Blog Archives

RIPPLES IN LIFE

3/27/2019

The glassy stillness of a pond can be disturbed by a flying rock or falling tree. Although the picture changes it carries with it astounding beauty. The perfectly round ripples form and make their way to the shore becoming less and less and soon the pond returns to the peaceful mirror image of the surrounding trees and sky

Through the disturbances of life, we can watch for the perfectly formed ripples that form as a result of them. As we pray through them, we look for the lessons learned and take hold of the assurance that this too will pass.

Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live. I Thessalonians 5:16-18 The Message

There will be ripples of hope dancing in the sunlight of God’s love as we respond to our RIPPLES IN LIFE as God’s perfect plan for our lives.

We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 NRSV

This poem about was penned by my 92-year-old mother as her March 2019 poem-of-the-month...
RIPPLES
Ripples in the sunlight sparkle up the shore Of the muddy river, swollen by rains galore.
Refreshing, pleasant view for the passers-by...

Those splashing drops of water enhanced by sunny sky.
Think about God’s Son-shine rippling through our hearts. Pointing up to heaven...the Source where glory starts. ... DelRe..
.
OUR RIPPLES IN LIFE ARE GOD’S SPARKLING GEMS!

©2019 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 1514 Segovia Circle – Vero Beach, FL 32966

POWER DOWN

3/20/2019

Learning to drive a “stick shift” car was difficult. It involved the motion of both feet and both hands in order even get going. Then it required shifting to higher gears in order to run smoothly down the road. Speeding along was great but when a steep grade approached it was time to gear down allowing more control of the vehicle.

When we come to the “steep grades” of life we need more power infused and less speedy activity.

Running from his enemy, the prophet Elijah strove hard to get away encountering wind, rain, and fire. But God was not in the wind, rain or fire. Then came the still small voice of God saying, “Why are you here...POWER DOWN and know me!” (See I Kings 19:9-13)

Jesus invites us to stop our constant striving and abide in Him...to power ourselves down in stillness before Him.

“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46.10

The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:14
He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. Mark 4:39 NIV

Just as Jesus called the churning sea to be still, He calls out to us, “Quiet, be still before me.” We can POWER DOWN in undistracted stillness by putting our winds and waves in His hands.

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him... Psalm 37:7a NIV

PRAYER: Today I choose to exchange my constant striving for undistracted stillness before you, Lord. Quietly and confidently I POWER DOWN, for I know you are my source and deliverer. It is in your Son's name I pray, Amen.

ALLOW GOD’S POWER TO INVADE YOUR STILLNESS!

©2019 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 1514 Segovia Circle – Vero Beach, FL 32966

FAILURE ERASED!

3/13/2019

Have you ever had a failed attempt at something and felt like giving up? I have. ..many times!

One very impacting experience was learning to snow ski when I was 32 years old. Part of the process included multiple falls even on the easy Jack and Jill- type runs. There were times when I was convinced that becoming a confident, upright skier like those swooshing past me would never happen. Not only did I feel defeated but every muscle in my body screamed by the end of the day.

On the third day of grueling failures and after completing the beginner’s skiing class, someone on the hill was once again helping me up. The simple directive given to me by this person was this: When you begin to fall, go with it…then get your skis under you again and go again. I learned a lesson that day, the sooner I was unafraid of failure the less falls I would take. Great advice and it worked!

Following a game or competition, coaches spend hours “reviewing tape”. Often the players are also shown clips of game plays that were outstanding as well as those that need some work. The successful plays are exhilarating and enjoyable to review. But it is the failed attempts that become teaching tools and motivation for future success.

"It's fine to celebrate success but it is more important to heed the lessons of failure." Bill Gates

As followers of Christ, we bear His name even in our failed attempts. He will pick us up and teach us how to handle life struggles. ERASING FAILURE is His goal. . .

…God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5 NIV

Our response must be to learn through failure. When we are face down on the hills of life, remember to go with the fall for in the end our Savior is there to pick us up. He sends us forward in life with new understanding, new motivation, new confidence...FAILURE ERASED!

ERASED FAILURES ARE GEMS IN THE CROWN OF LIFE!

©2019 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 1514 Segovia Circle – Vero Beach, FL 32966

SHINE...IN THE DARKNESS

3/6/2019

Sometimes things happen that clearly reveal the darkness around us. We recently had such an experience.

With 2 big screen T.V.s missing after our household goods were transported, we contacted the moving company. The report of our concern was not well-received. Throughout 4 phone conversations they hung up on us, denied any responsibility, engaged in extreme efforts to intimidate us, and attacked our character with brutal and accusatory lies...a classic case of good versus evil.

How should we, as Christ-followers, respond to such treatment? We went through the gamut of "what- to-do-now" human responses. However, as we prayed it through, our verse for the year became real...

For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:6 NLT

We had lit up a very dark place with the truth. It was not received. We knew we were not to enter that darkness. With a prayer for these people we have left it in God’s hands.

Friends, do not avenge yourselves; instead, leave room for His wrath. For it is written: Vengeance belongs to Me; I will repay, says the Lord. Romans 12:19

It can be very difficult to let go when we have been wronged. Knowing that our mighty God sees all and will repay is both reassuring and restful.

PRAYER: Thank you for being our forever advocate as we walk through the darkness of this world. Please help us to shine for you even in the darkest places. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.
SHINE IN THE DARKNESS!

©2019 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.

RIPPLES IN LIFE

POWER DOWN

FAILURE ERASED!

SHINE...IN THE DARKNESS

About the Author... JANET BROWN

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About the Author...
JANET BROWN