Blog Archives

ROYAL DETAILS

4/28/2011

Perhaps you have heard it said as I have, "The devil is in the details." Details have a way of derailing some of our greatest opportunities.

The Royal Wedding is just around the corner. Prince "Will" and the soon-to-be HRH "Kate" are center stage and around them swirl the details. There are television accounts galore explaining the details surrounding this momentous occasion for the Brits and many of us too! From time schedules to security issues to food preparation - all carry intricate details full of land mines that must be taken care of and negotiated through. ..but that's what they do!

Then I must decide which Royal coverage to watch. Should I tune in for the display of pagentry in real time (1:00 a.m. tomorrow morning) or DVR is to watch when I get up, or wait and watch it with friends and family later in the day? And which television station will carry the best coverage or should I go on line to watch . . . oh the royal details!

Battling through the unavoidable details of life is also a daunting task. These words from our Prince of Peace have consistently kept me from getting lost in the otherwise derailing and defeating details . . .

"The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." John 10:10 KJV

So is the devil really in the details? Not if we abide in the words of our Prince of Peace . . . because He is IN every detail of our lives. Recently our daughter penned these words of testimony that capture this simple truth ...

"My God will work out all the details. That's what He does."

PRAYER: Today, Lord, I leave all of the details that seem to derail me in your hands knowing that you are there to handle them. Thank you, In Jesus Name, Amen.

Now we can say with confidence, "God began doing a good work in me, and I am sure he will continue it until it is finished ..." (from Philippians 1:6 NCV)

Blessings . . . as you allow the Prince of Peace to live in your details.

For Coach's DERAILED DETAILS click on the BEHIND THE BENCH BLOG tab above.

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

ABOUT THE "RISE"

4/21/2011

ABOUT THE "RISE"

Radical ... the elimination of eternal death.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish by have eternal life.   John 3:16 NIV

Intense ... a strenuous, emotional & God-designed plan to show His great love for us.

Jesus said, 'It is finished' ...with that he bowed His head and gave up his spirit.   John 19:30b NIV

Sin ... separating us from God, our Creator.

For the wages of sin is death . . . Romans 6:23a NIV

Eternal Life ... offering us a forever relationship with God.

...but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Romans 6:23b

It's all about the "RISE". It's about Christ's death on the cross conquering all sin. It's about His leaving the tomb forever conquering death. It's about offering us unhindered and unending communion with the One who made us.

(Click above on the BEHIND THE BENCH BLOG tab for some fascinating information about the RISE.)

Blessings . . . as you RISE UP in celebration!

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

BLOOD, SWEAT & CHEERS

4/19/2011

Track and Easter have something in common - they both contain a race that is to be won!  The sacrificial preparation is both agonizing and exhilarating.  As well-trained athletes sweat-out a long, laborious marathon, news headlines often refer to the blood, sweat & tears they experience but the payoff is in completing the race!

This week we solemnly remember the ultimate sacrifice of our Savior.  The headlines of Christ's cruel death could have read BLOOD-SWEAT & TEARS as in anguish He cried out . . .

"Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but Yours be done."...and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.   Luke 22:42& 44b NIV

              CHRIST'S FINAL RACE WAS LOT ON THE CROSS -
              BUT IT WAS WON AT THE TOMB .. . HALLELUJAH!

Because Christ conquered death in our place, the headlines read BLOOD, SWEAT & CHEERS!!!!

We are in the race of life . . . a race that brings us not only through blood and sweat but also to cheers as we run life's marathon with Christ!  Although it can be sress-filled, it is also exhilarating and promises the pay-off of profound purpose and eternal joy.

"... let us run with endurance the race God has set before us." Hebrews 12:3 NLT

Blessings...may the race set before you bring cheers of joy.

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

PLANTINGS

4/14/2011

Along with Spring sports come new plantings of multi-colored annuals around our home! One of my favorites is a combination of alyssum and red begonias! Although I don't often plant from seed, the tender little starts from our local nursery take root in the warming earth of the flower beds. We water them, cultivate the soil around them and watch as they flourish into a snow white carpet with bold red focal points. What amazing beauty comes from the tiny little seeds and oh the joy of planting!

