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I SEE!

3/31/2011

 
Some of my earliest memories are of sitting on my Grampa's lap and noting his thick glasses.  Although he died when I was four, I am told that he had very limited vision.  His nearly blind status was probably what we call today "legally blind".  With his greatly impaired vision, it was impossible for him to really see me if it were not for the spectacles perched on his nose.  Without them he wouldn't have noticed my dirty face, mussed up hair or even my wrinkled dress - what a "vision of loveliness".  With them, he was aware of my quick smile, could plant a kiss right on my cheek and was able to exclaim, "I SEE!"  

Vision is an interesting subject.  Here are Webster's definitions:   1)The power of seeing  2)Something supposedly seen in a dream, trance etc.  3)A mental image  4)The ability to perceive or foresee something, as through mental acuteness  5)Something or someone of great beauty.  

It is the 3rd and 4th definition of vision that takes us into the future...the "I SEE" with an AHA in front of it!    

As the picture becomes clearly understood, it must then be communicated.  Just as we use our eyes to look out from our body and understand the world around us,  our minds can do the same - look ahead from where we are to what lies ahead.    In sports, the coach presents a "what-is-ahead-for-us" picture to the team.  It is vision casting . . .the process of using a peek into the unknown future to effect change today.   

Life requires a vision to accomplish the invisible.  The one who sees it and carries it to the people is called a "visionary".  Simply put,  it has been said that this is a leader with a poorly developed sense of fear and no concept of the odds against them but make the impossible happen anyway.  

The road of vision that leads to accomplishments is often strewn with great struggle, unyielding fortitude and embattled hearts that choose to hold on through the failures along the way.  

Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, VISION cleared, ambition inspired, and success achieved. Helen Keller  

Visions for the future are found throughout the scriptures as God planted them in the minds and hearts of leaders throughout both Old and New Testament times.  The Apostle Paul's vision on the road to Damascus with an "I SEE!" outcome and he was radically changed.  He spent the rest of his life vision-casting to his world and beyond into ours through his Biblical accounts.  

Where there is no VISION, the people perish; but he who keeps the law, is happy.  Proverbs 29:18  

Whatever the God-given vision, it must first be clearly received by us as leaders in our homes, communities, jobs and churches.  Then we must cast that vision into our world accurately passing it on to those God has placed in our care.  May we say with all our hearts, "I SEE!" and help others to do the same.

This is the message of a man who hears the words of God. I know well the Most High God. I SEE a vision from the Almighty, and my eyes are open as I fall before him.
  Numbers 24:16 NCV

Blessings . . . as you put on the thick spectacles of God's vision for your life and ministry.

 ©2011 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, OR 97224

CASTING CROWNS

3/29/2011

 
Basketball programs everywhere are busily preparing for an Awards Event - a Crowning Ceremony of sorts.  Each sport in High School athletics takes time at the close of their season to honor those athletes who have represented their school and sport. It is a highlight of the year as families, friends coaches and others who have supported a particular sport gather to crown the players with their accomplishments.

As basketball season winds down,  track and baseball/softball seasons gear up.  The crowning glories of these endeavors, yet to be realized, will be displayed on many a bedroom wall and family room mantle. 

These earned crowns often find their greatest value when they are cast into the sea of God's loving care for others.  Here is a story recently shared by Dave Branon in an Our Daily Bread devotional that epitomizes the casting of crowns: 

  
At the 2009 Kansas high school state track championship, an unusual thing happened. The team that won the girls 3,200-meter relay was disqualified. But what happened next was even more unusual. The team that was awarded the state championship by default turned right around and gave their medals to the team that had been disqualified.

The first school, St. Mary’s Colgan, lost first place because judges ruled that a runner had stepped out of her lane as she handed off the baton. That meant the second team, Maranatha Academy, moved up to first. After receiving their medals, the girls from Maranatha saw the downtrodden looks on the faces of the St. Mary’s girls, so they gave them their individual medals. 

What an act of love . . . casting their crowns around the necks of a disqualified opponent is an ultimate act of worship to God.  Paul wrote to the Philippian church advising them to do the same... 

Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.  Philippians 2:4 

And what did this do in the hearts of the disqualified team who had just experienced the death of a dream?  They experienced the love and tender mercy of a great God through young women who were willing to cast their crowns.

He redeems me from death and CROWNS me with love and tender mercies. Psalm 103:4 NLT

 OUR GOD DELIGHTS IN CASTING CROWNS!  It is in acts of humility like this that our God lives and moves and has His being.

For the LORD takes delight in his people; he CROWNS the humble with victory. Psalm 149:4 NIV ©2011

How will we use our crowns today?  When we are honored how will we worship God with those crowns?  Who and where does He want to use them to lift up others?  

Blessings . . . as you CAST YOUR CROWNS!  

Click below for a prayer and worship . . .

©2011 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, OR 97224

TIME SPENT ON HOLY GROUND

3/24/2011

 

A great win for a team deems the ground they played on as somewhat "holy".  Something special happened at that particular place that positively impacted their life.  Years later they may very well drive by that spot with their own little athlete son or daughter in the car and say with profundity, "That is where we won!"  Precious time spent on HOLY GROUND.  

Places that hold great meaning surround us.  Sometimes these places are remembered with big smiles and sometimes with a tear.  Recently the deep affection for such a place became a reality.  It was time spent on the floor of an old gym (albeit a "classic") in an out-of-the-way town boasting little more than the state tournament which it was hosting.  This place became a sacred cathedral for Coach's basketball team as these young men of God worshipped Him with the skills and abilities He had built into them.  During the time spent there God honored their sacrifice of play with a repeat state championship and it became HOLY GROUND... a place to remember for God's presence and purpose was revealed and it was powerful!  

God speaks to us through the tough challenges of life.  Like a hard-fought game that tests the fiber of a team, God spoke to Moses in many frightening and challenging ways. One was braving the fire of a burning bush - a divine encounter that shook him to the core.  God called out to Moses from the flames of the fire here were his opening words . . .   

"Take off your sandals, because you are standing on HOLY GROUND." Exodus 3:5  

God then revealed His plans to rescue the people of Israel.  Not only was this place holy because of the amazing way God chose to speak but it marked the spot where God promised deliverance from oppression and a future to His people and convinced Moses that He would do it ... HOLY GROUND - the place God sold Himself to Moses . . .  

"No time is spent convincing Moses what Moses can do, but much time is spent explaining to Moses what God can do."  Max Lucada  

Take off your sandals of worry and care today, for you are standing on HOLY GROUND...a place where God wants to turn both your struggles and your joys into worship.  

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11  


Blessings . . . as you spend precious time on HOLY GROUND! 
   

CLICK HERE to listen to Sandi Patty singing HOLY GROUND


  ©2011 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, OR 97224

CHANCE ELIMINATED

3/22/2011

 

God knows - I don't - so what?  Staring at the crumpled front-end of our brand new car, it was hard to believe that God was in it. After hitting the deer, we limped our way back to the nearest little town - it was the first day of our summer vacation.  With comments of despair being bantered about, our oldest child, then a 12-year-old, made the announcement:  "Listen, God has a plan for everything so just trust Him."  A gut punch for sure - she remembered what we had taught her and now used it to remind us that this didn't happen by chance...from the mouths of babes, as they say.  

Twelve years later found us standing at the grave of our youngest 21-year-old child ... the greatest challenge a parent can know. As coach so aptly put it, "Life is hard, hard, hard and then you die!"  Whew . . . is this a loving God?  We can shout a resounding yes for we experienced the life lesson of trust in the sovereignty of the One who made us.  And how did this happen?  It was borne in us as we poured out our hurting and broken hearts to the God of the universe followed by proclaiming, with jaws clenched, "No matter what has happened, You are our sovereign God and we will trust you!" 

I am the one who creates the light and makes the darkness. I am the one who sends good times and bad times. I, the Lord, am the one who does these things. Isaiah 45:7 

The same living and loving God that spoke these comforting words to His people thousands of years ago, spoke them into our hearts that day reminding us that He is in control and in so doing ELIMINATED CHANCE.

