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I AM...I WILL

3/25/2020

 
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One of the most precious memories from my childhood is the sweet whisper “I’m here” from my mother or father during times of fear or injury.  Being there was their job and my comfort.  Leaning into their strength, I depended upon their assistance and  needed their support.
Today it is my Heavenly Father’s sweet “I’M HERE” whisper that brings this comfort...
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...do not fear, for I am with you,  do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you,  I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10 NLT

Within His sweet whisper are these comforting messages:
My power abides in you!  My assistance is ever with you!  My encouragement will enable you!


PRAYER:  My ear is turned toward you, Father, for you are the great I AM and my comfort is found in you.  I open my heart to your power, your assistance and your encouragement.  Thank you for your sweet and comforting whispers!  In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

                                       THE GREAT “I AM”... IS HERE FOR YOU!

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

SMILE?

3/18/2020

 
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When our children came to us crying about a scratched leg or a mean playmate their sad faces always pulled at my heartstrings.  Often their Daddy would rescue the situation with a tickle.  It would only take a moment until their sad, tear-filled face would turn to a giggle along with a SMILE.

These days I find myself in need of that same sweet tickle. This old Jimmy Durante song comes to mind as, with a sad face, I contemplate our country’s current challenges...


                         SMILE, though your heart is aching - SMILE, even though it’s breaking...                                                                          When there are clouds in sky ...you’ll get by.
                             If you SMILE through your fears and sorrow and maybe tomorrow...                                                                            You’ll see the sun come shining through - for you.
                              Light up your face with gladness - hide every trace of sadness                                                                                          Although a tear may be ever so near.
                       That’s the time you must keep on trying - SMILE, what’s the use of crying                                                             You’ll find that life  is still worthwhile.....if you just SMILE.


                                    (click here to listen https://youtu.be/MX5mVBjZe6I )

Although this tune brings a quick and tickling SMILE to my face, even more precious is what God’s Word says to me...Why are you down in the dumps, dear soul? Why are you crying the blues? I will fix my eyes on God— soon I’ll be praising again. For He puts a SMILE on my face. He’s my God.  Psalm 42:5 The Message

Not only is God the author of my SMILE, but His response seems to bring a SMILE to His face...You make him glad when you smile. Psalm 21:6 The Message

Let God’s SMILE be on you today...May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. Numbers 6:25 NLT
                                         REMEMBER: SMILES ARE CONTAGIOUS TOO!
©2020 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 1514 Segovia Circle – Vero Beach, FL 32966

OUT HERE

3/11/2020

 
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We are now facing serious current and shared challenges as wars surround us...there are the battles during our Presidential election process, the war on drugs remains serious and the fight against COVID19 fills our newscasts.   Rumors fly while faction’s battle, substance abuse is rampant, space between humans is being encouraged, self protection is foremost, pressures of our financial future loom and our knowledge of what to do next is limited.   We are definitely OUT HERE choosing the path that seems most appropriate.  Will we choose what is right? Will it be enough?  Will we be protected?  Big question - what is the unseen purpose behind these challenges?
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The answers to these questions and many more may seem hidden...but they are known to our mighty God. With loving care His word speaks to us...

THE PRESENT BATTLES:  And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars; see that you are not alarmed; for this must take place, but the end is not yet. Matthew 24:6 NRSV

THE PRESSURE:   Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be content with what you have; for he has said, “I will never leave you or forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5 NRSV

THE PREPARATION:  But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect... I Peter 3:15 NIV

THE PURPOSE:  For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.  Isaiah 55:9 NRSV
 

THE PROTECTION:   Protect me, O God, for in you I take refuge. Psalm 16:1 NRSV

THE PROMISES:  His huge outstretched arms protect you— under them you’re perfectly safe; his arms fend off all harm. God’s your refuge (and) He orders his angels to guard you ... (from Psalm 91:1-13 The Message)
 
The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name.  Psalm 91:14

THE PRAYER:  “God, you’re my refuge. I trust in you and I’m safe!” Psalm 91 TM

                                             JUST BE OUT THERE TRUSTING GOD!


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

TO ABIDE - ALLOW GOD TO GUIDE

3/4/2020

 
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First Wednesday Focus is on our word for 2020 - ABIDE.

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5 NRSV

​Guidance is an interesting subject.  Giving it can be much easier than receiving it.  In my career as an Executive Administrator the process of giving guidance was a never-ending task.  On the other hand, receiving guidance could be challenging.  The temptation was to take it as simply pointing out a personal weakness, a failure of some sort or dismissing it as a lack of the givers understanding of my intentions. In light of this it was easy to reject the guidance that was being offered.  Thankfully, I would quickly make the choice to accept it as for my benefit discovering that it was laced with useful directives and an abundance of encouragement.  Guidance spurred me on to valuable growth and development...but I had to ALLOW the guidance in order to experience it.

God guides in many ways. He provides leaders to guide us (Genesis 33:15). He provides nature to guide us - a cloud  and fire (Exodus 13:21).  He provides a father’s good advice and a mother’s teachings to guide us (Proverbs 6:20).  His Word is our steady guide.

GOD GUIDES BY WATCHING OVER US: I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go: I will guide you with my eye.
Psalm 32:8

GOD GUIDES LOVINGLY: In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling.  Exodus 13:15 NIV

GOD GUIDES US ALWAYS: The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. Isaiah 58:11

Allowing God’s guidance requires choosing to serve Him on His terms not ours.  He wants to encourage us and spur us on to all that He intends for us to be and do. This choice enables His plan to unfold before us rather than in spite of us.  Left to our own devices we may reject or not recognize it.  As we ABIDE in Him by allowing His guidance, His loving presence permeates our lives.
                                               GOD WILL GUIDE AS WE ABIDE!


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