Blog Archives

A MAJESTIC SANDWICH

2/26/2013

Sandwiches are given names much like hurricanes and boats. Over 50 years ago my college music professor had a sandwich named after him at Rose’s Deli located in what is now known as “The Pearl District” of Portland. Marking the uniqueness of his taste, it remains on the take-out menu of that establishment today…the “L.S. Supreme”. The naming of this sandwich brought honor to this professor in a place far removed from his usual place of excellence.

Being “sandwiched” between two people is also the mark of most sports. Whether it is a trap in basketball, a double-team in football, a batter between the catcher and pitcher in baseball or spotters in gymnastics, the sandwich effect is key in getting the job done.

            THE MAJESTY OF SPORT IS NOT IN THE WINNING BUT IN THE PLAYING

God’s Word has also contains a passage that expresses what He does between the “slices” of who He is…A MAJESTIC SANDWICH!

                   Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the  earth!

                                       You have set your glory in the heavens.
                                    Through the praise of children and infants
                     you have established a stronghold against your enemies,
                                           to silence the foe and the avenger.

                       When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers,
                          the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,
                                  what is mankind that you are mindful of us,
                                         human beings that you care for us?

                             You have made us a little lower than the angels
                                      and crowning us with glory and honor.
                            You made us rulers over the works of your hands;
                                         you put everything under our feet…

                    Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!
                                                                   (Psalm 8 -personalized)

As we take a big bite of this MAJESTIC SANDWICH let's absorb all of who God and continually praise His name above all others.

Blessings…as you proclaim God’s majesty in places far beyond your usual places of worship.

©2013 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, OR 97224

THE 3-P LIFESTYLE

2/22/2013

The desire to live a long, calm and fulfilling life is a basic tenent of life. We do all sorts of things to reach this goal using the world’s plan for long, calm and fulfilling lives. It's a 3-P LIFESTYLE…

PROLONGED - PEACEFUL - PROSPEROUS

While fitness clubs and sport activities encourage us to keep moving for a prolonged and healthy life, the airwaves bombard us with advertisements for remedies supposedly designed to keep us calm. And our goal to prosper is massaged with the “opportunity carrot” of the next big you'll-make-a-bundle deal dangling in front of us.

Coaches look forward to the possibility of a 3-P sport season that looks like this:

A PROLONGED season means that the team has been injury-free and successful enough to qualify for the State tournament.

A PEACEFUL season is one with team play and supportive parents and fans.

A PROSPEROUS season has ever-increasing stamina that prepares the players for life not just for the game.

"Every new day begins with possibilities. It's up to us to fill it with the things that move us toward progress and peace." Ronald Reagan

Thankfully God has a plan that promises to move us toward long, peace-filled and prosperous lives. The wise King Solomon records these words:

“… do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity.” Proverbs 3:1-2 NCV

Knowing God’s Word and living by it is the key to a long, calm and fulfilling life. Is it without troubles? No. Is it without heartaches? No. Is it without illness? No. In spite of what life may bring, our lives will be marked with the 3-P’s as we purposefully submit ourselves to His ways.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5 NIV

Blessings…as you live the out God’s 3-P LIFESTYLE.

©2013 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, OR 97224

YES...and NO

2/19/2013

SPORTMOM E-votional by Janet BrownYES...and NO

Giving both a YES and NO answer to any question certainly confuses the person asking. Part of the question may evoke a ‘yes” answer while another part requires a ‘no’ thus causing a quick yes-no answer! This is immediately followed with a lengthy explanation as to what we mean. Oh, the challenges of a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’.

‘No’ and ‘Yes’ are words quickly said, but they need a great amount of thought before you utter them. Baltasar Gracian, Jesuit Priest in the 1600’s

Being true to our word, may require purposeful pause before putting our tongue in motion. It’s often tempting to fill an awkward silence with words when we are searching for the ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer. Giving a simple non-compromising and true response can become a habit if we are unafraid of the dreaded moment of silence.

“…with every ‘yes’ in your schedule, there is an equal and opposite ‘no’ reaction. When I said yes to another speaking engagement, I said no to another family dinner. When I said yes to another meeting, I said no to my girls’ volleyball game. When I said yes to another book tour, I said no to taking a walk with my wife.” Max Lucado

On the other hand, the importance of quick decisions are a hallmark of sports. Saying ‘yes’ or ‘no’ in the pressure-filled moments of a competition makes the difference between success and failure when the scores are tallied. A halting decision will bring certain disaster. Athlete’s are exceptional at making high-risk and game-changing decisions.

Jesus spoke about the use of YES and NO answers in what His “Sermon on the Mount”…

Say only yes if you mean yes, and no if you mean no. If you say more than yes or no, it is from the Evil One.. Matthew 5:37 NCV

Here we are reminded to be exact when answering questions. Speaking out of both sides of our mouths will only cause confusion. The Apostle Paul speaks boldly of his intention in this matter…

Do you think I talk out of both sides of my mouth—a glib yes one moment, a glib no the next? Well, you’re wrong. I try to be as true to my word as God is to his. 2 Corinthians 1:17 The Message

God is true to His Word answering our prayers with the simple ‘yes’ of things working out or the ‘no’ of closed doors. The very nature of His ‘yes’ includes a strong “in-my- time” component while His divine ‘no’ can leave us with a “you've got to be kidding” response! Living out His will means acceptance of His ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer.