It often occurs to me, particularly before or during a very crucial game, that no matter the outcome God has a plan and it is better than ours.  In those moments I find myself whispering a prayer that goes something like this: "Whether we win or whether we lose - it is all in your best plan for us.  Thank you, Sovereign Lord."

Today we cautiously consider the absolute sovereignty of God.  It is a difficult concept, but one that brings indescribable peace, renewing hope and lasting joy.  

"Learn well the song of sovereignty: I know God knows what's best.  No struggle will come your way apart from his purpose, presence, and permission. We live beneath the protective palm of a sovereign King who superintends every circumstance of our lives and delights in doing us good."   Max Lucado (from Upwords selection Do You Trust Him?)

As sportmoms who are followers of Christ, we can rest assured that nothing comes our way that has not first passed through Father-filtered love.  Each tear we shed is but a dim reflection of God's tears for us.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you.  For I am the Lord your God.  Isaiah 43:2-3 NASB

It is not by chance that our lives unfold.  These words, written by Paul, give us perspective eliminating the possibility of happenstance as we follow Christ.

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 

Win or lose, good day or bad day, sunshine or rain we can be sure that our God has gone before us eliminating chance.

Blessings...as you boldly live a CHANCE ELIMINATED life in Christ!

    ©2011 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, OR 97224

CHANCE ELIMINATED

3/22/2011

 

ULTIMATE GREEN

3/17/2011

 
                                                           March 17, 2011
Picture


ULTIMATE GREEN

St. Patrick's Day brings the green out in everybody.  Green - the color of growth and sometimes used to describe envy. The green Shamrock is displayed and we wear green to celebrate this Irish holiday - on this day we are surrounded with green. 

According to Wikipedia, it is a widespread interpretation that Saint Patrick was an active missionary in Ireland during the second half of the 5th century - the exact year is disputed.  This Patron Saint of Ireland is celebrated each year on the day of his death, March 17th.

Interestingly and according to St. Patrick,  the three-leafed Shamrock was used to symbolize the holy trinity representing the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  As a symbol of the "Three-In-One" it reminds us that the Creator desires our fellowship, our Savior died to make it possible and we are spurred on and growing into Christ's likeness by the power of the Holy Spirit, our Counselor!God's holy presence in us - ULTIMATE GREEN!  

“The greatest miracle God can do today is take an unholy man out of an unholy world, make that man holy, then put him back into that unholy world and keep him holy in it.”  Leonard Ravenhill (1907–1994), a British evangelist  

The psalmist David marveled at the holiness of God's presence exclaiming ...   

"Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there."  Psalm 139:7-8  

As the oohs and aahs of the Shamrock resound, God's holiness softly whispers, "I'm here!"

Blessings...as you experience ULTIMATE GREEN today - God's holy presence!

                  ©2011 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, OR 97224  

ULTIMATE INTEGRITY

3/15/2011

 

This writing is in memory and honor of the lives lost due to the recent  earthquake in Japan.
  

With the massive earthquake striking Japan followed by the devastating tsunami and the compromised integrity of the nuclear power plants there, we are once again made aware of the ultimate power of nature.  The reports of vast loss are many while heart-warming stories of miracles and protection are yet to be heard. To cover disasters like these, it takes extreme care on the part of news reporters, national leaders and those in authority as they provide pertinent information for positive recovery with ULTIMATE INTEGRITY to the Japanese nation and to the world.  

ULTIMATE INTEGRITY requires truthfully saying what needs to be said rather than what we would like to say. It also carries with it the responsibility to do what we need to do instead of what we may want to do. These inward struggles can cause great conflict especially in a crisis.   Integrity is the part of our character that pushes us toward the "need" side causing us to speak truth in the face of danger.

