Blog Archives

A SPACIOUS PLACE

2/26/2020

Last year, after much consideration, we let go of our large house with its many nooks and crannies and downsized into a smaller house. Although the size of our home would be greatly reduced the spaciousness increased as the areas that had previously gone unused were eliminated. The living areas that we use most are now the largest....it is A SPACIOUS PLACE.

The Psalmist David found himself crowded into a corner by his enemies. His circumstance was not only life threatening but it also held his "life-giving" will captive. His Heavenly Father heard his cry for help and it was granted in a way that only God could arrange (see Psalm 18:1-19). Here is David’s response...

He reached down from on high and took hold of me; He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me... Psalm 18:16 &19

Will you cry out to God asking Him to reach down with his mighty hand and remove you from the nooks and crannies of life...from the life circumstances that have crowded you in and rendered you paralyzed? Can you also believe that He has A SPACIOUS PLACE for you ...a place He has already prepared for you?

The same God that brought David out of his situation is there for us and waits for us to cry out to Him when our life-giving will is threatened by stifling circumstances.

PRAYER: When I find myself boxed in by circumstances of life I will cry out to you. You and you alone, are my rescuer. You will bring me into A SPACIOUS PLACE of freedom and enlarged understanding. Thank you for delighting in me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

CHOOSE TO MOVE OUT OF THE NOOKS AND CRANNIES OF LIFE
AND INTO THE POWER OF GOD’S DELIGHT...A SPACIOUS PLACE!

©2020 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 1514 Segovia Circle – Vero Beach, FL 32966

JUST THE SAME

2/19/2020

“Do it just like you did before!” This was the reminder my Mom used to give when we kids would say we couldn’t do something. Usually we had done the task before but found it difficult so we would use our lack of ability as an excuse. Her wise response kept us moving in the right direction as we accomplished tasks JUST THE SAME as we had before.

Repetition is a cornerstone for athletic skill development. Practice time is filled with doing JUST THE SAME routine over and over.

“The importance of repetition until automaticity cannot be overstated. Repetition is the key to learning.” Coach John Wooden, UCLA

Paul the Apostle wrote in his book to the Hebrews about the solid sameness of Jesus. He reminds them that Jesus will not change and will repeatedly be there for us ...

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8

Jesus is there for us just like he has been, like he is right now and promises to be in the future whether we access Him or not. He is teaching us, comforting us, preparing us, guiding us, loving us, encouraging us and reminding us that He will do it just the same as He has before...

PRAYER: Lord, teach me to trust in your sameness...the repetition of your constant love for me. You are true to your Word and will do it over and over. Thank you for reminding me of who you are and for always being JUST THE SAME. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

TO MOVE FORWARD PRACTICE TRUSTING IN THE SAMENESS OF CHRIST!

©2020 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 1514 Segovia Circle – Vero Beach, FL 32966

BE ON GUARD

2/12/2020

Our grandson recently joined the Coast Guard. His responsibilities include guarding the vessel to which he is assigned. Learning how to effectively do this requires the support and encouragement from higher ranking personnel who entrust the vessel and its protection to him and others.

Whether it is on the high and rough seas of the Eastern Pacific or in the calm stillness of the waters of the base, it receives a 24-7 guard. These ON GUARD watch assignments ensure the ship’s safely at all times making it ready for critical use at a moment’s notice.

In the Apostle Paul’s letter to Timothy he first establishes Timothy's trust in God and then challenges him to carefully guard it...

...I know in whom I have believed, and am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him...Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us. (See 2 Timothy 2: 12 & 14 NIV)

In this same way, we must stand guard over those who may be new to the faith or who may have faltered in it. We protect those who know less, teaching and encouraging them in the ways of the Lord.
Will you accept an ON GUARD assignment today? Protecting our own faith, and the faith of others as well, is our on-going duty and forever responsibility. As we allow the Holy Spirit to guide and teach us, we will be equipped to guard our hearts which is the vessel of our faith in Christ Jesus our Lord.

PRAYER: I take this assignment seriously, Lord. I want to be a trustworthy guard of the faith you have entrusted to me and other believers. Please prompt me by your Holy Spirit when protection is needed. Thank you for your ever-present guard whether on the calm seas of life and in the rough ones. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

BE READY - BE WATCHFUL - BE COURAGEOUS - BE ON GUARD!

©2020 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 1514 Segovia Circle – Vero Beach, FL 32966

ABIDE IN CHRIST

2/5/2020

FIRST WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH BRINGS OUR FOCUS ON OUR WORD FOR 2020 - ABIDE!

The dictionary gives us this primary definition of ABIDE: It is a verb that means to accept or act in accordance with - to obey, observe, follow or keep to. As we were raised in our homes, most likely there was a set of standards that we were taught to ABIDE by - the “do’s” and “do nots” of family living. It was for our protection, for our direction and the key to living peaceably with one another.

So, what does it look like to ABIDE IN CHRIST? As His followers we have been given strong directives regarding this “how to”. One of the most clear and concise of these is given in Colossians 3:1-17. There we are reminded of the “do’s” and “do nots” for abiding in Christ - acting in accordance with God’s intention for us.

The “do nots” of Abiding in Christ... Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.  Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Colossians 3:5-10 NIV

The “do’s” of Abiding in Christ...                          Let (allow) the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Colossians 3: 12-16 NIV

Remember... And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17 NIV

A sneak peek into the future... Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Colossians 3:17 & 1-4 NIV

  Abiding in Christ ushers us into Christ himself.

©2020 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.

A SPACIOUS PLACE

JUST THE SAME

BE ON GUARD

ABIDE IN CHRIST

About the Author... JANET BROWN

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About the Author...
JANET BROWN