Blog Archives

DOUBT IN THE DARK

1/30/2019

Darkness can bring about all sorts of imaginations. Shadows can play tricks on us, paths can become unfamiliar, distances can seem endless and our sense of direction can become confused. It is easy to DOUBT IN THE DARK.

Light is required for sport events. We have experienced basketball and football games being played when the lights have gone out...what a mess! Although a sense of doubt was in the air, each time they came back on and the event continued. Light shed on an arena carries with it the opportunity to go forward with the play at hand.

Darkness can fill our day bringing doubt and fear into our souls. We desperately need to see some light at the end of the mess.

“God is at work in the mess. That’s the message of the Bible.” Matt Chandler

The apostle Paul wrote these power-filled words to the church in Philippi regarding his imprisonment...

What has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. Philippians 1:12

He did not let a dark situation become chains of doubt. Rather, he used it as an opportunity to share what God had taught him in the light. The result was that the entire palace guard heard about Christ and some became followers (see Philippians 1: 13 & 14).

In spite of current obstacles, God continually provides new ways for us to work through the dark mess. Don’t doubt in the dark what He has shown you in the light.

PRAYER: When I don’t see a way through the darkness, Lord, I will look for your light. Thank you for being ever-present. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

REMEMBER...GOD IS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE MESS!

©2019 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 1514 Segovia Circle – Vero Beach, FL 32966

IN IT and THROUGH IT

1/23/2019

As a 6-year-old I pulled on my red boots and climbed to the top of a snow bank to play on the crusted snow. I soon found my foot through the crusted surface and stuck in the soft snow beneath. Try as I may, my boot would not budge so I slipped my foot from the boot and began the trek of getting down from the snow bank and back to my house with one booted foot and one wet, cold and bootless foot. Arriving at the door, I tearfully began explaining to my Mother that my boot was stuck at the top of the snow bank. To my shear surprise she immediately sent me back out to get the buried boot with a new boot on my de-booted foot. I was convinced I couldn’t do it, but soon I returned to the house wetter and colder but with the buried boot!

A lifetime lesson emerged from this experience: Don’t give up, always keep trying...you can do it! Like the tulip making its way through the frozen snow and blooming amidst the wet and cold, I can be IN IT and come THROUGH IT!

The cold reality of team or competition losses seem so very harsh. But these experiences can bring out the best in both players and coaches. It can motivate change, promote camaraderie and create resilience. These attributes emerge because they have been IN IT and THROUGH IT... like tulips in the snow.

Acts 11 tells us about what happened to the church after Christ-follower Steven was stoned to death for his faith – a terribly defeating and fear-producing event. But the church didn’t turn away, rather they threw themselves into the spread of the gospel, got behind it, and were enthusiastically confident that...

“God was behind and in it all.” (See Acts 11:22-24 The Message)

My prayer today is to hear His voice both IN IT and THROUGH IT...

...and whenever you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear this command behind you: “This is the way. Walk in it.” Isaiah 20:21 HCSB

When we find ourselves fighting the snow of life... a flowering tulip can emerge through it!

©2019 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 1514 Segovia Circle – Vero Beach, FL 32966

IN ALL THINGS

1/16/2019

Things don’t always turn out the way we hope or expect. Losing our 21- year-old daughter in a car accident 26 years ago continues to affect our lives daily. A constant adjustment is necessary to remain confident and trusting.

“Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out.” John Woodin, famed UCLA basketball coach

The most effective sport teams are those who trust their coach IN ALL THINGS as he/she leads them through each aspect of the game or competition...including grueling practice time. This kind of mutual trust fosters direction, protection, connection and affirmation. Another “woodinism" here... “Teaching players during practices was what coaching was all about to me.”

Having an IN- ALL-THINGS kind of trust in God follows this same pattern. He teaches us to be patient through our physical suffering, expectant for His provision, calm while in stressful situations, and faithful in hard work and hopeful while waiting for answers. (see 2 Corinthians 6:4-5)

David, a man after God’s own heart, experienced all of the above and cried out saying...

Why am I so depressed? Why this turmoil within me? I will put my hope in God...I will still praise Him, my Savior and my God. Psalm 42:5

PRAYER: IN ALL THINGS I will trust in you with my whole heart. I will not depend on my own understanding but rather seek your will in everything I do. Thank you for showing me which path to take. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen. (see Proverbs 3:5-6)

TRUST YOUR HEAVENLY FATHER’S WISDOM –
FOR IT IS PERFECT IN ALL THINGS!

©2019 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 1514 Segovia Circle – Vero Beach, FL 32966

SURPASSING VALUE

1/9/2019

The things we accomplish or attain are of great value to us. We insure them, we protect them, we cherish them, and we are often measured by them. The SURPASSING VALUE, however, is often realized far beyond the money or time it took to get to them.

For instance, past American Idol winners experience opportunities beyond that stage. It changes their path of life often bringing unfathomable use of their skill and waves of positive influence to others.

My husband’s basketball team recently took the championship in a pre-season tournament. This win was very valuable to both the team and the coaching staff. However what transcends that win and far exceeds the elation of the accomplishment is knowing now that they can successfully come from behind and excel in their skills. It is this SURPASSING VALUE will take them into the upcoming games of the season with added confidence.

God’s Word speaks of what surpasses all our earthly accomplishments...

I also consider everything to be a loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. Philipppians 3:8 HCSB

Knowing Christ far exceeds any pleasure that money can buy or this world can offer. Does my life reflect this knowledge? Do I live this scripture out in my decisions and time management each day? Is the SURPASSING VALUE of Christ’s love for me evident in my life?

PRAYER: Dear Heavenly Father, let me view all the earthly things and accomplishments as loss in light of the SURPASSING VALUE of knowing Christ Jesus, my Lord. Thank you for your plan that transcends daily life bringing deep and purposeful meaning into focus. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

KNOWING JESUS IS THE SURPASSING VALUE OF LIFE!

©2019 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 1514 Segovia Circle – Vero Beach, FL 32966

RISE AND SHINE!

1/2/2019

Our Word for 2019 is SHINE...

For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light SHINE in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:6 NLT

RISE AND SHINE! These words were often a morning greeting as children climbing out of bed in the morning. I never quite felt like shining (or rising for that matter) but duty called with the rising ... and the shining? Hopefully it would come later.

This New Year calls out the same greeting...RISE AND SHINE! Am I motivated toward that end? Do I feel like being shiny and bright?

The guiding answer is not found within my feelings or duty but in the One who called light into darkness. Shining His love into my heart brings a sparkle of His glory ushering in the bright light of purpose and perspective to dwell in me...only then can I truly shine!

PRAYER: Dear Father, I open my heart to your light. Let it shine in my heart so I can rise up and shine for you! Teach me how to “let” your light shine brightly through me in a world so full of darkness. Thank you for your glorious light! In Jesus’ Name, Amen

RISE AND SHINE ...
FOR THE GLORY OF THE LORD IS WITHIN YOU!

©2019 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 1514 Segovia Circle – Vero Beach, FL 32966

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.

DOUBT IN THE DARK

IN IT and THROUGH IT

IN ALL THINGS

SURPASSING VALUE

RISE AND SHINE!

About the Author... JANET BROWN

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About the Author...
JANET BROWN