The Bible offers a look at ULTIMATE INTEGRITY telling about evangelists Paul and Silas being in prison when a devastating earthquake hit their region!  Here is the account:
 
Along about midnight, Paul and Silas were at prayer and singing a robust hymn to God. The other prisoners couldn't believe their ears. Then, without warning, a huge earthquake! The jailhouse tottered, every door flew open, all the prisoners were loose.   Startled from sleep, the jailer saw all the doors swinging loose on their hinges. Assuming that all the prisoners had escaped, he pulled out his sword and was about to do himself in, figuring he was as good as dead anyway, when Paul stopped him: "Don't do that! We're all still here! Nobody has run away!"  

The jailer got a torch and ran inside. Badly shaken, he collapsed in front of Paul and Silas. He led them out of the jail and asked, "Sirs, what do I have to do to be saved, to really live?" They said, "Put your entire trust in the Master Jesus. Then you'll live as you were meant to live—and everyone in your house included!" Acts 16:25-31 The Message

This earthquake - strong enough to actually knock the chains off of all the prisoners - provided a way of escape.  But due to Paul's ULTIMATE INTEGRITY he saw to it that all those who were imprisoned with him remained in the prison where they had been cruelly placed.  Was it for the sake of the prison guard who would have faced a death sentence from his country had they escaped or who may have put himself to death over it?  Perhaps, but certainly it was for the sake of the Gospel of Christ. They chose to do what was right over that which was expedient which left the guard in awe and wonder.  The earthquake not only opened the prisoner's chains but it also opened the guard's heart.  

Will ULTIMATE INTEGRITY win out in your life today?  I pray that it will in both yours and mine.  

Blessings . . . as we become the hands and feet of Christ to a world lost in the earthquakes of life.
                  

 
©2011 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, OR 97224

ULTIMATE FOCUS

3/10/2011

 
The tasks life require a stayed and steady focus. They sometimes demand a high level of ingenuity and unthwarted boldness (see today's attachment).   

You will probably agree that the fireman in this picture displayed ULTIMATE FOCUS!  Although I wouldn't want to call the driver of the parked car any names (as in the photo caption), he or she certainly lacked focus (and patience) when choosing a parking place. On the other hand, if I were the person whose house was on fire, being in the hands of this fireman with his git 'r done attitude would be much appreciated!   

If there is one thing that a sportmom does well it is getting it done when it needs to be done!  They know all the game and practice times, have the gear ready when needed, update and communicate the family schedule and juggle all of this often for more than one child plus perhaps a husband who coaches to boot -  maybe she even coaches herself!  Whew! Nevertheless, they use all of the ingenuity they can muster and with amazing ULTIMATE FOCUS they git 'r done!
 
As March rolls around I always witness an intense, jaw-set, eyes-narrowed gaze on my husband's face. This ULTIMATE FOCUS says it is time for the State Basketball Tournament.  It reminds me of horses at a racetrack waiting for the gates to open ready for the release when they will take off with unbridled freedom... unstoppable intensity . . . unwavering spirit , and with  ULTIMATE FOCUS.  

The Christan life requires this same level of focus. One of Christ's disciples named Peter experienced the power of ULTIMATE FOCUS when Jesus asked him to walk across the water to him.  Peter fixed his eyes on his Master and was skimming trustingly across the waves when he got scared and took his eyes off of the power source and began to sink.    

But when he saw the strength of the wind, he was afraid.  And beginning to sink he cried out, "Lord, save me!"  Matthew 14:30  

We can be sure of what life will bring when our ULTIMATE FOCUS remains on Jesus, our Savior - when our trust is nestled safely in the hands of our mighty God.  

Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.   Philippians 1:6 NIV  

Blessings...as you target the important parts of the Christian walk with ULTIMATE FOCUS!  

CLICK ON THE "BEHIND THE BENCH" BLOG for Coach's comment on ULTIMATE FOCUS.                    

©2011 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, OR 97224

ULTIMATE FOCUS

3/10/2011

 
The tasks life require a stayed and steady focus. They sometimes demand a high level of ingenuity and unthwarted boldness as can be seen in today's attachment.   