It is a known fact that a seed kept in tact can lay dormant for long periods of time and still maintain it's ability to produce. When provided with a nurturing environment of rich soil, sun-filled days and spring showers it too can flourish. But a seed that has been "disturbed" whether very old or freshly new can bring no fruit or flower.  CLICK HERE for another seed story.

Seeds are also used for things other than planting. Artwork and crafts of all kinds include seeds of various sizes, shapes and color fostering texture and originality . Coach uses sunflower seeds to keep him awake when he drives long distances. Popping them into his mouth, he cracks open the salt-soaked shell to release the sweet seed inside. This activity plants alertness within him...yet another kind of "planting"!

When sport competitions, tournaments, meets, matches etc. are planned, certain successful teams are "seeded" in opposing brackets to ensure that the competition is balanced. Much like planting seeds in the ground to flourish and grow, this seeding process brings about the opportunity for best results, flourishing competition, and beautiful growth in the participating athletes.

Just as we take pleasure in planting seeds that produce flowers and fruit, God takes joy in His children and calls us His "PLANTINGS". He promises us long life, satisfaction, safety, along with heard and answered prayer...

For my people will be as long-lived as trees, my chosen ones will have satisfaction in their work. They won't work and have nothing come of it, they won't have children snatched out from under them. For they themselves are PLANTINGS blessed by God, with their children and grandchildren likewise God-blessed. Before they call out, I'll answer. Before they've finished speaking, I'll have heard. Isaiah 65.17 The Message

As God's plantings, we grow into sturdy trees. Trees that withstand the wind of change as it strengthens our branches. Trees that thrive on the pounding rains nurturing beautiful green leaves of growth in God's Word. And trees that rest gracefully in the hot sunshine of noon-day knowing that the shade of protection will be there for all who are nearby.

They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of His splendor. Isaiah 61:3b NIV

                                  GREATNESS IS THE SEED PLANTED IN OUR DAILY DOING.

Blessings...as you display God's splendor today!

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

PEER FREE

4/12/2011

PEER FREE
Those of our same age or with another connectivity to us are referred to as our PEERS. Peers share something in common and live in a shared world of one sort or another. Peer relationships can be very satisfying  when filled with encouragement and recognition. Peers can also put un-invited pressure on us to do or be something that is outside of our intentions making us long to be PEER FREE.

It seems, however, that the older we get the less influenced we are by our peer group.

There's one advantage to being 102. There's no peer pressure." Dennis Wolfberg

As sportmoms, we definitely operate in a world full of influencers. Peers of our athlete children challenge each other, compete with one another and often sit in judgment as to the outcome of another's desperate attempts at not only sport but life. Their peers quickly tell them what they are not so good at doing as well as what they should be doing.

"Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do." John Wooden

The desire for acceptance by gaining the approval of those around us is one of the strongest drives in human experience.  It is unique to mankind as we relate to one another. Because of this, we may find ourselves transferring this great need onto our image of God.  With fleeting thoughts like, "He must prove Himself to me" (as if we were His peer), or " I love Him because He gave me something (like a win??!!) we place ourselves a non-existent peer group with God.

BUT our God cannot be measured by time or judged by performance - He is totally PEER FREE!

For this is what the Lord say, the One who created the sky...formed the earth...and established it...to be inhabited, "I am the Lord, I have no peer." Isaiah 45:18 (portions)

This "no proof necessary" statement by God Himself as recorded by Isaiah places Him above and beyond our judgment. Our "what you should or shouldn't be doing" attitudes toward Him don't throw Him off track. "No Peer" freedom is where our God abides.  The universe is His to command for He is the beginning of all and the end of all.

"I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. I am ... the beginning and the end, the first and the last." Revelation 1:8 & 13 KJV

Blessings...as you bow in worship before your Peer Free God.