PRAYER: Lord, thank you for guiding me with your YES and NO answers. I want to be as true to my word as you are to yours. Let me say what I mean with a simple ‘yes‘ or ‘no’ while reflecting priorities that honor you. In Jesus Name, Amen

Blessings…as you say what you mean with simple YES and NO answers.

©2013 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 EleMar - Portland, OR 97224

LIVE AND MOVE

2/15/2013

LIVE AND MOVE

Movement is an important part of healthy living. If we are living we are moving and if we are moving we are living. A recent news program reported a new finding about our movement. Studies apparently now indicate that intense workouts produce less long-term results than longer and less strenuous ones. This is good news for those who have flexible schedules…a little tough, however, for the ones who have limited time for their exercise program.

Watching athletes on the fields and courts of play confirms the impact that movement has on a game. A pumped-up team who expends their collective energy early during game play usually finds themselves running behind their competition in the end.

ENERGY HARNESSED = FAVORABLE OUTCOMES

Successful coaches apply this same “less-is-more” theory in their practice plans.

“Don’t overwork your squad. If you’re going to make a mistake, under-work them.” Coach Bear Bryant

Steady and progressive movement is the key to health and well-being. God’s Word speaks about this kind of living…

“For in Him we live and move and have our being.” Acts 17:28 NIV

Being “in Christ” is first, deciding to live in the power of the Holy Spirit. Then we move steadily toward the goal of becoming more and more like Christ. This happens with steady and extended spiritual work-outs. The Old Testament prophet, Isaiah, gives us a clue…

“…precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little…” Isaiah 28:10 NIV

Blessings…as you choose to LIVE AND MOVE in Christ.

©2013 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, OR 97224

TRUST ME...

2/12/2013

The words “trust me” can offen be heard during fear-filled moments of life…

·         Parents use them when trying to teach a resistant child about something new.

·         Coaches use them when a new play is needed against a looming opponent.

·         Doctors use them when they are trying to bring healing to new wounds.

·         Marketing agencies use them to sell new products

·         Teenagers use them thinking it is a new way to get what they want.

·         Husbands use them when they are lost and won’t stop for new directions

·         Wives use them when they make a new recipe for dinner.

We could go on…but you get the message.

The definition of trust is simply to have confidence in something or someone with hope and expectation. The opposite of trust is fear of the unknown which can easily paralyze our minds, bodies and spirits. For every fear we have there is One who whispers, speaks, or shouts the words TRUST ME! Over and over in His Word God reminds us to put our confidence in Him. This well-known verse epitomizes the definition of trust…

“We know that in everything God works for the good of those who love Him.” Romans 8:28

Although often misused., the regularly-quoted verse above is a powerful reminder to trust in the One we fear most. Writer Max Lucado warns us that any verse can be misused, but that doesn't make it useless!

The next verse is a testimony to the life of the Apostle Paul following his life-changing encounter with the One he feared most. As he was on the road to Damascus God shouted “TRUST ME” to him using bright light, temporary blindness and, I'm quite certain, a bad headache. New life came to Paul as he turned his trust away from the laws of man and toward the ways of God.

“If anyone belongs to Christ, there is a new creation. The old things have gone; everything is made new!”   2 Corinthians 5:17 NCV

     TRUSTING GOD IS KNOWING THAT HE IS UP TO SOMETHING NEW AND EMBRACING IT!

Prayer: I hear your whisper (or perhaps it’s a shout) clearly calling,“TRUST ME”! I am ready to fully trust you through the fears of life. Whatever you are up to, Lord, I will cooperate with you knowing that everything is working together for my benefit and to your glory. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Blessings…as your fears turn to trust in the One who loves you most!

©2013 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, OR 97224

PALM MUSINGS

2/8/2013

The palm of an athlete’s hand is a vital tool for many critical movements...
- To throw a successful pass, the QB must place the football tightly & correctly in the palm of his hand. - - --To maneuver a basketball downcourt, means managed dribbling using the palm of the hand.
- To hit a target, the bow to be placed firmly in the palm of the archer.
- To complete a successful pitch, a pitcher carefully places the ball in the palm of his hand.
- To clear the cross bar, the palms of a pole vaulter must be placed firmly on & correctly on the pole.

The grip of an athlete with the palm of their hand is the key to success in sports of many kinds.

“To succeed...you need to find something to hold on to, something to motivate you, something to inspire you”. Tony Dorsett

The palm of a sportmom’s hand guides, protects, and prepares. There is no greater salve than the palm of a mother’s hand soothing a child’s hurting body or comforting a broken heart. She also holds the hearts of her children in the palm of her hands always remembering the precious souls with which she has been entrusted. Then there comes the time of letting go…releasing our children palms down!