You will probably agree that the fireman in this picture displayed ULTIMATE FOCUS!  Although I wouldn't want to call the driver of the parked car any names (as in captioned photo), he or she certainly lacked focus (and patience) when choosing a parking place. On the other hand, if I were the person whose house was on fire, being in the hands of this fireman with his git 'r done attitude would be much appreciated!   

If there is one thing that a sportmom does well it is getting it done when it needs to be done!  They know all the game and practice times, have the gear ready when needed, update and communicate the family schedule and juggle all of this often for more than one child plus for a husband who coaches to boot -  maybe she even coaches herself!  Whew! Nevertheless, they use all of the ingenuity they can muster and with amazing ULTIMATE FOCUS they git 'r done! 

As March rolls around I always witness an intense, jaw-set, eyes-narrowed gaze on my husband's face. This ULTIMATE FOCUS says it is time for the State Basketball Tournament.  It reminds me of horses at a racetrack waiting for the gates to open ready for the release when they will take off with unbridled freedom... unstoppable intensity . . . unwavering spirit , and with  ULTIMATE FOCUS.
 
The Christan life requires this same level of focus. One of Christ's disciples named Peter experienced the power of ULTIMATE FOCUS when Jesus asked him to walk across the water to him.  Peter fixed his eyes on his Master and was skimming trustingly across the waves when he got scared and took his eyes off of the power source and began to sink.    

But when he saw the strength of the wind, he was afraid.  And beginning to sink he cried out, "Lord, save me!"
  Matthew 14:30  

We can be sure of what life will bring when our ULTIMATE FOCUS remains on Jesus, our Savior - when our trust is nestled safely in the hands of our mighty God.  

"Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."   Philippians 1:6 NIV  

Blessings...as you target the important parts of the Christian walk with ULTIMATE FOCUS!  

CLICK ON THE "BEHIND THE BENCH" BLOG above for Coach's comment on ULTIMATE FOCUS.
                    

©2011 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, OR 97224

ULTIMATE GRATITUDE

3/8/2011

 
The next few issues of SPORTMOM E-votionals are a mini-series called "ULTIMATE" with this first one fittingly titled ULTIMATE GRATITUDE!  My husband's basketball team just won another State Championship.  His team represents a fledgling Christian high school that is 5 years old and has been in organized sport competition for 4 of those years playing 2 levels above their size.  The first two years they were 2nd in State and the last two have brought home the State Championship trophy!  That calls for ULTIMATE GRATITUDE!  

As the pinnacles of life unfold, a stronger and deeper gratefulness takes root. Pondering this process a question came to mind:  Am I grateful "for" or grateful "that" ?  The answer is both!  I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to play at the highest level of competition offered . . . and  grateful that we played to the best of our ability-at the top of our game and beyond.  The win?  It was an amazing and stunning gift  that we quietly and confidently hoped for and is now a cherished memory for which we are eternally grateful. As an old French proverbs says "Gratitude is the heart's memory."  

Sometimes gratitude comes easily and sometimes it is difficult to muster.  For instance, when the result of a game is loss it takes some work to allow gratitude to surface cleansing us from our pity party.  Gratitude will come and with it new opportunities and amazing experiences. This process may take us by surprise just as it did for Benjamin Disraeli when he playfully wrote: "I feel a very unusual sensation - if it is not indigestion, I think it must be gratitude."   

The ultimate experience of gratitude comes when we experience God's forgiveness of our sin and shortcomings.  It's in asking for our sin to be covered by His merciful grace that our hearts are ready to be deeply grateful. As we live in his plan our gratitude aptitude will deepen.  

"Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with gratefulness."  Colosisans 2:7 

PRAYER FOR GRATITUDE: Father God, You have graciously given me all that I am and all that I have but for one more thing I ask - a humbly grateful heart. In Jesus Name, Amen.   

Blessings . . . as ULTIMATE GRATITUDE makes it's home in your heart.  

Click on Janet's BEHIND THE BENCH BLOG at the tab above for more on life at State Finals and our State Championship journey.                    

©2011 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, OR 97224
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    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.


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