Blog Archives

IT'S A HOME RUN!

4/29/2014

The urge to get home when something frightening happens is a natural response. We run as fast as we can to the safety, warmth and love of our home…an ever-cherished HOME RUN!

Young baseball players dream of the day they hit their first “homer”. After many nearly perfect tries and with a few needed adjustments made, at a crack of the bat the player sprints past first, flies by second, passes third and finally reaches the safety of home base. The crowd roars while the umpire shouts, “SAFE!” Pure joy clutches the heart of that player…a HOME RUN never to be forgotten.

Recently this little story came across my desk:

After the christening of his baby brother in church, Jason sobbed all the way home in the back seat of the car. His father asked him three times what was wrong.

Finally, the boy replied, "That preacher said he wanted us brought up in a Christian home, and (sniff, sniff) I want to stay with you guys."

As humorous as this little story is, it evokes some pondering. Do my children understand the meaning of a “Christian home”? If so, do they feel like they live in one? These serious questions often lead to needed adjustments that can mean an amazing HOME RUN for a family.

…do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.
Deuteronomy 4:9 NIV (portions)

As believers in Christ, the family of God is our forever home…a safe, warm and loving place to be.

This kingdom of faith is now your home country. You’re no longer strangers or outsiders. You belong here, with as much right to the name Christian as anyone.
Ephesians 2:19 The Message

REMAINING IN CHRIST LEADS TO THE BEST HOME RUN EVER!

©2014 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, OR 97224

TO PROP OR NOT

4/25/2014

Helping one another out is one of the great pleasures of life. It brings assistance to those in need and joy to the heart of the one who offers it.

There are always critical moves of assistance before a great touchdown, an awesome basket, a completed kick for a goal, making the winning point or finishing a race in record-breaking time. Athletes are spurred on by coaches who help them prepare and by fellow team members who challenge and assist. TO PROP for strong outcomes is a good thing.

Propping up those in need reflects the mercy-filled character of God. In return there is often a broad smile of thanks from them. But it is the affirming smile of God that fills up our hearts…

“Mercy to the needy is a loan to God, who pays back those loans in full.” Proverbs 19:17 The Message

When to PROP NOT is another matter. Rescuing others can be ill-fated, dangerous and downright fruitless. Unwanted or un-needed assistance may inhibit the spiritual, mental, emotional and physical growth of another. Beware, choosing not to prop may result in temporary outbursts of anger from the one who is not helped…

Let angry people endure the backlash of their own anger; if you try to make it better, you’ll only make it worse. Proverbs 19:19 The Message

Controlling the urge TO PROP can promote great strength and productivity in someone who tends to unnecessarily lean on those around them. As they weather the great storms of life fertile grounds of strength are plowed within them which, in turn, produce the fruit of Christ-like character.

...in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.        Romans 8:37 NIV

PRAYER OF COMMITMENT: Lord, today I ask for wisdom to know when TO PROP and when to NOT. Thank you for those who have shown your merciful kindness to me. Thank you, too, for building your character in me when I was NOT PROPPED by others during the unwanted storms of life. In Jesus Name, Amen.

                      To prop up another when they cannot move is pure valor -
                 To prop up another when they choose not move is mere Velcro.  ~unknown

©2013 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, OR 97224

in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

GLORY BE...

4/22/2014

When something came as a happy or unexpected surprise to my grandparents, the expression “GLORY BE” was often their response. Today our expression might be ‘amazing’ or ‘so cool’. Whatever the generational words used, they communicate a moment of awe.

There are always GLORY BE moments in the lives of sportmoms. It can happen when our athlete surprises us by competing at a higher level than we expect! It can also happen when a long-time goal is finally achieved. This awe-filled response comes from witnessing something splendid…a job well done evoking a measure of heavenly bliss.

Shouts of “GLORY BE” moments are recorded throughout scripture. In one form or another they echo in the pages of His Word, leap from the tongues of His people and nestle into the hearts of all who choose to honor Him. Here are a few examples…

As God’s messengers, others will respond with a GLORY BE when we share the news of His presence… ”Shout the news of his victory from sea to sea, Take the news of his glory to the lost, News of his wonders to one and all!” Psalm 96:2-3 TM

As followers of Christ, we will experience an eternal GLORY BE as we grow in Him…  “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Glory be to him now and forever! Amen.” 2 Peter 3:18 NCV

As a nation, we will collectively express a GLORY BE when we acknowledge and follow God’s ways…
“Surely His salvation is near to those who fear him, so our land will be filled with his glory.” Psalm 85:9 NLT

As children of God, we will stand in awe with shouts of GLORY BE when Christ returns… “And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory”  Luke 21:27 KJV

                              ALWAYS GLORY IN THE “ONE” WHO IS GLORIOUS!

©2014 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, OR 97224

EASTER PARADE - CLOSING CEREMONY

4/18/2014

An end to any event is a ceremonial “finish”. Our kids go to school, do well, bring home high marks, and we receive two things: the satisfaction of a job well-done and a bumper sticker that says “MY CHILD IS AN HONOR STUDENT at .... SCHOOL”. The year is over but the impact of it continues in the life of our child and the sticker remains on the bumper of our car.