The palm of God’s hand created the earth and all of it’s inhabitants. The prophet Isaiah knew the importance of the palm of God’s hand posing these qustions as reminders …

Who has measured the oceans in the palm of his hand? Who has used his hand to measure the sky? Isaiah 40:12

The supremacy of God is reflected in the work of His hands.

The palm of God’s hand also holds us. When we find ourselves asking, “Do I really matter to God?”, Isaiah reminds us of whose we are with these words from the Lord…

I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands… Isaiah 49:15 & 16

With our name engraved on the palm of His hand, God guides, protects, soothes, and comforts us.

IT’S NOT WHO WE ARE BUT WHOSE WE ARE!

By placing our hands in the palms of God’s hands our souls are motivated and inspired.

“…strip away the sunsets, oceans, cooing babies, and tender hearts—and leave us in the Sahara, and we still have reason to dance in the sand. Why? Because God is with us.” Max Lucado

Blessings…as your rest in the palms of God’s ever-present hands today!

©2013 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, OR 97224

DEEP WATERS

2/5/2013

Have you ever gotten in over your head? There have been times when I have had to tread water as fast as I could to keep from drowning. It’s not that I purposed to do it, but rather I unexpectedly found myself there with the survival mode kicked in and keeping me afloat until help came.

Our athletes often face competition that brings with it a similar experience. The Coach prepares a plan and the team purposefully practices for a certain upcoming game. Adjustments to the offense, defense and match-ups are implemented in order to handle the targeted adversary. Even with all of this in place, a team can find themselves in the clutches of a more highly skilled competitor. Grasping for the fading hope of a winning outcome, they find themselves in DEEP WATERS with the final score about to prove it. But the mark of a truly successful team is not the final score. Rather, it is the survival mode that keeps them afloat even in adversity. What is it? It is that they never give up!

Along with our high mountaintop experiences come the DEEP WATERS of life. We can find ourselves treading the waters of disappointment, tragedy, or frustration. When faced with the DEEP WATER of daunting circumstances how do we survive?

#1 TREAD DEEP WATERS WITH GOD’S POWER

In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. John 16:33

Jesus promised that we will walk through DEEP WATERS in life. Then he reminds us that we don’t have to let it get us down - we can tread water. And finally he announces that His overcoming power will bring us through.

#2 SURVIVE DEEP WATERS WITH GOD’S PRESENCE

As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.
Joshua 1:5

These words given to Joshua as he faced the DEEP WATERS of battle are ours today. God’s all-consuming presence in the person of the Holy Spirit surrounds us, keeping us afloat and causing us to never give up! He promises His presence and…

“His presence is His promise.” Cindy Hess Kasper

He reached down from heaven and rescued me; he drew me out of deep waters.
Psalm 18:16 NLT

Blessings…as you forge the DEEP WATERS of life with God’s power and presence.

©2013 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, OR 97224

THE UPWARD REACH

2/1/2013

The first issue of SPORTMOM E-vtionals each month is dedicated to our word for the year - REACH!

In the game of basketball it is the UPWARD REACH that precedes an astounding outside shot, a score-producing layup or the ever-amazing slam dunk! As an adept player moves toward the basket it is the final stretch of the arms while springing airborne and looking up that brings the wanted result…2 or 3 points. In order to accomplish this feat the athlete must spend many extra hours of practice time bringing the eyes, legs, arms and timing into sync.

There are times when the ball hits the rim even when the reach has been accomplished resulting in a missed basket and disappointed fans. If this occurs during a slam dunk attempt it can be particularly embarrassing for the player as the ball flies high into the air as it propels off of the ever-present rim. Never-the-less it is the attempt that counts.

“You miss all the shots you don’t take!” Wayne Gretzky

We also perfect our UPWARD REACH in the game of life. Goals, ambitions, and dreams all require synchronized and well-orchestrated plans to become a reality. It may take many attempts and practice runs to accomplish the effort, but in the end we will be better equipped for life by making the effort.

WE MISS ANY GOAL THAT WE DON’T REACH FOR!

That same UPWARD REACH is what our Heavenly Father is waiting for from us. He wants to hear us say the words the David, the Psalmist said…

I look to you, heaven-dwelling God, look up to you for help. Psalm 123:1 TM

The UPWARD REACH can come with some difficulty if we aren’t used to doing it. Stretching our spiritual muscles may take a little extra effort on our part as Paul expressed in the scriptures to the church at Philippi…

I have not yet reached that goal, but I continue trying to reach it and to make it mine. Christ wants me to do that, which is the reason he made me his. Philippians 3:12 NCV

As we continue our UPWARD REACH, looking always to God for our strength and guidance will become as natural as the reach of a basketball player toward the intended basket.

Blessings…as you stretch toward your intended goal by always looking to God with an UPWARD REACH.

©2013 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.

About the Author... JANET BROWN

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