Blog Archives

NOTHING LOST

2/25/2015

It has been said, “Nothing is really lost until your mom can't find it.” Mom’s have a way of knowing where most everything is or where to find it - a vital cog in the family dynamic. As long a Mom is around it seems that there is NOTHING LOST that can't be found.

Coaches play that same role for a team. Although some teams may seem doomed to losing, a wise coach makes over-achievers out of them by finding their remaining strengths and building on them. In the end they are found worthy of applause for meeting their challenges with heads high and doing their best. Even if there are fewer wins than hoped for, the NOTHING LOST outcome is that they learned the basic skills of life through a sport team which are forever stamped on their hearts.

Our Creator does the same for us. What have you lost and can’t seem to find? Your direction in life? Your sense of worth? Your once-loved ability? We can cry out to our God as the Psalmist David did…

Invigorate my soul so I can praise you well, use your decrees to put iron in my soul. And should I wander off like a lost sheep - seek me! I’ll recognize the sound of your voice. Psalm 119:176 The Message

When all seems lost and the fog of doom surrounds us we are found by the Shepherd of our lives who wants no one to be lost…

‘Celebrate with me! I’ve found my lost sheep!’ Count on it—there’s more joy in heaven over one sinner’s rescued life than over ninety-nine good people in no need of rescue. Luke 15:4 The Message

WE ARE NEVER LOST WHERE JESUS CANNOT FIND US!

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

ANXIOUS MOMENTS

2/18/2015

The plane shudders then suddenly drops 1,000 feet as we encounter an air pocket…it was certainly in the category of ANXIOUS MOMENTS. No time to prepare the passengers or ourselves as flight attendants. No warning from the flight deck was possible. Aside from some strewn-about items, wine all over the first class cabin, passengers and me as the flight attendant, everyone and everything was fine. This scary moment that could have produced much sorrow passed into history.

The end of a close game can certainly bring on ANXIOUS MOMENTS, particularly for us Sportmoms. Will it be celebratory pizza and ice cream or sorrowful jammies and blankee? What a difference a few short minutes can make in the life of an athlete and their family.

"Anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, but only empties today of its strength." Charles Spurgeon

Each day carries with it ANXIOUS MOMENTS which can zap our strength. God’s Word gves us an antidote for these…

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6 NIV

PRAYER: You are the God of every situation. I will put my trust in you rather than becoming anxious. Thank you for your loving care and strong arms that carry my scary moments into the history of life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

A THANKFILLED ASK CALMS AN ANXIOUS HEART!

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

HIGHER THAN...

2/10/2015

Things that are higher than other things are often important focal points. For instance, snow-capped mountains that rise above others, my tall father in a crowd when I was a small child, lamp posts along our streets, most expensive items on grocery shelves and so on are HIGHER THAN what is around them and can guide our way.

The center on a basketball team, the quarterback stance on a football team and the pitcher’s mound of a baseball field all reflect the importance of being HIGHER THAN. The elevated condition of these sport necessities are focal points for productive play.

Isaiah recorded these words that reflect this same concept…
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. ” As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. “ Isaiah 55:8-9 NIV

Jesus lived out these HIGHER THAN thoughts when he said…
“There is so much more I want to tell you, but you can’t bear it now.” John 16:12 NLT

The immensity of God’s thoughts and intentions are truly beyond our understanding. The importance of them to the game of life is unending. Believing that His ways are HIGHER THAN ours requires living in surrender to His all-knowing plan.

PRAYER: Thank you for guiding my way, Lord. Your thoughts are HIGHER THAN any other and in you I fully put my trust. As I walk this earth, I choose to look up into your all-knowing and ever-present face for direction. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

I LOOK TO THE ONE WHO IS HIGHER THAN I…

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

JUNK AND JOY

2/3/2015

NOTE: The first issue of each moth is dedicated to our word for the year - RESOLVE.
It has been said, “One person’s junk is another’s joy!” Go into any second hand or thrift shop and we find many shoppers living out that truth.

The ups and downs of sport competition affirm the JUNK AND JOY phenomenon. What may appear to be an over-riding team weakness often results in the necessity to bolster the team’s existing strengths. In turn, this often leads to more productive play and more W’s in the Win-Loss column.

Paul the apostle wrote to the church in Corinth about his junk …

Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food… 2 Corinthians 11: 24-27 NIV

Then Paul reminds us of the joy-in-the-junk with Christ’s words…

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV

The junk of lie is God's opportunity to show His power in us. It is this very junk that can bring about the joy of the Holy Spirit's strength in us. We can then say along with Paul…

For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:10 NIV

Is your day filled with junk? Resolve to let the spirit of God strengthen you turning it to joy!

RESOLVE #2: BOTH JUNK AND JOY ARE GATEWAYS TO REMAINING IN CHRIST

©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.

NOTHING LOST

ANXIOUS MOMENTS

HIGHER THAN...

JUNK AND JOY

About the Author... JANET BROWN

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About the Author...
JANET BROWN