Blog Archives

RESIGN TODAY

2/28/2014

Each day brings its share of inconveniences. These may include such things as sudden sickness, confusing conflict, terrifying traffic, frustrating forgetfulness, annoying appliances, random rudeness, lackluster laziness, impolite impatience, increasing incompetence and the list goes on. The best thing about them is that they are out of our control. The worst thing about them is that they are out of our control.

Athletes face a similar set of unwanted roadblocks: incapacitating injury, disappointing delays, gone-wild goal attempts, constricting circumstances, weather woes and the list goes on. The best news is that these things are out of their control. The worst news is also that these things are out of their control.

So what to do? The answer is found in today’s title: RESIGN TODAY. Getting the most out of adverse situations requires resigning ourselves to these unwanted actions or outcomes and quickly moving on to the next opportunity. Hanging around in the mess can easily turn into a self-inflicted pity party that must end before our real life adjustments can resume.

“For peace of mind, resign as general manager of the universe”. Anonymous

God’s Word gives us direction on how to resign as general manager of the universe. It calls us to “overlook”, "control" ourselves and “accept” that which is not ours to master…

Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult.
Proverbs 12:16 NIV

Sensible people control their temper; they earn respect by overlooking wrongs.
Proverbs 19:11 NLT

Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. Romans 15:7 NIV

As believers, our salvation rests on this same approach. When our sin separated us from God, He looked beyond it, took control by sending His Son to us, and accepts our imperfections …

When we were unable to help ourselves, at the right time, Christ died for us, although we were living against God. Romans 5:6 NCV

PRAYER: Dear Lord, I resign control to you as the true general manager of the universe. Thank you for looking beyond my sin and offering your Son as my Savior. Just as You accept me when I am less than you planned, I want to accept others. Help me to put their wrongs behind and move quickly toward the opportunities ahead. In Jesus Name, Amen.

RESIGN TODAY–THE BEST THING ABOUT IT IS KNOWING GOD IS IN CONTROL!

©2014 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, OR 97224

COMING AND GOING

2/25/2014

As sportmoms our lives are filled with hours of COMING AND GOING. They include things like household responsibilities, drop-offs, pick-ups, getting to and from our jobs, games and other commitments…and the list goes on. Unplanned issues require unwanted adjustments but still we move ahead.

During the course of a sport season a team spends many hours COMING AND GOING. When the team travels together on a bus trip it becomes a time of bonding and oneness. There is listening, chatting, resting and even teasing. The coach’s watchful eye is on them as well as checking the GPS and plotting the best course. If an unknown detour pops up the overall timeline allows for it providing a timely and safe arrival.

The guiding hand of Christ provides watchful care and safety for us as we travel through life.

“The Lord will…watch over your life…over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” Psalm 121:7&8 (portions)

As Christians we share the COMINGS AND GOINGS of life with one another. While listening, chatting, chiding, and serving together, our Creator tenderly watches over us. Through the planned and through the unplanned He promises to guide us safely through today and all our days to come.

God has said, “I will never leave you; I will never abandon you.” Hebrews 13:5 NCV

“He is plotting the course and managing the troubles with far-reaching purposes for our good and for the glory of Jesus Christ.” John Piper

PRAYER: Thank you for plotting my course, Lord. Your watchful care is over me. I rest in the assurance that You are in all of my COMING AND GOING both planned and unplanned. Step by step You’ll lead me and I will follow You all of my days. In Jesus Name, Amen.

JOYS AND SORROWS BRING WITH THEM THE SAFETY OF GOD’S PRESENCE!

©2014 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, OR 97224

RISKY LIVING

2/21/2014

Living on the edge is not comfortable for many including me. The safety of conservative decisions brings a measure of security to the volatile world in which we live. But it is those who step outside of their comfort zone that are rewarded with volumes of otherwise unrealized dreams…a bit of RISKY LIVING.

Sportmoms are not known to enjoy the risks that surround their athlete child. But it is the joy of accomplishment that allows a mother to accept the possibility of cuts, scratches, broken bones, and disappointments etc. that come with competitive sports. It takes a bit of RISKY LIVING to grow our budding athlete into a strong, confident and purpose-driven adult.