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

DIMINISHING DO-OVERS

4/7/2011

DIMINISHING DO-OVERS

There have been more than a few times that the after-game replay in the mind of Coach brought a deep desire for DO-OVERS. Whether it was a strategic decision or a momentary disconnect, the result was not what was needed or expected. When this happens, he spends countless hours pondering new strategies that are sure to eliminate the problem . Most often the end result of this long night is, "I need to stick to the basics."

Coach Joe Gibbs echoes this same conclusion . . .

"Maybe instead of trying to come up with better ways of doing things, we'd save time by just not having to relearn things we know that already work."

In the game of life, how often do we find ourselves repeating the same mistakes? Mistakes that erode our efficiency and attitude but keep re-appearing and hold us prisoners to the "I-want-a-DO-OVER" complex.

Always remember what you have been taught, and don't let go of it. Keep all that you have learned; it is the most important thing in life. Proverbs 4:13 NCV

Keeping a strong hold on what we know to be true and right will avoid a vast amount of stumbling. God's Word is the foundation for this kind of living and the basics are found in the Ten Commandments. Click on the "BEHIND THE BENCH" tab above for a TEXTING version of these - very fun!

A recent comment on Facebook caught my eye. It was in response to a simple scripture that had been posted and reflects how we sometimes view the directives God has given us. The entry began with, "I beg to differ . . ." Differ with God's Word? At it's base, this entry showed a search for truth. It is in the acceptance and application of God's Word that our need for DO-OVERS are changed into lives of overcomers.

God's principles are the foundation for the "NO DO-OVER" lifestyle. Practicing them avoids a life filled with regrets and allows us to move forward as He intends with memories of doing our best.

Blessings...as your DO-OVERS diminish in the light of God's Word - the basics.

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

WHAT TO DO?

4/5/2011

The age-old question of WHAT TO DO? plagues each of us from time to time. The "if" attached to it begs a decision. Which direction do we turn to provide the desired outcome?

Our oldest child was now a licensed driver and the time had come for her to make a 20-mile trek of freeway driving to coach's school to meet us - solo! One point in this journey required a freeway interchange involving an overpass. Going over meant heading toward the destination while going under led away from it. Over - under??? WHAT TO DO?

Being a new driver she consulted with Coach who advised her to "go under" instead of "go over" which she did ending up in the opposite direction of the school. With no cell phones or GPS equipment to guide her and after a half hour of not seeing the town or street listed on the freeway signs, she finally stopped to ask for directions. She arrived at her desired destination an hour late and to a set of very concerned parents who were also asking the question WHAT TO DO?!

We may pretend to know the way while we ponder the WHAT TO DO? question. This lack of clarity usually gives in to whatever instinct prevails.

"Acting was a way out at first. A way out of not knowing what to do." Harrison Ford

As a sportmom, I have witnessed games in which the WHAT TO DO? question has resulted in goals made for an opponent. It is a frustrating experience for everyone - spectator, parent, coach and team member. It can also be amusing - especially to the opposing team.

The embarrassment and ultimate impact that results from a wrong-turn decision can be pivotal to a driver, a player and for us as we approach the WHAT TO DO? junctures in life.

Pilate, governor or the Roman Empire and the procurator at Jesus' trial, faced the WHAT TO DO? question. He asked ...

“What should I do with Jesus, the one called the Christ?” Matthew 27:22

Then, after much travail, he gave in to the people's will to crucify Jesus even though his heart seemed to tell him otherwise.

...he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. “I am innocent of this man’s blood,” he said. “It is your responsibility!” Matthew 27:24 NIV

This same WHAT TO DO? question is ours to make regarding Jesus, the Christ. We can choose to be His followers or we can reject Him and head down another path. Which will lead us to our desired destination?

As the Easter season approaches, I am once again reminded of my answer to the lingering question WHAT TO DO? with Jesus? It remains: I believe that He is the Son of God who died in my place and for my sin, who rose from the dead and lives with His Father in heaven preparing a place for me...my desired outcome!

"My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place foryou? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am." John 14:2 & 3

Blessings . . . as you live out the WHAT TO DO? question of Jesus.

©2011 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.