowing but doing.

Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. I John 3:18 NIV

PRAYER: I want to know you and to make you known, dear Father. May I live out your love in all I do and always thank you for the outcome. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

ENOUGH...IS IN THE DOING!

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

January 16th, 2018

1/16/2018

“What’s the issue?” … a question that is commonly asked. It may be asked by a teacher attempting to solve a problem between students or a classroom problem. It can be used by parents attempting to correct their child for what the child said or did. Issues arise in the corporate world when unresolved problems escalate. Politicians attempt to address the issues of his or her constituency. Generally, life presents daily issues that are ours to resolve.

There can be times in the course of a sport season that issues arise, It may be a misunderstanding between players or between coaches and players. Resolving these issues is of primary importance in order for a team to realize the best results from their play.

“Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out.” Coach John Wooden

God’s Word gives us this directive:

Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life. Proverbs 4:23 KJV

How do we approach the issues that come across our way? We do it by keeping our hearts in line with God’s Word which requires knowing and applying the scriptures to our lives.
Doing this we become good stewards of the life we have been given. Diligent care of our heart (thoughts, words and attitudes) protects us from daily problems becoming a mountain of issues.

A good person out of the good treasure of the heart brings out good things… Matthew 12:35 KJV

PRAYER: Please invade my heart with your Word, Dear Lord. May the issues that spring up within me be bathed in your ways and please you. Thank you for your strength and wisdom when issues of life surround me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
MAY MY HEART BEAR TREASURES
THAT REFLECT CHRIST!

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

KNOCK-KNOCK

1/10/2018

The old “knock-knock” jokes often ring in my ears. As a writer this one strikes me as appropriate: “Knock knock.” “Who’s there?” "A broken pencil." "A broken pencil who?" “Nevermind, it’s pointless!” Amusing and smile-producing jokes like this seem to have no end.

Although it’s far from a joke, getting knocked around during a sport competition is inescapable for an athlete. Offers from colleges and universities often begin with a knock at the door of an athlete’s home as a scout seeks to meet with an athlete’s parents. And finally, knocking an opponent down with a win is the goal of every athlete and coach.

“Knock, knock.” "Who's there?" "Theodore!" "Theodore who?" “Theodore wasn’t open so I knocked!” Although this is a knock-knock joke, it also reflects the serious side of life...a picture of Christ's knock at a heart’s door.

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. Revelation 3:20 NIV

Christ unendingly knocks at the heart’s door of people waiting for them to open it so He can enter and be their friend, Savior and Lord.

As Christians we are called to be the hand of Christ knocking at the heart’s door of those we meet along life’s way. Barging our way in is not necessary but standing at their heart’s door and gently knocking is our privilege. When they answer, “Who’s there?” and open the door ready to be their friend and to introduce them to their Savior.

PRAYER: Thank you for knocking on my heart's door and for the opportunity to be your hand as you knock at the heart doors of others. Please lead me to the heart doors you have planned for me to knock on... and help me to be the friend they need as I introduce them to you. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

WHOSE DOOR DO YOU NEED TO KNOCK ON TODAY?

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

2018 WORD FOR THE YEAR...PURSUE

1/3/2018

Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Colossians 3:1 NLT

To pursue anything one must set their sights on the goal. Pursuit is not in running hard, but in running with purpose.

Sport teams pursue a coveted win. They do this by practicing hard, understanding the game and following the game plan. They set their sights on a championship season and do everything they can to achieve it.

Setting our sights on heaven, as our scripture directs, is a call to pursue life for purposes beyond this earth...beyond the here and now.

When we choose to live a life dedicated to Christ we are called to action. No la-la land existence but rather with vigor in pursuit of a life that counts. The Message says it this way...

... if you’re serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides.

How do we act like it? Here are 4 steps to living our lives with heaven in mind...

Four steps to achievement: plan purposefully, prepare prayerfully, proceed positively, pursue persistently. William A. Ward

PRAYER: As this new year of 2018 begins, I want to pursue your ways, Dear Lord. Please open my heart to your plan as I prayerfully prepare for it, to act on it and persistently pursue it. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

IT’S TIME TO PURSUE!

©2018 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.

THE APPROACH

ENOUGH TO KNOW?

January 16th, 2018

KNOCK-KNOCK

2018 WORD FOR THE YEAR...PURSUE

About the Author... JANET BROWN

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About the Author...
JANET BROWN