Blog Archives

THE ULTIMATE CHOICE

2/22/2017

Choices are ours to make each day. There are small ones like what we will have for breakfast and big ones such as whether to change jobs. Big or small they may sometimes appear wrong yet they can take us to the right places.

“Choices are the hinges of destiny.” Edwin Markham, Poet Laureate of Oregon 1923 to 1931

Choices made on the courts and fields of athletics are both big and small. Which socks to wear is rather small but which sport to focus on is a seriously big decision. A sport choice made on skill and ability alone can become a questionable choice when performance fails. However, with the proper encouragement and leadership from a committed coach, the love for the sport can surpass an athlete’s skill and ability leading to a deep interest and true commitment to that chosen sport…the right place!

God’s chosen people, the Israelites, were destined to make wrong choices as they were led out of captivity and on to the land God had promised them. One day they were given a history lesson by Joshua, their leader. He reminded them of their ups and downs in trusting and following God’s directives…their wrong choices. He then offers them the ultimate choice …

…choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve… as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord. Joshua 24:15 NIV

Realizing their wrong choices brought them to a point of reckoning…the right place for them to be. They then responded to Joshua saying…

“We will serve the Lord our God and obey him.” Joshua 24:24 NIV

Despite all the wrong choices the right place was reached – the promised land.

When in the throes of a wrong or questionable choice, turn to Jesus, THE ULTIMATE CHOICE. Just as his Father led the wondering Israelites, he offers his Holy Spirit to guide and direct us to the right places.

PRAYER: Please lead me to the right place, LORD GOD, even through my wrong choices. You are my ULTIMATE CHOICE … I put my trust in you. In Your Son’s Name I pray, Amen.

WRONG CHOICES? GO TO THE RIGHT PLACE…JESUS!

©2017 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, OR 97224

OPEN DOOR

2/15/2017

Purposefully leaving a door open or even slightly ajar often says, “Come on in!” As a child our front door was continually open as we ran in and out of the house with playmates. As a college student I’d often leave my dorm room door ajar when I was expecting a friend to stop by to shed some light on the difficult situation at hand . An OPEN DOOR is a heartfelt sign of hope welcoming others in.

Often in athletic competition the outcome of a game depends on openings. If the receiver in football is open the pass can be caught. If the lane is open in basketball a basket can be made. Taking advantage of those openings is a decision that the player must make.

Jesus waits for the OPEN DOOR…

…I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. Revelation 3:20 NLT

He stands at the door of our hearts today wanting us to open it and welcome him in. It’s our decision to open it and when we do He enters, shedding His light of love and understanding changing us from the inside out. Whether it is welcoming Him into our lives for the first time or opening the door to His control on a daily basis, His promise is the same…to share life together!

PRAYER: I open the door of my heart to you today, dear LORD. Please come into my life situation today and change me into the person you designed me to be. Thank you for the comfort of your presence. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

AN OPEN DOOR LEADS TO A CHANGED HEART!

©2017 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, OR 97224

SLACK TIME

2/8/2017

SLACK TIME can happen to us or it can be a planned activity. When slacking off takes over, it can result in both poor performance and a downward rush of personal value. Sometimes this temporary disinterest comes upon us unexpectedly throwing us into a hurricane of worry. However, when a time-out is taken to recoup our bodies and renew our spirits it is a welcomed quiet – an agent for revitalizing our interest and creativity.

A time of pulling away from the process of production is seen in the bare branches of trees during cold winter months. The ocean takes a rest between the ebb and flow of the tides. The hibernation of animals both protects and prepares them for another season. All creation calls for SLACK TIME.

Athletes are no exception…they too need some SLACK TIME to carry on with competition. Slothfulness is not an option, however times of patient pulling away and re-grouping are required to be at the top of their game.

“The two most powerful warriors are patience and time.” Leo Tolstoy

After a busy day of ministering, Jesus said this to his followers:

“Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place. Mark 6:31&32

Are responsibilities taking center stage in your life? Slack time spent with Jesus in charge is both acceptable and necessary to renew your body and spirit. This timeless rest, away from regular routine, always produces clearer direction and renewed energy.

PRAYER: Dear LORD, please meet me for SLACK TIME with you. I need your rest, your guidance and your strength to move forward. Thank you. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

DON’T SLACK OFF – PLAN A SOLITARY PLACE WITH JESUS!

©2017 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, OR 97224

CONSIDER...THE SOURCE

2/1/2017

WORD FOR THE YEAR: CONSIDER

VERSE FOR THE YEAR: But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; CONSIDER what great things he has done for you. 1 Samuel 12:24 NIV

When contemplating the meaning of something that has been said or done, it is beneficial to CONSIDER THE SOURCE. Knowing who or what is behind the words or actions brings added understanding and acceptance.

The source of a team’s vision and goal comes from their coach. When ample consideration is given to a wise coach’s directives, it brings a team together. This power source ignites a team’s spirit, instills trust and develops confidence no matter the situation.

In Psalm 13 David, a man after God’s own heart, CONSIDERS THE SOURCE. Feeling lost and dejected he reveals his innermost thoughts…

HE QUESTIONS:
How long will you forget me, Lord? Forever? How long will you hide from me?
How long must I worry and feel sad in my heart all day?
How long will my enemy win over me? Psalm 13:1-2 NCV

Having no immediate relief, David begins to demand and states his case to the Source…

HE PLEADS:
Lord, look at me. Answer me, my God; tell me, or I will die. Otherwise my enemy will say, “I have won!” Those against me will rejoice that I’ve been defeated. Psalm 13:3-4 NCV

David finally remembers how God has rescued him in the past and once again he begins to rest in the Source…

HE SUBMITS:
I trust in your love. My heart is happy because you saved me. Psalm 13:5 NCV

All of David’s “considerations” led him to a place of peace with the God he wanted to trust. Are you questioning today? Perhaps you’ve moved on to pleading. It’s time to submit to the One who loves you the most and knows you the best…the Source of life itself – the light of the world - our ever-faithful and living Lord.

CONSIDER THE SOURCE…AND REST IN HIM - ALWAYS!

©2017 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 ULTIMATE CHOICE

OPEN DOOR

SLACK TIME

CONSIDER...THE SOURCE

About the Author... JANET BROWN

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About the Author...
JANET BROWN