Culminating a season of sport competition is the much-sought-after championship play-off. The CLOSING CEREMONY of this event is the presentation of trophies to the top players and winning teams. Although the season is finished, this lifetime experience spurs many athletes on to greater life accomplishments.

The event we celebrate this weekend, Jesus’ resurrection, was the most amazing CLOSING CEREMONY ever! It began with a parade of followers who monitored the tomb of their leader and Lord…

After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. Matthew 28.1

Next the tomb turned up empty and Jesus appeared to his parade of disciples telling them what to do next…

Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. Mathew 28:16

There Jesus gave His final earthly directives to these chosen followers. His EASTER PARADE here on earth was over - the race was finished, the purpose was fulfilled.

When the Lord Jesus had finished talking with them, He was taken up into heaven… Mark 16:19

The EASTER PARADE with Jesus’ earthly presence came to an end, but it continues today in the halls of heaven and in the hearts of mankind. The exclamation point of the CLOSING CEREMONY is marked by the parade of believers that stream into the gates of heaven and into the arms of their Savior today.

Although our kids may become honor students with good grades and the sought-after bumper sticker to go with it, this bumper sticker is on the back of the last float in the etermal EASTER PARADE…

"My kid saved your honor student." – God

©2014 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, OR 97224

EASTER PARADE - ACCUSING CROWDS

4/15/2014

It is no fun to be accused of something we didn’t do. With DNA testing available today many prisoners are being set free as we discover a ‘no match’ with the crime scene evidence. But how do we set the broken heart of a sobbing child free whose older siblings place the blame on him/her for something they themselves did? Parades of ACCUSING CROWDS can alter a life.

One of the most dangerous mind-sets for sport participants is to push the blame for a loss onto people or circumstances...playing the proverbial "blame-game". This habit can foster a lack of motivation in the heart of the accused. Blaming is the first step to an accusatory lifestyle – one that has no value in the development of a strong and effective athlete.

The week before Jesus's death on the cross not only brought WORSHIPING CROWDS, it also brought ultimate betrayal…

When Judas, who had betrayed him, realized that Jesus had been condemned to die, he was filled with remorse. So he took the thirty pieces of silver back to the leading priests and the elders. 4 “I have sinned,” he declared, “for I have betrayed an innocent man.” Matthew 27:3-4 NLT

This sin-filled betrayal by one man led to an ACCUSING CROWD of religious leaders…

Now Jesus was standing before Pilate, the Roman governor. “Are you the king of the Jews?” the governor asked him. Jesus replied, “You have said it.” But when the leading priests and the elders made their accusations against him, Jesus remained silent. Matthew 27:11-12 NLT

As Jesus quietly stood before a sympathetic judge, an ACCUSING CROWD roared …

…“Crucify him!” “Why?” Pilate demanded. “What crime has he committed?” But the mob roared even louder, “Crucify him!” Matthew 27: 22b-23 NLT

Then came the ACCUSING CROWD of mocking soldiers who were put in charge of Jesus…

Some of the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into their headquarters and called out the entire regiment. They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him. They wove thorn branches into a crown and put it on his head, and they placed a reed stick in his right hand as a scepter. Then they knelt before him in mockery and taunted, “Hail! King of the Jews!”
Mathew 27: 27-29 NLT (portions)

It was the misplaced blame of ACCUSING CROWDS that took Jesus to Calvary’s cross but God’s purpose for the world would conquer betrayal and blame.

Have betrayal and blame come into your life? Have ACCUSING CROWDS left you broken-hearted and without purpose? God wants to continue His parade in you by using these things to bring great glory to Him and endless joy to you. Misplaced accusations do not alter God’s plan for your life.

JESUS’ HEART WAS BROKEN SO WE COULD BE SET FREE!

©2014 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, 97224

EASTER PARADE - THE MARCHING BAND

4/11/2014

Nearly every parade on main streets of cities includes a marching band. It may be a local high school band, a visiting band from far away, or a band of players especially brought together for a particular parade. They highlight the parade’s purpose by attracting the attention of those near and far. It is playing their instruments while in motion with precision that makes them a MARCHING BAND.

Like a marching band, our sport teams learn to play with precision and powerful motion. There is an artful beauty about this harmonious endeavor. During a game they purposefully move toward the goal set before them…a MARCHING BAND of players!

During Jesus’ ministry He attracted a parade of followers. Among them were the ones He asked to permanently join His entourage to be taught, challenged and mentored in the ways of God. They were a MARCHING BAND of Christ Ones …Jesus’ disciples.

It was after Christ’s resurrection that He gave “the Great Commission” to this band of disciples in the parade of followers. He charged them to move out into the main streets of their world and with one voice proclaim the Good News of God’s love just as He had done...

“God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life…” Matthew 28:18-19a The Message

As Christians, we are a called-out band of Christ Ones with these same marching orders. Because the MARCHING BAND of Jesus’ disciples precisely followed His commission, we are in God’s eternal EASTER PARADE today. We purposefully move toward the goal He has set before us knowing that we can accomplish it because of Jesus’ final promise in this charge…

“… I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:19b The Message

ANSWER JESUS’ CALL…JOIN THE BAND!