There is a RISKY LIVING parable that Jesus told in Matthew 25. He tells us that the kingdom of heaven is like the employer who was going on a trip leaving his money in the care of several employees. Entrusting each with an amount equal to their position, he returned asking each one to give an account of how they cared for the money while he was gone . Those who had invested with good returns received this commendation for RISKY LIVING… ”Well done, good and faithful servant!” (vs. 23)

However, there was an employee who chose to bury his employer’s money for safe keeping. When the time came for the accounting, this employee simply dug the money up and brought it back to his employer with no return. The employer not only took the money out of his care, but handed it over to the employee who had the greatest return! Here is the lesson Jesus taught...

“To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away.” (vs. 29)

As Christians we are called to actively use all that God has entrusted us with. It means investing all that God has given us – skills, abilities, money, things – in ways that bring great return …RISKY LIVING!

RISKY LIVING IS MORE THAN LIVING LIFE – IT IS INVESTING IN LIFE!

©2014 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, OR 97224

UNSWERVINGLY HOPEFUL

2/18/2014

An old game that unwise teenage boys used to play with their cars was called “chicken”. It involved racing toward one another with the goal being to not be the first to swerve. It was supposed to prove who had the most grit! This dangerous game was a deadly way of showing their UNSWERVINGLY HOPEFUL determination.

Sport involvement provides our young men and women controlled experiences to be UNSWERVINGLY HOPEFUL. With a huge amount of intense hope and immense determination they accept the challenge, fiercely compete and prove their undeniable grit.

Following Christ also requires an UNSWERVINGLY HOPEFUL approach to living. Paul the Apostle reminds us to remain strong, determined, unafraid and confident…

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful to do it. Hebrews 10:23

But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved. Hebrews 10:38

God himself has said…I take no pleasure in the one who shrinks back. Hebrews 10:39

What are you shrinking back from doing or being? Has discouragement robbed your joy? Allow your faith in Christ carry you to the UNSWERVINGLY HOPEFUL place.

For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13 NLT

A SHRINKING VINE PRODUCES NO FRUIT – FLOURISH!

TO REFLECT click here: http://youtu.be/7elxC8LXfzE for THAT'S WHAT FAITH CAN DO by Kutless

©2014 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, OR 97224

HEART OF HEARTS

2/14/2014

Valentine’s Day is here…little “love you” cards are exchanged in classrooms across the nation. Fancy cards expressing years of uninterrupted devotion are left atop boxes of chocolates. Red roses arrive at the doorsteps or offices of hopeful women everywhere. And finally, social media brims with sweet greetings between those who care. Our hearts are warmed with valentine expressions.

A healthy sport team reflects these same expressions: a love of the game, a strong devotion between players and coach, a shared hope for a satisfying season and an on-going care revealing the quiet bond between them. It's the heart of meaningful relationships.

We are at the heart of God’s heart. His love for us, His devotion to us, His hope for our future and His ever-present care surrounding us are His valentine message from His heart to ours. With it our fears are dispelled and our hearts are settled.

Those who are righteous will be long remembered. They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the Lord to care for them. Psalm 112: 6-7 NLT

PRAYER: Thank you, Lord, for bending your heart toward us. Today I set my heart with yours receiving your valentine of love, devotion, hope and care. It is my heart's desire to be a valentine that reveals your heart to those around me. In Jesus Name, Amen.

“Lord, we show our trust in you by obeying your laws; our heart’s desire is to glorify your name.” Isaiah 26:8 NLT

SEND GOD’S VALENTINE OF LOVE TO YOUR WORLD EACH DAY!

©2014 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, OR 97224

DELAYED RESPONSE

2/11/2014

Small children have no patience for DELAYED RESPONSE. They want what they want, when they want it and how they want it. We teach them to patiently wait because those in charge know when the best time is for whatever they desire … perhaps it comes soon - sometimes never.