©2014 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, OR 97224

EASTER PARADE - WORSHIPING CROWDS

4/8/2014

When a team wins the Super Bowl one of the events that follows that accomplishment is a hometown parade! Fans line the parade route hoping to get a glimpse or maybe even a handshake from their favorite player. Their ardent devotion is expressed through whistles, banners, clapping and reveling excitement …a form of worship.

WORSHIPING CROWDS lined the streets of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. There was no flower-covered float, no antique car, no shiny Ferrari. This Grandest of Marshalls arrived on the back of a donkey and was welcomed with waving palm branches. The crowd cheered in support of Jesus as their promised king while they unknowingly worshipped the Savior of their souls.

They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the king of Israel!” John 12:13 NIV

Today WORSHIPING CROWDS gather regularly. With reverent love and ardent devotion we lift our songs of praise and words of adoration to God our Heavenly Father who created us and came to us as the Savior of our souls.

Spending time in worship must come from the very core of our spirits…
"God is a Spirit and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth." John 4:24

Spending time in worship expands our thoughts to places far beyond our earthly issues…
"Set your mind on things above, and not on things on the earth." Colossians 3:2

Spending time in worship aligns us with God’s plan...
"Draw near to God and He will draw near to you." James 4:8

JOIN THE EASTER PARADE DAILY – WORSHIP GOD REGULARLY!

©2014 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, OR 97224

EASTER PARADE - OPENING CEREMONY

4/4/2014

The EASTER PARADE was an annual event welcoming spring for our forefathers. Main streets across our nation were lined with on-lookers viewing the fancy, flower laden bonnets and newly fashioned clothing bedecking the women and girls. This ritual punctuated the coming of spring at Easter.

When sport teams enter a field, court or arena they often present themselves with a well-choreographed parade of sorts. Coach’s basketball team enters the court, the captain first with the ball in hand. He is followed by a line of fellow players who circle the court at the perimeter while the crowd offers a rousing applause. This ritual announces the beginning of the competition.

The real Easter Parade began at a Bethlehem manger. It included the OPENING CEREMONY of all opening ceremonies announcing the entrance of the Son of God into our world. Bright, strobe-like lights shone in the skies over a field for just a small crowd of shepherds and an announcement came via a heavenly being to open the festivity.

An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them...the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people." Luke 2:9-12 NIV

The attention-getting parade-opener was followed by the ultimate in animated fire-works displays proclaiming the parade’s beginning.

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:13-14 NIV

This grand OPENING CEREMONY of the true EASTER PARADE concluded with gift-bearing wise men from afar. They had faithfully followed a star into God’s stadium called a manger to worship the long-awaited King.

“Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” Matthew 2:2 NIV

It was the most profound OPENING CEREMONY ever for it was Jesus’ welcoming parade as our Savior. This parade-opener marked the beginning of His earthly assignment…one that would reveal God to mankind and provide a bridge between mankind and their Creator.

CONSIDER: Does your EASTER PARADE begin with an OPENING CEREMONY that celebrates the Savior’s entrance into your life parade? What will this celebration look like this year? Will it announce the joyful presence of God’s Son in your life?

THE GREATEST OPENING CEREMONY EVER- GOD'S ENTRANCE INTO THIS WORLD!

NOTE: Watch for the next issue of this 5-part EASTER PARADE series titled THE WORSHIPING CROWD.

©2014 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, OR 97224

ADORING HIS POWER

4/1/2014

The first SPORTMOM E-votional of each month we focus on our word for the year… ADORE.

April Fools day is filled with suspected jokes on unsuspecting people. One year my mother decided that she would fool us on that day by setting the clocks ahead an hour, getting us up, fed, dressed and at the door with our lunch boxes in hand before announcing, “April fool!” Then she quickly added, “Now you have an extra hour!” That April Fools day prank is powerfully etched on my mind.

Imagine someone walking up to you on this first day of April and saying, “I know someone who is very powerful and wants to be your friend. They promise to never let you down, never turn their back on you in any way, always be there for you, and always listen to whatever is on your mind no matter what!” There is a good chance that you may take it as an April Fools day offer…but wait – it’s no joke! These words are David’s testimony of God’s powerful presence through his downfalls, up times and often-frightening experiences…

Shout hallelujah...ADORE Him...He has never let you down, never looked the other way...He has been right there listening. Psalm 22:22-24 (portions)

Here is another message for us with the same theme…
Yours, O Lord, is the...power...We ADORE You as the One who is over all things. I Chronicles 29:11 NLT (portions)

“It is not the thing on which we spend the most time that moulds us, but the thing that exerts the greatest power. Five minutes with God and His Word is worth more than all the rest of the day.” Oswald Chambers

While the world finds ways to fool each other today, let's ADORE our awesome God whose powerful presence is etched on our minds and carried in our hearts!

EXPERIENCE THE POWER OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER AND ADORE HIM!

©2014 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.

About the Author... JANET BROWN

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About the Author...
JANET BROWN