Although difficult, learning to be patient is a valuable trait. A sport team that impatiently goes for the goal without purposefully running the play usually finds themselves on the short side of the scoreboard. It takes patience for a coach to refrain from calling a time out, leaving in a certain player or to stay with the game plan. DELAYED RESPONSE can be strategic to the overall success of a game.

Life brings times of DELAYED RESPONSE from those around us and from God himself. It requires waiting without knowing if we have been heard...
“I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry.” Psalm 40:1 NIV

Waiting patiently for God’s answer must have been a strong suit for David, the writer of this Psalm. DELAYED RESPONSE from our Creator is often very difficult on the patience and not easy to bear. Another version this scripture captures the usual frustration of waiting...

“I waited and waited and waited for God…” The Message

At times I find myself praying for patience during the waiting and then impatiently wanting both patience and the answer now! It is during these times of waiting that simply thanking God for His DELAYED RESPONSE paves the way to a patient and contented heart.

Wherever we find ourselves and whatever our circumstances, thanking God for His DELAYED RESPONSES means we have learned to wait patiently…
“…I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” Philippians 4:11b NIV

DON’T WASTE THE WAIT...THANK GOD FOR IT!

©2014 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, OR 97224

A PRAISEWORTHY PAUSE

2/7/2014

Hold everything! Blow the whistle! Give me a minute! We all have those moments when we need to re-boot, adjust our response, or think through the situation. When we do, that pause is worthy of praise for it is the springboard to excellent thinking.

The much-needed sport officials take what they hope will be A PRAISEWORTHY PAUSE. These referees, umpires, etc. enforce the rules of a game. At the sound of a whistle or the sight of a flag we know that a violation is about to me called. The game stops and a penalty is given. Then the game resumes with more wisdom and caution gained on the part of the perpetrator.

Our God does not force us to do what is right with a shrill whistle of justice. However, He does encourage us to take A PRAISEWORTHY PAUSE to check our thoughts…

Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things. Philippians 4:8

With misleading input all around us, this scripture gives us a set of much-needed guidelines for re-focusing our thoughts on what is good. It's A PRAISEWORTHY PAUSE that asks...

Is it TRUE - promotes a fact and not an assumption?

Is it NOBLE – causes dignified and appropriate actions?

Is it RIGHT – fosters integrity and honor?

Is it PURE – contains clean and untarnished content or behavior?

Is it LOVELY – shows sweetness and love?

Is it ADMIRABLE – brings praise that lifts up others?

“Our actions follow our thoughts…we must aggressively think and pursue the character, the qualities, and the things of God's goodness.” From Kaanapali Ministries devotional

CHECK – CHOOSE – CHARGE AHEAD!

©2014 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, OR 97224

SIMPLY ADORE

2/4/2014

Being ourselves is sometimes difficult but always rewarding. A prominent factor in being ourselves is being transparent. Transparency is the nail on which the picture of honesty hangs. To SIMPLY ADORE requires honesty.

The struggle of trying to be something we are not is a serious road block to honesty. Hiding a weakness, inability or failure can prevent otherwise fine athletes from reaching their full potential. When an athlete is truly being themselves a coach can easily offer directives that bring them to new levels of achievement. It is this process of honesty that causes both coach and athlete to SIMPLY ADORE one another.

Simple and honest transparency before our Heavenly Father is the kneeling bench for adoration…

...the Father is out looking for those who are simply and honestly themselves before Him in their worship...those who worship Him must do it out of their very being, their spirits, their true selves, in adoration. John 4:25 The Message

Coming before the Lord with our heart-felt thoughts in our hands is a releasing and refreshing experience. It happens when we reveal our true selves to Him rather than telling Him what we think we should be...now He can work with that!

PRAYER: Today I choose honest transparency before you and others, Lord. I come before You just as I am leaving the struggle of trying to be something that I’m not behind and bowing in adoration before You. In Jesus Name, Amen.

BE THE TRUE YOU...THEN SIMPLY ADORE!

Note: The first SPORTMOM E-votional of each month is dedicated to our word-for-the-year…ADORE

©2014 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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About the Author...
JANET BROWN